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William Watson Obituary
A funeral liturgy is 2 p.m. Tuesday at Holy Sprit Catholic Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
William G. Watson was born to Anna and Charles Watson in Great Falls, on March 21, 1932. Bill graduated from Great Falls High School in 1950. He attended Ventura Junior College for one year, and then went to San Jose State for one year before being drafted into the U. S. Army. He served in the Korean conflict in 1952-54. He returned to Great Falls and attended the College of Great Falls and graduated in 1955 with a business degree. That same year, he and his brother Bob started running the City Bar, which had been built in 1939 by his parents. The two of them took pride in the bar and created one of the best bars in town. Bill and his brother Bob and two other partners built the Triple Crown Motor Inn in 1978. They sold it in August of 1999. As a bar owner, he was one of the founders of the Cascade County Tavern Association and was a very active member. In 2001, he was honored by his fellow association members as an innovator in the bar business. In 2001, he sold the bar to his son, Brad, due to his suffering a stroke in 1999.
Bill loved to hunt and fish all of his life. It didn't matter what time of day or night it was, if there was a fish to be caught or a hunting trip to go on, he would be there. There are a lot of stories that are still untold. He loved his cabin on the Smith River and passed the love of both sports onto his sons and grandchildren.
Another favorite past time was horse racing. He was a big sponsor of the races and made efforts to keep the sport alive in Great Falls. He also passed his wonderful handicapping skills onto his kids and grandkids. There was never a day that he didn't break even (or so he said), and he always came away with a smile.
Bill was a very generous person and would help anyone that was down on their luck without question. Dad, thanks for looking after us and all of our friends, you always had a way to help us or set us straight.
Bill Watson married Shirley Moody on July 7, 1956. They had 4 children, Pam (Mike) Oien, Brad (Barb) Watson, Jill (Bryan) Dobson, and Scott (Marcie) Watson; and nine grandchildren, Ben and Val Oien, Tanner and Paige Watson, Cody, Chad and Casey Dobson, and Hayleigh and Tristan Watson. He is also survived by a niece, Karen, and three nephews, Robert, Dan and Brian.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Robert Watson.
To our Mom and (Grandma Shirley) you are a trooper and an angel. Thanks for taking care of Grandpa and making life better for him so we could cherish these last 13 years with him. A special thanks to Hal Snippen and Ken Leland for always being there for Dad. We would also like to thank the staff of Park Place Health Care Center for taking care of Dad. We will miss you, Dad and Grandpa.
Donations can be sent to Special Olympics Montana, 3117 5th Ave. No., Great Falls, MT 59401, or Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St. So., Great Falls, MT 59405.
Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Watson
Rachel Prince
March 15, 2012
Dearest Shirley and Family, I have many fond memories of you and Bill growing up in Great Falls. You and Bill were held in great esteem and love by my Mom and Dad, Gene and Diane Oliver. Please accept my sincere
condolences for your loss.
Rachel (Oliver) Prince
Dan Boland
March 15, 2012
Shirley, Pam, Brad, Jill, Scott,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The Watsons and Cascade County lost a good man with Bill's passing. I am sorry for you loss.
Jack Mitchell
March 15, 2012
I was deeply saddened to learn in the Great Falls news of Bill's passing and regretted I could not be there for his services. Bill and I were huntng buddies for many years. It was unfortunate he was unable to enjoy life to the fullest since his stroke but admired Shirley for her devoted care. God bless you all, and I know you wil take comfort knowing he is in a better place.
COLLEEN BUDESKI
March 15, 2012
SHIRLEY,BRAD,SCOTT JILL AND FAMILY,
SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR DAD'S PASSING. HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE PATIENTS. THINKING OF YOU ALL, COLLEEN BUDESKI
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Terry Toy
March 15, 2012
Brad,Scottie and family, my deepest condolences on Billies passing.He truely was one of kind!I will always have happy and fond memories of him and your family.My prayers are with you all. Terry Toy
Kathy Treanor
March 14, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss, I worked for Bill and Bob at the City bar back in the late 70's. What a great place, Bill always made us feel like family.Bill was a good man. Kathy Brown Barrett Treanor
March 13, 2012
Shirley and family - My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Bill was a good friend. Clara Noble, Rockport Tx
March 13, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I feel like I grew up with your family when we first moved here in 6th grade. Your family was so much fun...cherish all those great memories and know that you will see him again someday! My prayers are with your family. Kathy Brusati (Skjelvik)
Jack Huston
March 13, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I have good memorys from a Great man. I feel myself blessed for having him in my life. God speed and God bless you all.
