Lance Watt

Lance Watt, a beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on September 22, 1941, in Penshurst, New South Wales, Australia (a suburb of Sydney), Lance developed an early appreciation for design, science, and mathematics. These interests would shape both his education and his life’s work, ultimately leading him to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering. A man of strong convictions, determination, and remarkable fortitude, Lance approached life with an analytical mind, a practical nature, and an unwavering commitment to the things he believed in. Above all, Lance was devoted to his wife of 56 years, Barbara (Goodman) Watt. Barbara was the great love of his life, and their marriage was the foundation of his world. The life they built together was a source of profound joy to Lance, and his love and devotion to Barbara remained central to who he was.

A Career Built on Ingenuity and Determination

Lance’s professional life reflected his natural aptitude for engineering, his intellectual curiosity, and his ability to solve complex problems. He began his career in aeronautics, working as an engineer designing and building airplanes and components for fighter aircraft. In his twenties, he immigrated to Canada, where he continued working in aeronautics, with the ultimate goal of moving to the United States to further his career. When repeated applications for a U.S. work visa proved unsuccessful, Lance took an unconventional approach. He wrote directly to the office of President. His persistence paid off: he received a response, his visa application was escalated, and it was quickly approved. He moved to San Diego and began his American career at General Dynamics. Over the years, his work expanded across aeronautics and mass transit, including monorails and buses. He took particular pride in his work that included improvement projects associated with monorail systems, the BART transit system in San Francisco and Bus design. Lance spent the final 20 years of his professional life as a forensic engineer. The work was exceptionally well suited to his talents, combining his engineering expertise with his investigative instincts, analytical thinking, and determination to uncover answers. It was a career he not only excelled in but genuinely loved.

Later years and retirement brought another opportunity to serve. Lance became certified as Fire Police and proudly volunteered with the Bird In Hand Fire Company in Lancaster County, PA. He enjoyed the fellow volunteer firefighters, working to help maintain the fire engines, and contributing his technical knowledge to the specifications for new fire equipment vehicle orders.

A Life of Passions, Projects, and Purpose

Lance had a special gift with animals and had a lifelong love of creatures of all kinds, particularly dogs. Together, he and Barbara raised Hungarian Vizslas and German Shorthaired Pointers for show, field work/hunting, and companionship. Their Brance Kountry Kennels became home to many champions, Best in Show winners, and Sweepstake titleholders. Their work with these dogs reflected a shared passion that brought them years of enjoyment and accomplishment. Lance’s interests extended well beyond engineering. He had a lifelong fascination with classic automobiles, NASCAR, and the mechanics that made machines perform. At one point, he even worked with a drag car racing team. He was happiest when he had something to design, build, repair, or improve. Among his many projects were building a drag car, converting a Ford Louisville truck into a motor home, and rebuilding a 351 Boss engine for a 1971 Ford Torino. He was a man who preferred to understand how things worked, figure out how they could work better, and then set about making it happen. Away from the workshop, Lance enjoyed classic country music and antiquing with Barbara. In retirement, they collected and sold Roseville Pottery, sharing yet another interest and pursuit together. Lance was also a proud naturalized American citizen. He loved America and deeply valued the life he had built as an American. He held strong political views and was never reluctant to express his opinions. Strong-willed and independent-minded, Lance stood firmly by his convictions and approached life with the same determination that had carried him through his career and personal endeavors. He valued substance over appearances. He kept his circle of close friends small, but those relationships were meaningful. To know Lance was to know a man who was not easily swayed, who met challenges head-on, and who took pride in his abilities, his accomplishments, and the life he had worked so hard to build. His legacy lives on in the engineering work he contributed to, the projects he brought to life, the dogs he and Barbara raised, the service he gave to his community.

Family and Remembrance

Lance was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara (Goodman) Watt; his son, James McKay; his brother, Denis Watt; his father, George Watt; and his mother, Florence (Mc Iver) Watt and aunt Daisy Mc Iver.

He is survived by his son, Michael McKay Watt; his son-in-law, Donald Vandover; his nephew, Andrew Watt; his niece, Vanesa Southon; and dear friends Jodi (Martin) Waltz-Nye, Joel Nye and Miriam Martin.

In keeping with Lance’s wishes, a small gathering of family and friends will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, Lance would have favored a donation in his name to Groffdale Mennonite Church, where he was deeply grateful to have been warmly welcomed following Barbara’s passing. The kindness and welcome he found there held special meaning for him. Lance and Barbara chose Groffdale Mennonite Church Cemetery as their final resting place, a fitting reflection of the life and love they shared.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Groffdale Mennonite Church Attn: Donation in Memory of Lance Watt 168 N. Groffdale Road Leola, PA 17540

The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is in charge of arrangements.