Donald Dean Watson, 93

Donald Dean Watson, 93, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 27, 2021.

Donald was born Jan. 30, 1928, in Gordon, Nebraska, to Ewart and Minnie Watson. After graduating from high school in Rushville, Nebraska, he enrolled at Chadron State College. His education was interrupted when he was drafted to serve as a radio operator in the Korean War. Don was proud to serve his country. He was a true patriot. After his service, Don returned to Nebraska to care for his mother, help on the family farm, and graduate from college.

Don completed medical school in Omaha, Nebraska. He practiced family medicine in Gordon, Nebraska. His first wife, Betty Turvey, died from lupus shortly after their marriage.

Don married Patricia Petrik in 1966 and moved to Denver. In 1967, their only child, Jennifer, was born.

Don was a gifted physician with a calming bedside manner. He practiced anesthesia at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, from 1973 until his retirement in 1994. Through the years, Don loved to spend time with family and friends at his cabin in Grand Lake, Colorado. Don also had an insatiable love of travel and a boundless curiosity about the world. He made friends wherever he went.

In 2000, Don and Pat moved to Kalispell to be closer to Jennifer. In 2008, their only grandchild, Audrey, was born. According to Audrey, Grandpa Don was “smart, funny and encouraging.” He was a wise, kind, generous and gentle soul.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, parents Ewart and Minnie Watson, sister Charlyn Snyder, brother Rollin Watson, and nephew Gene Snyder.

Don is survived by his daughter, Jennifer, and granddaughter, Audrey Koontz, of Kalispell, as well as many family members and friends whom he loved completely and unconditionally.

Thank you to the Home Hospice caregivers who supported and comforted Don and his family during his final months. A special expression of gratitude to Mike Graham and Charlie Johnson for their steadfast friendship in Don’s last years.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.