–For Dad

By Marian Wattman, 1981

On Sunday
no place to hide from
church-friendly people
smiles, shaking hands
Sundays
were hardest
for quiet girls.
On Sunday
during cookies and punch
our Pastor had four feet,
four shoes trimmed his robe
(two shiny-polished black;
two size-three red canvas).
Sundays dark
cool-black silk
draped over tousled blonde hair,
breathe deep
the smell of new Bibles and
inside-purple box for communion
On Sunday
this hidden girl
holds tight round Father’s knees
and dances to song of his voice above

The Reverend Wayne Erick Wattman, our beloved father, friend, and minister, born July 11, 1927, in Superior, Wisconsin, left this life January 26, 2019, in Abbotsford, B.C. He was affectionately known as “Puck” as a child and by some, in later years, as “Wattie.” He is and will always be greatly missed for his compassionate care, gift of conversation, and delightful humor. Continue reading →

By Rev. Wayne E. Wattman, ca 1999

2 Corinthians 5:17… “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come.”

I remember my very first Vacation Bible School well. The place was the elementary schoolhouse in the little wee spot in the road called Bennett, WI, there because it was geographically in the very centre of the area pastoral charge to accommodate all the kids and besides it had a ball diamond. It was on this ball diamond that I slid into 2nd base and tore up my left knee pretty badly, courtesy of a rusty nail and I still hav the scar to show for it. It was also the time I memorized more Bible verses than anybody else in my class, 72 of them to be exact and I got some medal or pin, long gone; and 71 of those verses are long-gone, too, except one, 2 Cr. 5:17, a verse that has been like the scar with me ever since and like “our song” that lovers cron this verse has become a part of me, guiding and shaping my life for the past 60 years, “my verse” and I share it with you today. Continue reading →

The Reverend Wayne E. Wattman (1927-2019), resident of Abbotsford, B.C. since 1987, passed from this life early Saturday, January 26, 2019, at age 91.

Wayne was born in Superior, Wisconsin, and resided in Canada the past 45 years. He served communities as both minister and chaplain in the western United States and Canada for over 50 years. Known for his care and conversation, he will be deeply missed.

Wayne leaves behind his wife Diann and a blended family of six children, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

He will be buried in Portland, Oregon. A Celebration of Life will be held in Abbotsford at a future date. Details will be on the Woodlawn Funeral Home Web site.