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Michael Aaron Watson
Michael Aaron Watson
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Michael Watson Obituary
Michael Aaron Watson, 53, of Sandy, UT, passed away on April 29, 2024, while at his winter home in Mission, Texas. He was born and raised in Tacoma, WA and is a 1989 graduate of Stadium High School. He moved to Utah in 1994.
Michael's life revolved around his loved ones and the great outdoors. As a young man he enjoyed seasonal outdoor work in the mountains of Utah; at Alta during winter, and summers on Lake Powell. He found immense joy in skiing and hiking in the mountains near Sandy, Utah. His love of nature extended to a career as a firefighter for the USDA Forest Service, where he combined his passion for the outdoors with serving his country as a firefighter, trainer and engine captain. Prior to his federal service, he worked as an emergency medical technician for the Alta Fire Department, always ready to assist those in need during emergencies.
Mike is survived by his long-time partner, Lisa Schuldt; his mother, Adelia Jane "Janie" Watson; his father and stepmother, William and Cathi Watson; his sister, Marietta Watson; his brother and sister-in-law, Matthew and Julie Watson, (Ben and Sara); his brother, Patrick Watson (Aubrey, Stefan, Portia); and his sister and brother-in-law, Genevieve and David Clark (Kameron). He was preceded in death by his brother, Peter Watson.
Mike enjoyed spending time with family and friends, skiing, camping, making and eating good food, gardening, traveling, and making music (he could play all kinds of instruments!). His diverse interests and talents reflected his adventurous spirit and love for exploring new horizons.
A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held on June 23, 2024, from 11:00am -2:00pm in The Pagoda at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, Washington. May his legacy of love for nature and commitment to helping others live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Memorial contributions in Michael's name can be made to Wildland Firefighter Foundation, 2393 W. Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705 wffoundation.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lisa poggenpohl
March 29, 2025
Mike would hate the photo you picked!
Lawrence Huffines
June 22, 2024
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
Jules Barnhart
June 19, 2024
Renting a Penske moving truck with couches in the back and driving it to LalaPalooza
Michael Erickson
June 15, 2024
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.
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Caylee White
June 14, 2024
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.
Kurt Jensen
June 14, 2024
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
Shannon Garrett
June 13, 2024
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
Milena Rockwood
June 12, 2024
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.
David Clark
May 30, 2024
Fall hike at Alta,UT with Mike and Lisa.
Joe Cusato
May 30, 2024
Driving around in that big red truck and M's games in the Kingdome
Mindy Van Tassel
May 30, 2024
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.
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