Petersburg Pilot -

Ronald Divers Watson, 80 of Manson Washington died November 23rd after a year of poor health.

Ron started life in Everett, Washington. In his youth, he delivered papers for the Seatle Post Intelligencer. During His spare time, he learned to swim in the Everett dock area and also became an excellent young baseball player.

Ron served in the United States Air force in Europe. Upon his discharge, Ron, with his brother Richard, went to work for Scott Paper Company on tugboats. Later, he worked in various fisheries on the West Coast. He and his brother ventured into fishing for salmon in Alaska. Ron owned several boats over time...The Kabitzer, Western Sea, Matt –Michelle and the "Caron"

Having started a family, it was decided to spend more time at home, so Ron operated an Apple Orchard north of Brewster, Washington for several years.

In the early nineties, Ron returned to commercial fishing in Alaska with partner Carol Smith. Tuffy the dog was on deck Duty.

Ron with Tuffy

Over the years, Ron, on separate occasions, rescued two men from drowning and survived falling overboard twice!

For a short time, he and his sister, Shirley, owned a castle in Scotland! Due the enormous taxes assessed on the property, they relinquished their interest in it.

Many friends and acquaintances were formed over his life.

He appreciated the willingness of the fishing community to give a helping hand when needed.

Ron greatly missed his daily coffee get tog ethers with his friends in Petersburg.

Ron is survived by his son Matthew Watson of Glendale, Arizona, and a niece, Donna Lee, and a nephew, Loren Caston. He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Caston, brother, Richard Watson and a daughter Michelle.