Thomas Richard Watson

He was the first to introduce me to the clarinet in 5th grade. He was kind, thoughtful and caring. He was my band instructor all through Jr and Sr High. He was a gifted music educator and I benefitted greatly in life because of him!

This is Tom Fleming, SHS 1966, cornet and French horn player in Tom's band. I just watched his funeral service on line and thank you for all the memories. Tom was my favorite teacher throughout those school days; he was an inspiration and blessing to us all! During the slide show at the beginning of the service I took 6 photos and wonder if I could have the family's permission to put them on the SHS facebook page for the years '65, '66 and '67? You can email me at the address I note below...

For those that may be interested- Tom and Helen Watson will be memorialized together on Saturday December 9th at the Sylvania United Church of Christ at 2:00 pm EST. Helen Marie Watson, Tom's wife of 69 years, passed away a mere 19 days after Tom on November 29th. I apologize for not posting this sooner.

I never knew him personally. Nor did I play in the band. But I grew up next-door to Northview´s hill. Every summer, day after day, the band would rehearse at the bottom of that hill by the 10 mile creek while he stood up on the hill directing them. And every day one of my neighbors, a 20 something man with an intellectual disability, would join him. My neighbor would pretend to direct the band, and Mr. Watson encouraged him. Gave him a purpose every day Mr. Watson did. It was quite beautiful....

Mr. Watson was my band director and my trombone instructor. He was a strong influence in my musical endeavors through school, and encouraged me to excel, even though I was not the best trombonist in the band. There must be hundreds of students with the same story as me. I was honored to be a part of his bands. He made Northview band members play well together as well as individuals, no matter how talented each of us were. What a legacy.

Tom Watson was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. At Sylvania High (1961-1963) I had the honor of serving as a percussionist in the marching band and concert band under his direction. We reunited in 2013 for my 50th high school reunion and I so very fortunate to be welcomd into his lovely wife, Martha. He touched so many lives and we were enriched for knowing him. RIP Tom

If anyone hears of a public celebration of Tom's life can you pls let me know. it is hard to grieve alone. class of 67 Bev Fleming Benner

Mr Watson and band was one of the best parts of Sylvania High School for me. He was ever so kind and made band fun. Even though he was a brass player, he took the time to learn the clarinet so he could help us. SHS class of 1967

Tom and I frequently shared a music stand in the Dodworth Saxhorn Band. His excellent playing ability never diminished with age, nor his enthusiasm to make good music! I will truly miss him.