Obituary: Watson, Bill R.
Age 77
WATSON,
Bill R.
(Age 77)
Bill passed away on February 22, 2016 in Spokane.
He was born in Spokane on October 11, 1938 to Cecil Watson and Marie (Evans) Watson.
Bill lived his entire life in Spokane, serving the community as a teacher and as a musician, while also serving in the military for 24 years.
Bill learned to play the drums at the early age of 10, where he excelled and ended up making it his life’s ambition and career.
After graduating from North Central High School in 1957, Bill played in bands around the NW and later attended college at Eastern Washington State College where he earned his degree in Education in 1965.
His music legacy can be found compliments of MLLP at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRoRi18DcAM
He served in the U.S. Army after high school and later joined the Washington Air National Guard in 1974, where he retired as a Master Sergeant.
He was a proud member of the 560th AMFB Band giving him the opportunity to serve his country while performing as music ambassadors for the U.S. Armed Forces.
In addition to traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada, he performed with the band all over the world.
Bill became an elementary school teacher, first with Mead School District and then with Spokane District #81 where he taught 5th grade at Hutton Elementary for 28 years.
He loved teaching American History where he combined math and art with the curriculum to engage the students.
He was also passionate about the after school sports where he taught young kids the basics of fair play, sportsmanship and teamwork.
Whether it was basketball or football, he was most proud of the fact that, win or lose, every kid got to play…they usually won!!
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After retiring, he continued to coach youth basketball with the YMCA, again, teaching with passion.
Bill also loved to go boating with his kids and grandkids, salmon fishing with his brother and dad, and found pleasure in creating woodcrafts for friends and family.
Bottom Line is that Bill was a giver of his time and talents as an entertainer and educator and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Marie Watson, grandson Cody Watson and Jazz, the Blue “Healer.”
He is survived by his children Troy Watson (Tarina) and Todd Watson (Renee); his brother Kelly Watson (Janet); sister Linda Hall (Ed); grandsons: Derek (Maggie), Andrew and Spencer Watson; great-grandsons: Maddox and Hayden Watson; and numerous other relatives and too many friends to mention.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Musicians Legacy and Legends Project c/o 5006 W. Houston, Spokane, WA 99208.
A Memorial Service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 at 1pm.