Obituary: Watson, David H.
he died of complications from lung cancer, at age 82.
Dave was born May 15, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI, son of Russell Watson and Evelyn (Culver) Watson and little brother to Dorothy (Watson) Cockram (deceased).
He was raised in Manistique, MI and graduated from the University of Michigan where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
In 1950 he joined the Navy and served for two years aboard the USS Oriskany, before being honorably discharged with a service-connected disability.
He was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1954, and his career with them spanned 40 years in locations throughout the U.S. and Southeast Asia.
He met his wife of 49 years, Margaret, in Dallas.
As a business leader, Dave remained active as a long-time member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club, a board member of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce, and member of the SKAL Club for 50 years.
Dave will be missed for his lovable enthusiasm towards his family, close friends and neighbors; his unwavering loyalty and principled ways; his cornball humor and love of the good stories in every person he met; and his energetic drive in athletics.
He is survived by his wife Margaret (Weber) Watson, son Robert Watson of Silverdale, daughter Dorothy Watson, of Bellingham, daughter-in-law Yelena (Yefteyeva) Watson of Silverdale, grandsons Karl Watson, Russell Bower and Adrian Bower, granddaughter Liese Watson; nieces Betsy Anderson, Christina Swanson and Jennifer Weber; nephews David and Rusty Youngblood, Erik Swanson.
A memorial service celebrating Dave’s life will be held on January 12th at 3:15 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Spokane, W. 4340 Forth Wright Dr., the Rev.
Dr. Todd Eklof officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Spokane Veterans Home, 222 E. 5th Ave., 99202.