Michael Aaron Watson

Mike would hate the photo you picked!

The first time I met Mike Watson was back at Jason Lee Middle School. He had this special hustle about him that you just couldn't miss. Always up for a good challenge, Mike never backed down.

So, when we kicked off 7th grade, our band teacher, Rex Turner, decided to spice things up with a contest: Find the best new tuba player, and the winner would get a whopping $100! Mike's ears perked up at that. He picked up a tuba and started practicing like a man on a mission.

It felt like that contest dragged on forever, but really, it was just a few months. You could always find Mike in the music room, giving it his all. And when the contest finally wrapped up, guess who walked away with the prize?

He not only nailed playing the tuba but also showed everyone his dedication to music and the band. Mike might not have been the world's greatest tuba player, but he was hands down the best friend you could have in band.

- Larry Huffines

Renting a Penske moving truck with couches in the back and driving it to LalaPalooza

It's hard to say when I first met Mike, it seems like he was always there as a co-worker I was glad to see. Over the last 20 years I didn't have the opportunity to work exclusively with "Watty" but seemed to bump into him just about everywhere I went. I worked with him on many fire assignments and was an instructor at the Great Basin Engine Academy with him for about 5 years. In all of these experiences I can't remember a single one in which Mike didn't have a smile, even when things couldn't be "More Sucky", Mike always had a knack of glorifying and putting humor back into the situation. Watson's position as an Engine Captain was a difficult and stressful spot at most times and Mike always gave his best and never compromised his values, which included Hard Work, Professionalism, and Safety for his crew. I will miss you Watty, and will pass on your legacy to the next generation as a benchmark of excellence.

I remember when Mike first started in fuels at the Salt Lake office. I was a relatively new employee and I thought this hard core fire guy was going to hate me. He had brought in muffins and we got to talking in the break room and he was telling me all about his wife and how excited he was to be back but how nice it had been to spend time with her. I had just learned to use a CNC Router to make forest service shields and I was nerding out hard about it. We ended up spending most of the day with me showing him how the wood router worked and him convincing me I should get my red card and pile burn with the fuels program. I had been to nervous to be a firefighter but because of that day with Mike I finally got my red card, I will always be thankful for his encouragement that day. He really has influenced my life in such a wonderful way.

I hadn't known Mike for as long as others, but who I met was the kindest and most helpful fire fighter I've ever known. I could tell he genuinely cared about me by the way he talked and acted.

He treats others with respect no matter who you are. I hope to meet Mike again after this life and tell him how important he is to all of us (though he probably already knows that).

With Condolences,

Kurt Jensen

Michael will be missed in our family and by many others. He was quite a presence. Being only 10 years older than Mike I spent much time with him as a child. I loved when the Watson clan came to visit us in the log house. This is a rare photo of one of those visits. I regret that due to prior plans I cannot make it to his memorial but I cherish the memories I hold of him and all his siblings . Rest well dear Mugsy. See ya on the flip side!
Aunt Shannon

Mike was such a remarkable person and one of my favorite people to talk to. I met him at a gas station near the Salt Lake Forest Service office, he was working at the Alta Fire Station at the time. He was so friendly, like he could strike up a conversation with anyone and he asked me about working with the Forest Service. That was over 20 years ago. A few years later we both got hired in the Wildland Fire Apprenticeship program at the same time, our first permanent positions with the Forest Service.
I loved talking to Mike and will miss those conversations the most. He shared a love for all the simple pleasures in life like travelling, food, gardening, music, and a love for sliding down the snow in the Cottonwoods. We also spent a lot of time talking about family as it was a core value for him, and we seemed to have similar upbringings. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
He had an unmatched passion for the job and specifically for teaching young firefighters. And all things pump related! The image of Mike that I keep returning to is him grilling up a bunch of food for all the students at the Spruces Campground and blasting some bluegrass music with a big smile on his face during a S-211 Portable Pumps class. He has made a difference in so many lives and will be missed by many. I´m grateful to have known him.

Fall hike at Alta,UT with Mike and Lisa.

Driving around in that big red truck and M's games in the Kingdome

We are so very sorry for the loss of Mike. We are glad we got to meet him and know just how very special he was. Please accept our deepest sympathies during this difficult time and know our heats are with you.