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Reino Watson Obituary
Reino T. Watson
1921-2010
He grew up in the Everett area with his mother and stepfather, John Watson, and graduated from Lake Stevens High School in 1939. Reino served in the South Pacific during World War II aboard the USS Terror at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Reino returned to Everett, joined the Everett Fire Department in 1947, and rose to be Chief of the Department before his retirement in 1980.
Reino was the master of all things mechanical. While still in high school he installed indoor plumbing in his mother's house and built his own car from scratch. He also built the family home, and was proud of the "Flying Finn," a sailboat he built in his backyard and sailed for many years.
Reino was very proud of his Finnish heritage and his association with the Everett Fire Department. He was a life member of Everett Elks Lodge #479. He enjoyed boats and the marina, tinkering in his shop and watching his girls grow up. He was an avid reader, loved animals especially his Granddog Luna, and was also fond of some nice baked goods with his morning coffee. He will be remembered as a tireless worker who always had time to help others with a project, and a man whose sensible advice has guided many.
Reino leaves behind his wife, Irma, they would have been married 50 years this fall; daughters, Reija Watson and Raili Calvert, Raili's husband, Mike; granddaughters, Kelsey and Emma Calvert; niece, Paivi Juvonen, of California; and relatives in Finland.
He will be laid to rest at a private family ceremony. A celebration of Reino's life will be held starting at 1:00 p.m., March 13, at the Everett Firefighters Hall, 2411 Hewitt Ave in Everett.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Everett Medic One Foundation, 2811 Oakes Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Reino Watson
Richard Smith
March 8, 2010
Dear Irma & family.So sorry to hear about Reino's passing.My Brother Chet Williams III was close friends and was a fireman when Reino was the fire chief.Our family's prayers are with you.
Terri Foust Rogers
March 7, 2010
What an awesme tribute to my uncle Reino! he was unbelievable at everything he did! He was always interested in what and how we were doing. He diffently had a full healthy, happy life! He and My auntie Irma are perfect together and really showed everyone how people should be with their open giving hearts!! We will all miss him! I love you all Auntie Irma, Raija, Raili, Mike, Kelsey and Emma! if there is anything we can do please let me know!
;;Dwight Lechner
February 28, 2010
Irma and Family,
Reino was one of those who put the good in the "good old days" on the EFD. His name will be one of those that come to mind in times of recollection, and you can be proud of his mark.
I extend my deepest sympathy to you and yours.
Curt LeMaster
February 25, 2010
I grew up in awe of Reino Watson. He seemed to me to to have such a balanced lifestyle; diverse interests, intellectual pursuits, incredible mechanical ability, industrious, a consummate outdoorsman, and very fit. I feel fortunate to have seen Reino and Irma less than three weeks ago when we all showed up at my Dad's doorstep for a visit. I am sad at his passing. He was a big part of the Everett I knew growing up. My sincere sympathy Irma.
February 24, 2010
Dear Irma,
Our husbands were the salt of the earth -- no wonder they got along so well. If Donald were here he would thank you for taking such loving care of Reino for so many years. I think that right now they're probably busy discussing the new kitchen floor.
Clear skies, Reino -- and clear sailing.
With love and admiration for you all, Nancy Grant
Ken Lechner
February 24, 2010
I was lucky to meet Reino years after he retired. My dad Dwight and I were at the Elks one afternoon. Reino came over to our table to say hi.
I was lucky to spend the next couple of hours listening to them swapping EFD war stories from their days in the trenches. Reino was describing to me some of the inner workings of the department and stopped in mid-sentence. He looked at my dad and dead-panned, "Dwight, you always were a challenge to me." Dad was speechless (a rarity), I cracked up, and Reino smiled. What a fun evening with a genuine nice man. My sincere condolences to all of his family.
Gary & Kerrie Helem
February 23, 2010
With Reino you always knew where you stood even when he called you a "DULL TOOL". He had one speed (FULL) and always made time for you (IF YOU COULD KEEP UP). RT my friend mentor boss and partner will be greatly missed.
Ron Bluhm
February 23, 2010
Dear Irma and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Reino's passing. I have always had a great deal of respect and admiration for him and I was always proud to say that my cousin was the City of Everett Fire Chief. I am very thankful for the advice he gave me during my fire service career. He was a great man.
My thoughts are with you.
susan sieg
February 23, 2010
Irma and family,
My deepest condolences to you all....he was a special man to so many. May you find peace in the coming days.....
Dale Boggs
February 22, 2010
Dear Irma and family,
We've lost a truly kind and gracious man.
It was a privilege to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dale & Molly Boggs
Curt Rider
February 22, 2010
Mike, Raili and family,
Our thoughts are with you. Reino may be gone but never forgotten. A true gentleman and one I am proud to have known.
Sincerely,
Curt & Janet Rider
Jim Branstrom
February 22, 2010
Dear Irma & family, I'm sorry to hear of Reino's passing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Reino truly was a man of many interests and many talents. People with his type of drive and ability have become very rare in our society. He will be missed by many.
Bertine Hofmann
February 22, 2010
Dear Irma and family. So sorry to hear of Reino's passing. I have great memories of our camping outings and gatherings at your home. Always a delightful time. Please know that I am thinking of you and your girls.
Reino will be truely missed by all who knew him.
My deepest sympathies to your family.
Love, Bertine
Kathleen Lane
February 21, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
February 21, 2010
Dear Irma & family ~ Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this very sad time. Reino was such a sweet, caring and thoughtful man. He helped Bob out with several "projects" around the house and taught him so much. We still have the apple trees he gave us when our house was built.
Reino was the first person I would always look for when we attended the Retirement Banquet for the Everett Firefighters. He was always so kind and complimented Bob & I. He will truly be missed. Please take care ~
Our kindest Regards ~
Bob & Jamie Downey
February 21, 2010
Dear Irma & family,
We want to offer our sympathy to you all. Our daughter, Lyn informed us of Reino's passing.
We are in Southern CA. We will be home in April. We have so many good memories of the times we spent at your home, with the Firefighter friends.
Please know we are thinking of you all. Our thoughts & prayers are witih you at this sad time.
With Love,
Al & Bernie Langton
Angie Fritzler
February 21, 2010
Dear Iram and family, there are no words to express my sadness in the loss of Reino! He and your family took me under your wings and made me part of a wonder family I love you all!!!
Love Angie
Bruce Hansen
February 21, 2010
Irma: I am compassionately sorry about your loss of such a wonderful man as Reino was. He was an inspiration to me as Chief of the Everett Fire Department and friend of my father and our family. He truly was an amazing and caring man. Respectfully Yours!
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