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Arthur C. McWatt

About

University of Minnesota

Arthur McWatt Obituary

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, March 10th, 1926. Passed away peacefully on April 3rd, 2012. He lived his life with honor and integrity. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Education and a Masters Degree in History at the University of Minnesota. He retired from 33 years of teaching history in the St. Paul Public Schools. "Chan" as his close friends called him, put great effort and energy into ending discrimination. He served on the Catholic Inter-Racial Committee, St. Paul Human Rights Commission and the St. Paul NAACP. He has written an award-winning book about the Civil Rights struggle in Minnesota "Crusaders for Justice" and published various essays, short stories and periodicals. He was husband to the late Kathleen McWatt. He is survived by children, Timothy, Stacy, Christopher and Lynn McWatt; grandchildren, Danae, and Austin McWatt and Cole, Reid, and Croix Callahan and Cade McWatt. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the Summit-University community. The Visitation (10-11am) and funeral service (11am-12:00 noon) will be held at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church at 1060 West Central Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota on Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

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Published by Pioneer Press on Apr. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur McWatt

20 Entries

Rylee Root

January 14, 2025

Mr. McWatt was an amazing teacher. Numerous things stand out about him. I took his ninth grade Social Studies class.

One thing that amazed me was on the first day of class he mentioned an extra credit assignment. If you were to get in a guest speaker, he would give you an A as extra credit. I was able to get Dan Saint Paul Mayor George Latimer to come on to speak. Little did I know that I was to introduce the mayor. I was nervous.

On a few occasions, I was able to meet his wonderful wife, Katie (?) and you could sense how amazing she was too.

As much as I enjoyed the last two years of high school in southern Minnesota, I wished that I was able to stay in Saint Paul and have Mr. McWatt in my life for four years.

I know this happened 13 years ago. Just found the obituary. My condolences to everyone impacted by this great man and his great wife.

Patty Gronewold Mikres

February 19, 2021

I think of Mr McWatt so often. He was my teacher at Marshall Jr High 7th grade 1955. He was such a good influence on me as a very young teen. He was funny and nice and made all his students feel special!
I´m sorry I didn´t look him up 9 years ago I would have went to his funeral to meet his family!

Gigi Goodman

December 29, 2020

Mr. McWatt was my inspiration, my mentor and my guiding star. He never knew it. During the 1970 Winter term at Macalester College he was my student teaching supervisor. Johnson High School. 12th grade Social Sciences. My project was to conduct a moot court on the "no knock law". My students found it unconstitutional. 1970. I left Minnesota shortly after graduation, but I never forgot Mr. McWatt. I returned last year-50 years later, shortly before the Covid pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. And right about the time of Brianna Taylor's murder. While unpacking, I found the reference he had typed for me in 1970. I tried to find him; that is when I learned not only of his passing, but of his incredible contributions. I immediately ordered his book but it was no substitute for my great disappointment that I would not be able to see him again. To his family and friends, despite the passage of time, I offer my condolences. And despite the restrictions of Covid-19 I offer whatever I can to be of use to further the cause of racial justice.

Jennifer Peterson

April 13, 2012

Mr.McWatt was an awesome teacher. I had him for homeroom & history. He always made me laugh!!! I will always remember the head bone of an animal that he would make us carry in place of a hall pass. He put his heart & soul into teaching.... He will be remembered & missed by many.....

Judith Burt

April 12, 2012

I must also add my condolences to the family and pass on what a wonderful teacher he was. I had him 2 years at Johnson High School for Russian and Chinese Studies. He challenged his students and I looked forward to his class everyday. He was awesome.
Judy Burt (Splinter) JHS 79

JoAnn Glowartz

April 12, 2012

Mr McWatt was the greatest teacher. He will always be loved by his students of St Paul Johnson Sr.High School. He believed in all of us and never gave up when we struggled. Thank you Mr McWatt for everything you did for all of your students. Class of 92'

Tom Ruka

April 12, 2012

He will be forever in my memories for his gracious teaching, he made it more interesting and it was a honor to be in his history class at St.Paul Johnson Sr. High. My thoughts and prayers to the family. He lived a good life!