Crystal Meggitt
March 13, 2012
We are so very sorry for the loss of Bill. He was an amazing man. We have such great memories of visiting with the family and being able to go into the Bar with our parents, especially during the holidays. You are all in our thoughts and hearts. Dave, Crystal (Elson), Dakota and Kaycee Meggitt, (Seven Persons, Alberta, Canada)
Bill and Marlene Wardinsky
March 13, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
March 13, 2012
I don't know why Bill & Bob ever asked a young guy stationed at Malmstrom to work at the City Bar in the 60's. But, I do know, that it started a wonderful friendship, meeting many friends of Bill & Bob's over the years. The kindness shown by Bill, Shirley and family to our family the last 48 years has been very special. The best of times and memories at the "City" will never be forgotten, and Bill made them. He is so missed.
God bless & love to all,
Paul & Sandy McNamara family,
Montello, WI
Daniel McDonald
March 12, 2012
Brad and Barb All our Love and prayers are with all of you during this time. Bill was a one of a kind and will be truly missed. We are richer for having known him.
In God Speed From Alaska
Daniel John (Mac) and Lori (Smart) McDonald
Mike & Cassie Hemmy (Mader)
March 12, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Bill help ease your grief. I know you have all been wonderful to our family for years. We are sending prayers of strength and comfort in your times of sorrow.
Kathy Richardson-Gallagher
March 12, 2012
Pam, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I remember the grand old days of summer at Seeley Lake with your family. What a blast. Your dad supported us through our junior high years. We learned to make the Tom & Jerry mix (minus secret ingredient). We also learned to type by making up his notebooks for the horse races each year at the fair. He paid us well! We haven't been in touch too much in last years but please tell your Mom how much your family meant to me and how sorry I am at the loss of Bill.
March 12, 2012
Shirley & family, Bill was a great man, one who we will always remember. God Bless!
Duane Voeller
Mesa, AZ
Al and Kathy Redenbaugh
March 12, 2012
Brad and family. Kathy and I are so sorry for your loss. Bill was never too busy to stop and say hi if you we in the bar or out in public. He was a very good man who will be missed by all.
March 12, 2012
Shirley, Brad, Barb and Family, I am thinking of all of you at this time of sorrow. Bill will be missed by so many because of the wonderful memories he leaves with all of us. You are in our prayers. Karen and Roy from Yuma
Brian Boland
March 12, 2012
Please accept my sincere condolences to the Watson family. We were all fortunate to have shared our lives with Bill, a truly genuine man who cared deeply for his family and friends.
Karlee Nairns
March 12, 2012
Our family still talks, & laughs, about my Dad, Roy Okerlund, going to the "Leader" (evening newspaper long ago) which was REALLY "The City Bar", after work. He would meet his friend Bill Holzberger, as well as so many of the "working guy's". ALL of our family still go there for the BEST food & service. Condolence's to ALL of the WATSON's. Karlee Okerlund Nairns
March 12, 2012
to the watson's, God never meant for us to face the tough times alone....Thats way he gave us each other. we are all so blessed that he touched our lives. he was one of a kind and we will miss him terribly. luv to all of you, herb and carley will boise, idaho
March 12, 2012
SO many fun memories of working, eating and drinking at the City Bar! Bill kept me laughing!
I will keep the Watson family in my thoughts and prayers!
Dana Barr
Tina,Chris and Kaydee Smith
March 12, 2012
Shirley and family
We were so sorry to hear about Bill passing. He was a great person. I am sure he will be missed by many. We will be thinking about you and praying for you at this time.
