Long-time REALTOR® and former Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) President William David ‘Dave’ Watt passed away in October. He was 71. 

Dave was born in Picton, Ontario before moving to West Vancouver. He graduated from West Van High School and became passionate about golf, cars, and music. He worked in various careers before becoming a Realtor. In one of those careers, working at BC Tel, he met the love of his life, Barb.

After Dave was licensed in 1984, he and his brother Duncan began to run the family business, Watt Real Estate. Their grandfather founded the company in 1931. In 1995, Watt Real Estate became Royal LePage Real Estate Services and later became Royal LePage Sussex.

Dave worked as a residential Realtor on the North Shore for over 30 years, making fast friends of clients with his friendly, reassuring demeanour. At the same time, he earned the respect and admiration of his peers by working with his real estate colleagues collegially and professionally. 

Dave didn’t limit himself to selling homes, he also built them. In 2004, the City of North Vancouver honoured Dave and Barb with an award of merit for Best Architectural (Residential) Contribution to North Vancouver for a strata development. 

As REBGV’s president, he was the public spokesperson for the profession when the great recession hit. Significant fear and uncertainty surrounded the housing market and economy at that time. Speaking in the media and at a variety of public events, he used his abundant energy, deep knowledge and good humour to provide a calming public voice.

The profession mattered a great deal to Dave. On his own time, he’d present at Rotary Club meetings, in university classes at Capilano College, and at public seminars about the protections and guidance you receive when working with a Realtor. 

He retired from real estate in 2017. Even in his final days, he’d email his solutions to different issues and challenges facing real estate. Staff at REBGV deeply valued Dave’s thoughtful input.

Dave’s life was shortened by ALS, and his family is grateful for the support he received from the ALS Society of BC (ALSBC) and his home care team. In lieu of flowers, donations to ALSBC in Dave’s memory are appreciated. 

Dave will be greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Barb, their sons Mitchell (Mischa) and Taylor, grandsons Aiden and Jack, sister Margaret (Jim), brothers Robb (Alison) and Cam (Alison), aunt Barb, and several other in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends, colleagues, and associates. 

Dave’s Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 4, at The Pinnacle Hotel, 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver from 2-5 pm. You can also leave condolences for Dave’s family online.

At our Chair’s Recognition Dinner on November 4, REBGV recognized Dave’s contributions to the real estate profession with an honorary Professional Excellence Award. This award recognizes members whose careers bring honour to the profession by exemplifying professionalism, knowledge, leadership, community service, and mentorship over many years.

Dave’s brother Cam and sons Mitchell and Taylor were in attendance to accept the honour.

Watch our video below:

On behalf of everyone at REBGV, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Dave’s family and friends.