Donald Bradley Watson unexpectedly FLEW WEST June 10, 2015. He was born July 17, 1932 in Stewart, British Columbia, Canada to James Bradley and Helen Gertrude (Crawford). His family soon moved to a little mining camp in the B.C. interior, then to Vancouver, and finally to Newfoundland, where he attended a private boarding school in St. John’s and became an outstanding athlete, competing in soccer, hockey, basketball, and ski racing. After high school he attended Memorial University for one year before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force, trained as a pilot, and flew in the Transport Squadron and Korean Airlift for six years, including service in Korea and Germany. During that time, he also served as a flight instructor.
After his time in the military, Don became a DC6 pilot for Canadian Pacific Airlines and then flew for Pacific Western Airlines in the Arctic. He returned to Canadian Pacific Airlines before becoming a helicopter pilot for Okanogan Helicopters for four years.
Don married Lois Olson in 1955. The couple moved to the U.S. in 1966, raised three children and later divorced. He became a 727 and DC10 pilot for United Airlines before retiring as a captain in July of 1992.
On August 8, 1992 Don married the love of his life, Deborah R. Giles. In September 1992, they started building their dream home together in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Don was a hard-worker all of his life and retirement allowed him to live out his dreams of boating, riding his Harley Davidson, swimming, playing tennis, croquet and snooker. He loved to ski, especially at Whistler and Crystal Mountain. He also loved to play golf, and was a past chairman of Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club in Federal Way, Washington. He volunteered as Project Coordinator for creation of the Whale Park in Boothbay Harbor. He enjoyed woodworking and was known to volunteer his services to local contractors. Friends and family will miss playing croquet with him. Most of all, he loved his dog Pilot and spending time joking with friends and family.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Lois and brother in law, Irv Bailey. He is survived by: his wife Debbie Watson of Boothbay Harbor, ME; sons Brad (Kathy) Watson of Whidbey Island, WA and Scott Watson of Seattle, WA; daughter Kelly (Mark) Stalwick of Fall City, WA; brother Garry (Anne) Watson of Whistler, B.C.; sister Holly Bailey of Vernon B.C.; grandchildren Christopher (Judy) Watson of Maryland, Stacey (Mykel) Morrison of Snoqualmie, WA; T.J. (Olga) Watson of Eagle Pass, TX, Colin Watson of Federal Way, WA, and Jason (Kelli Blankenship) Watson of Whidbey Island, WA; great-grandchildren Jack Watson of Maryland, Lincoln Watson of Maryland, Camila Watson of Eagle Pass, TX, and James Watson of Maryland; plus numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
As per Don’s request no services will be held. He would like to be remembered as you gather with family and friends in the coming months. There will be a private scattering of the ashes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., 2600 Network Blvd, Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034 (www.nationalbreastcancer.org) or to a favorite charity of your choice.
Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Don, or to share a story or pictures, please visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.