David Burke Watson

A lifelong resident of the Wenatchee Valley, David "Dave" Burke Watson died peacefully, July 22, 2017 with his granddaughters by his side. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday among family and friends. He was in disbelief that he would ever live that long, and live he did. Dave was born to Thomas and Laura Watson in Malaga, WA, May 29, 1927. He attended Wenatchee High School where he met the love of his life, Helen Juanita "Nita" Holland, at a grange hall dance. They graduated from high school in 1947 and married two years later January 23, 1949, at the Church of the Brethren in Sunnyslope. They had four beautiful children; Bill, Sue, Bob and John. Dave worked very hard (often at two jobs) to support his family, and to create a welcoming home for his wife and children. His home was always open for many of the neighbors and friends to hang out. He worked at the dairy on Orondo Street, of which he mused to his grandkids that chocolate ice cream was made of "floor sweepings". Dave began working at Alcoa in the early 1950's, and retired in 1989. After retiring, Dave spent much of his time travelling. He and Nita took their grandchildren on many adventures, and even had them tag along on their campouts with the River City Sam's. Dave was an avid hunter, and expert at backing in his 5th wheel. His favorite stories to tell were those of his travels to Alaska where his son Bob and daughter-in-law Dottie lived. When Dave wasn't travelling, he was doing many crafty things in his shop- such as building a dollhouse for his granddaughters, chairs for his wife's extensive teddy bear collection and making airplanes out of beer and pop cans. He had quite the green thumb, maintaining a golf course-like lawn, as well as the most stunning rose garden in the whole neighborhood. Dave was not the most talkative man; he had a quiet and steady nature. He was very kind and loving to everyone who knew him. Even at 90 years old, Dave had quite the sense of humor and often had a smirk upon his face. The family would like to thank Miss Tracy Simon for helping to care for Dave at his home and allowing him to stay there as long as he did. We would also like to thank Rhonda Bellinger and the staff at Blossom Creek for so tenderly caring for Dave in the last year of his life. You are all appreciated more than words can say. He is survived by his son, Bill Watson, Palm Springs, CA; daughter, Sue Watson, Port Orchard, WA; daughter-in-law, Dottie Watson, Maple Valley, WA, sister and Brother-in-law Boletta and Walt Watkins, Fall City, WA and three grandchildren; David Van Landingham, Wenatchee; Loree Leavitt, Spokane; and Lisa Griffith, East Wenatchee. He was preceded in death by his wife Nita; his parents, Thomas and Laura; two brothers, Allen and William; and his two sons, Bob Watson and John Watson. A Celebration Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 at Heritage Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 19 Rock Island Rd East Wenatchee, WA 98802. Cards can be sent to the Watson Family c/o Heritage Memorial Chapel. Memorials in Dave's name can be made to: Bob Watson Memorial Fund, Community Foundation of North Central Washington (Make checks payable to CFNCW), 9 S. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

David Burke Watson

May 29, 1927 - July 22, 2017