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Bryan Watts Obituary
He had a tender heart, quick wit, and deep love of people. He had an instinct for when others were hurting and was always available to lift their spirits with his infectious laughter and genuine compassion. Bryan's caring nature shone through in the special love he had for his mother. He inherited his father's green thumb and found great fulfillment in transforming outdoor spaces into stunning landscapes. He was also gifted with a love of animals-horses, dogs, cats, anything that walks on four legs. He had a soft spot for rescue animals and a love for people who were overlooked.
Bryan is part of a large extended family that values love and loyalty. He grew up with aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he adored. In his smaller, more immediate family, each person plays their role, and Bry's larger-than-life personality always brought love, laughter, and a bit of irreverence. This is a loss that is irreplaceable, and we're finding ourselves shifting, struggling to find our place without him.
Bryan is survived by his mother, Olive Hansen Watts, and three siblings: Jim Watts, Thrella (Alex) Walk, and Maurice (Jan) Watts, as well as six nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Ivan J. Watts.
At Bryan's request, there will be no formal funeral service. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16th from 6-8 PM at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S State Street, Murray, UT 84107.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kelly Chambers
August 13, 2024
Bryan was a loving friend and helped me through college at the U and beyond. Of course, I could not have made it without his hair therapy sessions. I am heartbroken to read of his passing, my deepest condolences to his family.
Ron and Angie King
May 9, 2024
I have lived across from Bryan's parents for over 30 years. Ivan was always such a sweetheart to me and Bryan seemed to inherit his father's kindness. We would often see him working in his mother's yard, making it even more beautiful. He would wave enthusiastically or yell across the street to ask us how we were doing. He was a regular in our neighborhood and I was touched by his love and devotion to his widowed mother. When we hadn't seen him for a few weeks, we wondered aloud what might be the reason for his absence. Finding out about his passing has left us sad and shocked. Please accept our sincere condolences for your sudden loss. Bryan brought such beauty to our street and his smile was like the sunshine.... we will not soon forget.
Kathy Chadey
April 18, 2024
Bryan was your dear friend the minute you met him. He made everyone feel welcomed and special. He was a. bright personality that would light up a room. He left the world a better more accepting place.
Maurice
April 18, 2024
I was Bryan´s little brother growing up, we shared a bedroom in elementary school. His side was immaculate and mine was not so much. He used masking tape to create a dividing line to split the room. He was 3 years older, but we were about the same size, as kids we played a lot. We played and we fought, and he always had to have the last four-letter word. But if anyone came at me, he was there to protect me until the end. The games he liked growing up were hopscotch, four square and tether ball, and we had a lot of fun.
Bryan and Moms combined creativity and talent quilted an outrageous bedspread that was breathtakingly beautiful. The first thing he did every morning was make his bed. The quilt combined with lots of pillows, white Jennifer Adams sheets, the bed made with military precision. This set his standard for the rest of his day.
He loved his friends on four feet. Garsen was his first horse. With nothing but a bridle he would jump on him and go fast, riding the knolls around Redmond Utah for hours. He never returned until he and the horse were covered in horse sweat. He rode as much as he could, usually dragging a herd of dogs behind. He has been a dad to so many dogs, cats or anything with a heartbeat. He loved watching TV and petting three to four dogs and cats all vying for his attention.
From a baby until the day, he died he was styling, and he smelled good too. As a respected teacher he wore a tie and usually cowboy boots and he never saw a need to throw a used pair of boots away. Making sure mom looked her best too, buying her cute clothes and doing her hair. Dedicating so much of his time to taking mom to church, plays, book club, Dr´s appointments and everywhere else. Most every day they went to Fashion Place Mall so they could walk.
When I was older Bryan worked at Bolgart´s in Sugar House. He loved the night life, and it loved him. He would save me and my friends the best table and we danced many nights away. If you didn´t get to see him on the dance floor you missed out. Anything from disco to western swing he loved it. Girls that would swing dance with him would get twirled so fast jewelry and clothing would fly off them, that was fun to watch. They would come back with a big smile and wondering how he could spin and twirl them around with such ease.
His next profession was hairdresser, and he was great at it, owning A1 Salon then A Salon. He loved doing hair and our mullets never looked better. Carpal tunnel made it hard to cut hair, so he changed careers and slowly gave up his clientele.
In his forties he graduated cum laude from Utah State Univ. and started teaching 2nd grade. This career he loved best. His classroom was fun and festive. Always having great parties, dances, events making school fun and inviting. The kids loved him, so did the teachers, parents and special room moms. He wanted them to succeed not only in 2nd grade but also in life. He touched many lives while teaching and left great memories with them.
He would do anything for you, and he did. Generous with his time and talent he beautified our yards and homes, making us so proud. He loved flowers in every form, in the garden, on the nightstand and flower arrangements. He loved his house, the highlight of his day cutting the grass and weeding the flower beds. It was absolutely beautiful with curb appeal.
Holiday with family were special times. Thanksgiving was filled with memories of Redmond with all the cousins. Christmas was always special, going to plays and putting on Christmas dinner for the family. Memorial Day was camping with dogs and horses and eating dad´s campfire cooking. Deer hunts with autumn leaves allowed him another time to ride horses, never shooting just riding. The gaps between holidays were filled with moms nine course Sunday dinners.
Watching nieces, nephews, playing sports and performing on stage thrilled him. If it was on the field, pitch, swimming pool or stage; he was right there yelling his heart out and you could hear him. He loved the days at Real SL with the family and cousins.
He watched out for all of us even if he knew you or not. I´ll miss watching him wave his arms and flash his car lights to warn oncoming drivers about speed traps ahead. He could get you laughing so hard you hope he would stop so you could breathe, but he wouldn´t stop. Sometimes I would get so mad I wanted to make him stop breathing.
I´ll miss the smell of good cologne mixed with cigarette smoke that had a distinct wonderful aroma. Wondering how many cups of coffee will be left around. Opening his fridge and seeing steaks, pork chops and coke. Right now, I hope he is in a warm tub eating a steak and maybe taking a shot of Patron, tossing bits of meat to the dogs.
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Patti Oliver Haning
April 16, 2024
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Bryan. We went to high school together and he was a friend I will never forget. He was so funny, so kind to everyone, a smile so big, lots of fun energy and a personality that drew people to him. I am so very grateful for that friendship and so fortunate to have known Bryan. Blessings to all of his family and I send my sincere condolences. Patti Oliver Haning.
Cindy Hales
April 15, 2024
I always loved seeing Bryan his smile and warm welcomes always made me happy. I loved seeing how much he loved his mother Olive and the great care he showed her. Last week I was driving down the street I heard a honk and turned to see Bryan and Olive. He was smiling and waving he made my day. I will always treasure the last time I saw him!
Luke Baxter
April 15, 2024
Bryan was alway such a bright part of my day. There were so many times that I´d see him working in Olive´s yard as I drove by, and he´d turn and waive with a smile on his face. Or he´d stop by to say hello as I was working in my yard.
No matter what was going on, he was upbeat and happy.
I was always so impressed by his love and care he had for those around him, especially his mom.
His green thumb was enviable and he had such a great eye for what plants should go where.
His positive attitude and demeanor made the world a better place and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The heavens gained a new star with Bryan.
Natalie Mowbray
April 12, 2024
Mr.Watts changed the lives of so many. My daughter had Mr.Watts as her 2nd grade teacher and we absolutely love and adore him.
He will be dearly missed by so many. Condolences to everyone who loves him
Doug Potts
April 12, 2024
Dear Olive and family, my deepest condolences on Bryan´s passing.
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