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REICH WATTERSON Obituary
Age 95, of North Canton, passed away Saturday evening. Dr. Watterson was born in Canton to the late Reich L. and Irene (Padgett) Watterson, Sr. He was a graduate of Canton McKinley High School, served in the United States Army during WWII and received his medical degree at Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland. He served his pediatric residency at what is now Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland. Dr. Watterson joined the Mercy Medical Staff in 1958. He has been a member of the Mercy Honorary Medical Staff since 1992. He was a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Mercy Medical Staff and as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Mercy Medical Center during his career. Dr. Watterson was past President and member of Stark County Medical Society. He was inducted into the Society of St. Luke, Mercy Medical Center's Physician Honor Society. Dr. Watterson also served on the board of the Canton Cemetery Association, past President and member of the Canton City Health Department for 17 years. He was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, Canton Masonic Lodge #60 F & AM, Brookside Country Club, Hall of Fame Luncheon Club, Canton McKinley Booster Club, Retired Executives and Professional Men's Club and Canton Rotary Club.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Watterson was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty in 1981 and his second wife, Virginia in 2011. He is survived by his children, Reich L. (Catherine Fiore) Watterson, III of Lexington, Massachusetts, Scott (Kathleen) Watterson of Canton, Craig (Catherine) Watterson of Westerville, Ohio, Joan Diehl of Bakersfield, Calif., and Gail (Terry) Moore of North Canton; grandchildren, Michael Watterson, Amelia Watterson, Ann (Jason) Davis, Brian (Alexandra Hays) Watterson, Russell Watterson, Christina Watterson, Matthew Watterson, Jonathan Diehl, Elizabeth Diehl, Erin (Timothy) Shea, Abigail (Brian) Allerding, Christopher Moore; great grandchildren, Kelly, Cameron, Peyton, Grady, Charlotte and Betty; brother, Terry (Sue) Watterson; niece, Patricia (John) Roberson; step-children, Robert (Nita) Bernhardt, Douglas (Sandy) Bernhardt and William (Mary) Bernhardt.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Christ Presbyterian Church with Rev. David deVries officiating. A private interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Wednesday in the Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home 4817 Cleveland Ave. N.W. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Camp Wakonda Campership Fund 530 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, Ohio 44702. Please sign the guest book at: shriverfuneralhomes.com
Shriver Funeral Homes & Cremation Service
330-455-0349
Shriverfuneralhomes.com
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Memories and Condolences
for REICH WATTERSON
James Johnson
July 17, 2018
I was watching an old movie and something made me think of Dr. Watterson. He was my doctor when I was little. I will never forget the house calls. God bless.
Angela Covert
June 24, 2018
Dr Watterson was my doctor when I was little. What a gentle kind man he was. Thats how I remember him.
Julie Johnson
January 12, 2018
dr. waterson was inmy family for yrs. i cant believe he is gone RIP my friend whotook careof me any brothers and sister
Rebecca Nicola
January 12, 2018
I chose Dr. Watterson to be our pediatrician before my three children were born. I was a student nurse and watched his interactions with the children and their parents. He remained our pediatrician till children were grown. He was the best in my opinion.
My sympathy to his family and friends.
Rebecca Nicola
Laura R.
January 11, 2018
Dr. Watterson was our pediatrician and also recommended that my infant nephew be tested for Cystic Fibrosis, which came back positive. Other physicians missed that call. He was very good with the kids. We sure could use a few more like him. He has earned this rest. God Bless.
Liz Dragar
January 11, 2018
Prayers for peace. Loved Dr. Watterson, my childhood physician.
January 11, 2018
Dr. Watterson was my pediatrician for several years. I can remember how kind he always was to me. He always made me feel at ease in his care. I can still envision those Norman Rockwell paintings hanging, on the walls of his rooms. May he rest in peace.
Christy Johnson
January 11, 2018
Condolences from the Johnson family, Rose, Yolande, Randy and Christy
Christy Johnson
January 11, 2018
I loved Dr Watterson, he was my Pediatrician when I was little. I remember one time I needed to get a shot, and I was a big chicken of needles ( I still am) but anyway he came in the room and his mistake was letting me see the giant needle , that was all it took, he had to chase me down, and he was not happy about it LOL I told him sorry but you should not have let me see the needle because now you will have to catch me. Well of course he finally did and I screamed bloody murder!
My condolence to his family. May he RIP
Donald L. Keith, CPA
January 10, 2018
Canton lost a pillar in the community. Dr. Watterson was a dedicated physician, family and community member with fond memories that he loved to share. My deepest sympathy to the family. May your fond memories of the past provide comfort today.
Barbara Saunier
January 10, 2018
Dr. Watterson was my children's pediatrician. He was a great physician as well as a vey caring doctor. We have lost a great doctor.
Tim Kingsbury, Joe Cusma and The Employees of Fulton Drugs
January 10, 2018
All of us here at Fulton Drugs are so sorry about Dr. Watterson. He was such a pleasure to wait on at the drive through window. You have our sympathy and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We know he will be missed.
The Harhager Family
January 10, 2018
Please accept our condolences. Rich would take our mother, Helen, to lunch every 2nd Tuesday of the month & she truly enjoyed his company.
January 10, 2018
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Loyce Gozdan
January 10, 2018
As a new young mother back in 1972, a tall slender gentleman walked into my room at Mercy and after talking for a few minutes I knew I had made the right choice for my daughters pediatrician. Over the years and another daughter, I grew to trust and respect this wonderful, intelligent man even more. To his family I offer my deepest condolences. RIP Dr. Watterson.
Loyce Gozdan
Kathy Quinn Findley
January 9, 2018
Dear Family, Please accept my most sincere sympathy for your loss of Reich. He was a terrific McKinley fan and a friend. Sincerely, John B. Quinn (founder of the McKinley Athletic Assoc. )
January 9, 2018
Dr Watterson took care of my daughter from birth to 18 years old. He was a wonderful doctor and always had time to listen to a young mother's worries. I would tease him about his big feet. He always took my tease with good humor. I admired this man for his knowledge, gentle manner and kindness.
Sherill Williams
January 9, 2018
Best Dr.a child could've had as a friend and caregiver, I remember moving back to Ohio with my 18month old child and the first Pediatric name suggested Dr Watterson I also had the pleasure of returning care to Doc when he was in medical rehab a few yrs.ago.Rest in Heaven "Doc Smiles"
Julie Gonzalez
January 9, 2018
Gail and family, so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful and caring individual with a big heart for children. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Randy and Julie (Fetzer) Gonzalez
Freddie & Becky Bors
January 9, 2018
Sending Peace, Light and Love your way. May his light forever shine in your hearts.
C. Stubbs
January 9, 2018
Best physician I ever had in my life. He was always kind, thorough and had a welcoming smile. He was one of a kind. RIP Dr. Watterson.
Johnna and Fred Bruder
January 9, 2018
He was my kids go to doctor when they were born. He was old fashioned In his ways. And that made him a great doctor. I remember him saying at 2month old get a shot glass and a bowl and spoon and feed the babies. And let them take drink from shoot glass. My kids were feeding themselves by 6 months. And famous words best cough medicine was water. Cough give them water another cough water. Your family is in our prayers. Thank you for all you did for my babies...
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Arnold & Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home4817 Cleveland Ave., NW, Canton, OH 44709
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