Kenneth Watson

1943 - 2025

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Ken B. Watson of Irvine, CA, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the age of 82 years.
Ken will be lovingly remembered by his children: Tara Bowers and son-in-law, Aaron and Rani Rommelfanger and son-in-law, Richard; his grandchildren: Adam, Sean, Cole, and Davis; his siblings: Wade, Todd, Roberta and Jill; as well as numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne.
Ken was born in Fargo, North Dakota to Wilfred and Inez Watson, and grew up on a farm near Fort Ransom, North Dakota. His family moved to Lisbon, North Dakota in 1954 and then Crookston, Minnesota in 1959, where he graduated High School in 1961. Ken received his Architecture degree from North Dakota State University. While at NDSU, he met Vonnie Wagner, and they wed two years later in 1966. Ken was also commissioned as an Air Force Officer in 1966 and they moved to New Mexico the following year. After serving in Vietnam, they lived in Florida. In 1972, Ken was hired as Fort Pierre's Community Development Director. A few years later, he took a position at Dana Larson Roubal and Associates Architecture Firm. Ken and his family made their home in Pierre, South Dakota, for more than 15 years prior to moving to Irvine, CA, in 1985 where he started Prima Partners and worked as a project manager.
Ken will be remembered for his love for family, his hard work, creativity, and sense of humor. Ken had a laugh that filled a room and he loved to make others laugh. He cared deeply for his family and friends and served them selflessly. For more than 10-years Ken lovingly cared for his wife until her passing in 2023. Three weeks before his death, Ken was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia just 48 hours prior to his passing.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00, on November 7, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4800 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92604. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Ken's name may be made to the Folds of Honor organization, a group that provides scholarships to families of America's fallen or disabled military and first responders. (foldsofhonor.org).