Jeffrey and Janie Westbrook

April 10, 2012

Tim and family, our prayers are with you, may the Lord comfort you during this time and may you all treasure the fond memories of your father.

Pat Kotval-Goranson

April 10, 2012

Tim, it's been many years since we have connected or seen each other but I remember with fond memories your parents. My prayers are with you and your family.

Leola Daniels

April 10, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of the lost of this great man. My daugters and I lived across the street from he and Mrs. McWatt and they were the best 8 years I had in Minnesota. I specifically purchased my home directly across the street from them due to their awesome influence and love of the community. My deepest condolences to the Mc. Watt family and the entire community of the Twin Cities!

Sally Combs

April 10, 2012

For many years, Tim has shared his pride and love for his parents with those of us who work with him--their activism, his father's books, the great connection they had. I grew to share that pride, so much so that I feel the pain of his father's loss so suddenly. The family he leaves behind is truly his memorial. My condolences and best wishes to all of them.

Marc Orloff

April 10, 2012

Tim and family, I have had the honor of sitting next to Tim at FFIC for some time. I have heard much about his family...but especially the pride he had for both his father and mother. I can remember fondly when he told me when his father had finished his book. Tim, you and your family are in my prayers. My condolences.

Tammy Elzy

April 9, 2012

Mr. McWatt was my favorite teacher. I have never forgotten his kindness and sense of humor. He made a difference in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.....Tammy Jones (class of 1987)

Vicki Schossow-Linnell

April 9, 2012

Mr McWatt was a teacher who taught his students about all the peoples of the world and that everyone makes valuable contributions. A man way ahead of his time for the 70's. He was nice to his students and a very nice man altogether. Rest in peace and thanks for being a great teacher to many, many students! Johnson"77"

April 9, 2012

Mr. McWatt was my favorite and greatest teacher at Johnson High School from 1984-1988. He taught Civics and World History at the time. He will be missed by all of us whose lives have been touched by his teaching, mentoring and influence. My deepest sympathy to the McWatt family during this difficult time.

Chao Lee

Sharon Crist

April 9, 2012

Sympathies to the family of one of the greatest men I have had the previledge of knowing. Mr. McWatt (or Mr. Watt-Mc as I liked to call him) was that 'special' teacher we all have. Whenever someone asks about a teacher that had an impact on my life, he is the one that comes to mind. Thank you for sharing your father/grandfather with us! God's Blessings to you all. Johnson High School Class of 1970!

April 9, 2012

I had Mr. McWatt as a teacher at Marshall Jr. High for 7th grade. One of my children had him at Johnson Sr. High many years later, I am now 63 years old and have always considered him my favorite teacher. Maybe it was because I felt like teacher's pet. Looking back now I believe he made all of his students feel special because he was that good and nice of a teacher. My condolences to the family.

Marilyn (Pearce) Tacheny

April 8, 2012

Was a great teacher, had him for Senior Social 1970 at Johnson Sr High.
Judy John Leverty

Kathy Harrington Jackson

April 8, 2012

Mr. McWatt was my teacher at Marshall Junior High School. He was the best and my most favorite teacher ever. Always wanted to see him again and tell him that. Sorry I didn't.

Rich Upton

April 8, 2012

God Bless the wonderful McWatt family.I grew up in the same neighborhood and make no mistake about it - color or race made no difference to the McWatts. We were all a part of the human race. I remember working at James 66 on Selby when Mr.McWatt brought in his freshly painted Jag XKE. I opened the door for him to get out but I opened it too far and it marred the paint on the fender. I waited for the wrath of God but Mr.McWatt said "don't worry son, I will take it back and get it fixed". I wish I had parents like the McWatts.

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