EDWARD EVERETT "EDD" WATSON III

1942 - 2011

On Sunday, April 3, 2011, Edd lost his 15 month battle with lung cancer at his home in Rockport, WA. His wife and son were at his side.

Edd was born February 28, 1942 to Ruth G. (Pickel) and Edward E. Watson, Jr. in Lynn, MA, where he spent his early childhood.

He moved to Baltimore, MD as a teen to live with his father and beloved step-mother, Edna (Benfield) Watson until joining the U.S. Air Force at age 17. He served his enlistment stationed at Paine Field, Everett, WA. After his discharge he returned to Baltimore until his love of the Northwest drew him back to Washington in the early 1970's.

He was married to his wife, Kathryn (Kathy) Mae Swigart on Oct. 4, 1980 in Sunnyside, WA. They were blessed with their son, Cody Justin Watson in 1983.

Edd found his dream location at Rockport, WA where they have resided for the past 20 years.

Big Edd retired from Boeing in 2003 after 25 years of service. He was known for his strong work ethic and enjoyed the challenge of each new assignment in the variety of work that he did.

Edd was preceded in death by his mother, father and step-mother; also his sister, Marcia-Ann (Watson) Lothrop, and nephew, Keith Lothrop.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Cody Watson & future daughter-in-law, Shannon Claybo of Concrete, WA; nieces Susan Ramsey of Lake Stevens, WA; Kathy Nelson of Lynnwood, WA; Janet Laderbush of Manchester, NH and Karen Chipman of Lynn, MA; and many great-nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life Open House held at the CCD Center (across from St. Catherine's Catholic Church) at 45603 Limestone St., Concrete, WA on April 23, 2011 from 1 PM to 4 PM.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Northwest or Skagit Valley Cancer Care Center.