Dear editor: Dr. Harry Watts was indeed one of the finest people you could have met. As the medical director, and later as chief executive officer, he did a great job in running the hospital efficiently.
He knew how to overcome obstacles, whether it was obtaining medical equipment, recruiting medical staff or problem solving in everyday running of the hospital. He did it all with a smiling face and he would go that extra distance to keep everyone happy.
Today is the 35th anniversary of my first day practicing in Corner Brook. My coming here in 1983 is largely because of Harry. It was due to Harry’s efforts that we were able to acquire new microscopes and other equipment previously unavailable in Corner Brook. It was a key part in my decision to stay in Corner Brook.
He was indeed responsible for many of the physicians taking up positions in Corner Brook at that time and he went out of his way to do whatever that was necessary to retain them.
This was not an easy task but he was extremely good at it.
Harry was very approachable and would always make time to meet up with anyone who wanted to see him with a problem. This is indeed an admirable virtue for a chief executive officer.
After his stint as an administrator he went onto serve as a family physician, which he did admirably well. He was loved by all his patients, and the people of Cow Head were fortunate to have his dedicated services.
He, in turn, loved serving the people here and it’s not surprising he changed his mind numerous times with regard to retirement.
He will be sadly missed by everybody who had the good fortune of knowing him.
Dr. Joe Wijay, Corner Brook
