Douglas Rowland Watts

60, of Norfolk, formerly of Beverly and Cedar Rapids, IA, died suddenly while running on March 14, at his winter home in Sarasota, FL. Mr. Watts also resided summers in Bridgewater, NH. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be missed greatly by his wife of 38 years, Susan. He graduated from Trinity College, Hartford, CT in 1969, and earned an MBA from the University of CT in 1972. While at Trinity College, he started a water polo program and was captain of the swim team. He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1971-1977. Most recently, he served as Principal Emeritus of Financial Concepts, Inc. (FCI) of Natick, MA. Until October, 2006, and for 24 years, he was President and CEO of FCI, where he also worked as Vice President and Treasurer before becoming principal stockholder. Previous employment included Bank Equipment Sales at LeFebure Corp, Cedar Rapids and aeronautical engineering at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, E. Hartford, CT. He had previously served as a member of the board of directors of a number of local organizations. Throughout his career, he gained considerable experience working with banks on facilities-related matters. He was well respected as a successful and honorable business leader. Mr. Watts belonged to the Federated Church of Norfolk, the Metrowest YMCA (Natick), the Heritage Oaks Country Club (Sarasota), The Founders Club (Sarasota), and Delta Phi Fraternity. He served on the YMCA Board of Directors and, at the time of his death, was heading up a major fund-raising campaign. In addition to his community service, he was an accomplished athlete and a mentor to many. He completed 17 marathons and many triathlons, including completing an Ironman Triathlon; he sponsored the Newfound Ironkids, an annual triathlon at his summer home in NH; and started The Blackwater Swim Club to encourage friends and family to push themselves through athletic endeavors. He enjoyed golfing, cycling, swimming, windsurfing, running, sailing, skiing, hunting, reading, music, and entertaining. An avid fan of sports, he faithfully followed New England teams. His primary source of pleasure was spending time with his family and friends, for whom he often organized events to bring people together and to share his joy for living. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters Debbie (Brian) Povinelli of Ridgefield CT, Chrissie (Tim) Johnston of Boston, and Katie (Seth) Thomson of Boston. Additional survivors include his sister Nancy Jones of Milwaukee, five grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Tom and his parents. He will be remembered by many friends as someone who, with his wife, would generously open their home and invite others to share a meal and good times. He believed each day was "the best day of my life" and lived life to its fullest. A Memorial Service is planned for Monday, March 24 at 10 AM at the Original Congregational Church in Wrentham, MA. Donations may be made to the Metrowest YMCA Capital Building Campaign at 280 Connecticut Path, Framingham, MA 01701 or the Newfound Lake Region Association at 800 Lake Street, Bristol, NH 03222.