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Bruce Watson Obituary
Age: 89 • North Ft. Myers, FL
Bruce George Watson (89) of North Fort Myers Florida passed away on March 8, 2017 in Tega Cay, South Carolina.
Bruce was born on April 26, 1927 in Stoughton, Wisconsin, to George Ralph and Beulah Mabel Parish Watson. He grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and was active in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a track star in High School, winning a state championship in high hurdles and continued to compete in college. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Soil Science. Bruce served in the Navy during World War II.
He worked for the US Soil Conservation Service for many years, retiring early to a perfect summer home on Lake Champlain, Vermont and spending winters at Six Lakes Park in North Fort Myers. There, Bruce and Burnette were well known for their involvement in the tennis club, winning many tournaments and playing into their 80's. Bruce taught tennis and enjoyed introducing new students to the game he loved. Recently, Bruce and Burnette received a Meritorious Service Award in recognition of their many contributions to the betterment of Six Lakes Country Club. Summers in Vermont were spent entertaining children and grandchildren and teaching them how to sail, fish, and play croquet, ping-pong and card games.
He is survived by his children, Karen Madsen (Utah), Kay Watson (Spain), David Watson (Tennessee) and Kristi Phillips (South Carolina), eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and his sister, Barbara Paris (Wisconsin). He was preceded in death by his loving wife Burnette Watson.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Vermont and Six Lakes friends who cared for and loved Bruce in his final years. Memorial donations may be made to the Vermont Land Trust (https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/VLTDonate) or Six Lakes Park Memorial Garden (239-995-0595).
A funeral and burial service will take place in South Hero, Vermont this spring. Minor Funeral Home of Milton Vermont will arrange the funeral.
Online condolences may be made at www.mi norfh.com
Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Watson
Sponsored by Minor Funeral and Cremation Center.
2 Entries
Wilfred Sheehan
May 23, 2017
My father Wilfred Sheehan worked with Bruce for many years in Vermont for the Soil Conservation Service. He remembers Bruce fondly and loved his job there. Will and his daughters send their condolences to Bruce's children, grandchildren and entire family. We are so sorry for your loss. Will would dearly love to attend the service but at 92 is unable to make the trip from Brattleoro Holton Home.
Mark Bushey
March 19, 2017
Bruce:
You and your wife Bernie will always have a special place in my heart. I will remember the tennis matches and how you helped me so much in improving my game. I remember being your partner in a golf match against my dad and one of our mutual friends. I wasn't much help as your partner but you never once put me or my game down - always so gracious. Oh, and we can't forget the venture on your hobby cat boat. You were a master in maneuvering that boat around lake Champlain. You are now united in heaven with your wife Bernie who was also your very best friend. Rest in peace my friend, I will never forget you.
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