Obituary
Donald “Dale” Watson began life on March 13, 1940, at the family home in Colstrip, Montana; his proud parents were Lyndon (Bud) and Ruth Kimball Watson. His 2 sisters, Lavina and Beth, and brother, Lee, completed the family. He grew up near Forsyth, attending Hammond Valley School and graduating from Forsyth High School. Some of his happiest times were spent “Out North” at his grandparents’ ranch. Some of his happiest times were running farm equipment, riding horses and playing with his siblings and lots of cousins. He loved playing football in high school then in his 4 years at Northern Montana College. After serving in the US Army, he began following the family tradition of ranching. A childhood dream was fulfilled when he later was able to purchase his grandparents’ ranch. Along the way he met and married Rita Rowe and they shared 54 amazing years of life together. He was ready to be a daddy so when Grant then Donita came along, he was thrilled; he loved every minute with them. Life led him back to NMC where he received a Bachelors and Masters degree and began over 30 years teaching at Deer Lodge and FHS. He enjoyed teaching, especially Driver Ed; his students knew when they had made a mistake when he uttered “Mercy, Mercy” and sometimes there was even a third “Mercy.” He still has and was recently wearing a cap that his students gave him, which said “Mercy, Mercy.” He balanced teaching, ranching and
his family; he was a very hard worker. In his spare time he was a 4-H leader, bowler, coached football, and sang at various events around town; he had a beautiful singing voice. His love of football was completed with Grant playing for FHS, and the several years later traveling to all of his grandson’s football games plus many of their basketball games. Those grandsons (Kyle, Casey, and Hunter) were his pride and joy. After he retired from teaching, he and Rita moved to Belt, where he began a new life style. They bought a small place there, and he busied himself doing what he loved—caring for the land and horses. He, Rita, Jim and Donita were able to visit Rome and Venice, Amsterdam, and Cologne, Germany; a truly memorable trip. They enjoyed had many visits to Alaska. They looked forward to boating, fishing, 4 wheeling and panning for gold with Grant, Lana and boys. Dale loved the Lord and was active in his church. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and his brother Lee. He will be missed by Rita; Grant and Lana Watson; Donita and Jim Madigan; sisters Lavina (John) Lubinus; Beth (Forrest) Rossman; Kyle, Casey, Hunter, Cody, and Brandon; Judy Rowe; Josh (Seve)Poppe; Nicky (Troy) Frank, and many nieces and nephews. Until the very end, Dale was busy doing what he loved. His was truly a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to
The Emile and Helen Perey Scholarship Fund C/O Terri Brown
PO Box 228
Forsyth MT 59327
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