Linda Ryan
March 12, 2012
Brad and Barb...
Thinking of you and your entire family! Your dad was a big personality in this world and will be missed!
March 12, 2012
Reading the condolences for Bill,brings back many fond memories of belonging to the "City Bar" family. (ie: the slow-pitch team, and the follow-up after each game at the "City") You and your brother Bob have left an indelible influence on many of us that will never be forgotten. (can still remember Kathy calling the "City" and asking, "is Mike home?') Eventually we will all be together again. With Love - Mike and Kathy McGowan.
Jack Vukasin
March 12, 2012
There is nothing which has been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn. Thanks to the Watson family for providing all of us with that good tavern. My sincere condolences to all of Bill's loved ones. I will miss seeing Bill this summer but he will be in my prayers.
Jack Vukasin
Tom O'Brien
March 12, 2012
Shirley and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Bill and Shirley were great friends to my parents and my family. Bill was a very kind man and we will always remember his smile and laugh. Thinking of you all. O'Briens
Dan Connelly
March 12, 2012
The family of Bill Watson Our sincere condolences on Bill passing.I remember my dad(Jim Connelly) being good friends of Bill and Bob.Many great memories through the years.The Kentucky Derby parties and beers after handball games are just a few.Bill was a true legend in Great Falls and is sad to hear about your loss.Dan Connelly Billings Mt.
March 12, 2012
Shirley, Brad and family. Bill was always larger than life, I will always hold is memory scared, I know he is at peace and in good hands, God bless all of you. mark Maki
Megan McKiernan
March 12, 2012
My family and I are so sorry for your families loss. Our prayers are with you.
Ken Periman
March 11, 2012
Brad,Scott& Family,
I wish to extend my Prayers and heart felt condolences.
A true Gentleman Bartender is in HEAVEN! Unless I miss my guess he is there wearing a smart white shirt and tie waiting to greet us with his pleasant smile asking"What can I get you? Thank You, Bill!( Tom & Jerry at Christmas and a beer the rest of the year.)God Bless and I will order when I see you again.
Elsie Johnson
March 11, 2012
Dear Shirley and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Bill left us all with many great memories of the fun times at the City. We will miss him dearly. Take care, Shirley.
Bill Sheil
March 11, 2012
Shirley,Pam,Brad,Jill and Scott:Sorry to hear Billy passed away.He was a good man and extremely good to my Dad. Billy and "Fats" are probably already fishing. I hope they catch the big one. My thoughts are with you all.
Gino and Robin Bain Viens
March 11, 2012
To Brad and family:
We're so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob & Barb Luoma
March 11, 2012
Shirley & family, Sympathy to all your family in Bill's passing. It's been a "long road" for you, Shirley. Take care of yourself. Blessings to all.
Stacy Snider
March 11, 2012
So sorry to hear that Bill has passed. He will always be remembered. He was always a very nice guy to everyone. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jim Kalafat
March 11, 2012
The stories my Dad (Ron Kalafat) had of Billy at the City Bar will forever be memories myself and the rest of us will cherish forever. Thanks for being one of my Dad's best friends for so many years and countless others. Our prayers are with each of you during this very difficult time.
Clem Pellett
March 11, 2012
I will always remember Bill's big smile and welcoming personality! So sorry for your loss.
Tom Sullivan
March 11, 2012
Shirley and family
Sorry to hear of Billy's passing. I have fond memories of the countless nights that he held court at the "City" with Bobby, Toy, Snip, Webb, Dodds and a flock of others listening to his every word of wisdom. He will be missed as a good man and a better friend.
My prayers are with you and your family
Dave & Theresa McCune
March 11, 2012
Jill & family,
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Hang in there and know that he's in good hands. Take care and God Bless.
Linda Higginbotham
March 11, 2012
Shirley, Brad, Jill, Scott and Pam: I sincerely hope that you will receive strength and solace in knowing that Bill is in a better place. My heart and sincere condolences goes out to all of you.
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