ISLAND artist, John Bernard Watson, a retired chartered surveyor and property developer, has died at the age of 99.

Mr Watson moved to Ryde in 1985, with his second wife, Pamela.

He became a local artist, painting Island scenes and yachts in oil.

His proudest achievement was seeing his painting of the Queen Mother laying in state, in Black Rod's office at the House of Lords.

He joined the Territorial Army before the Second World War, and served until the end of the war.

Mr Watson married his first wife in 1946 and had three children, before remarrying in 1963.

He became the chairman of a Yorkshire chartered surveyors in 1964, and became a property developer in 1969.

Mr Watson took up painting as a hobby in retirement, and was a student of the late English artist, Robert Lenkiewicz.

He saw success with a limited edition print of Ryde Harbour, a portrait of Jonny Wilkinson at the Rugby Union World Cup, and several sailing commissions.

Mr Watson died at Orchard House Care Home, Newport.

He leaves his wife, Pamela, three children of his first marriage, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place at the IW Crematorium at 1.30pm on Monday (July 22).

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