Charles McDonald Watts

Charles McDonald Watts, 82, died the same way he lived: remarkably, in full color, on his terms, surrounded by the love of his family and dear friends after a valiant battle with esophageal cancer.

"Take the adventure, heed the call, now ere the irrevocable moment passes! 'Tis but a banging of the door behind you, a blithesome step forward, and you are out of old life and into the new! Then some day, some day long hence, jog home here if you will, when the cup has been drained and the play has been played and sit down by your quiet river with a store of goodly memories for company." – Wind and the Willows

This quote expresses Chuck's love of learning and experiencing life to the fullest. He accumulated friends and colleagues as he continuously took on new roles and sought out new adventures while honoring his origins and past experiences. He was charismatic and funny, with a sharp and dry wit that endeared him to friends and family alike. He found joy in his many adventures and travels, as well as skiing, golfing, music, theater, books, and fall Saturdays in the Big House. Chuck and Ruth loved nothing more than sailing their 42-foot sailboat together on Lake Michigan, which he continued to find the strength to do throughout his health battle. He approached everything he did with intensity, curiosity, and enormous enthusiasm; a true wolverine, a "Leader and Best." He even became a passionate photographer, focused on capturing birds from his kayak or during long walks in nature. In his later years, Chuck divided his time between Chicago, Seattle, and Florida, cherishing the chance to be close to family and friends in each place.

Born in 1942, at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, to Helma and Frederick Watts MD, Chuck grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, along with his brother, Frederick Watts Jr. MD. Charles attended the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate and medical school, beginning a lifelong commitment to medicine and service. After receiving his medical degree in 1967, he was drafted and served as a physician in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Following his military service, Chuck returned to Ann Arbor and completed his residency and fellowship in pulmonary medicine. He provided the absolute best care to his patients. He was committed to learning, continual improvement and patient safety. His passion, dedication and leadership led him to serve as Chief of Clinical Affairs and professor of pulmonary medicine at the University of Michigan Hospital and subsequently served as Chief Medical Officer at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. After his time at Northwestern, he liked to say that he "failed retirement" and served as Chief Medical Officer for Swedish Medical Center. Chuck continued until very recently to actively serve on several boards, including the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) and the Providence Health System.

Nothing was more important to Chuck than his family. He and Ruth were married for fifty-eight years. Together, they raised their three children: Charles Watts Jr. (Kimberly), Sarah Hipps (Matthew), and Andy Watts (Katie). He was an extremely proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Bella, Augie, Zach, and Nate Watts; Charlie, Annie, and Josie Hipps; and Drew and Izzy Watts. He reveled in every accomplishment and could be found on fields all over Seattle and Chicago serving as chief photographer and cheerleader for each grandchild. He is dearly missed but lives on forever in our memories.

Family and friends will meet on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 West Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661 for a 9:00 a.m. Visitation followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Parking is available in the building located at 625 West Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661 (entrance is on Desplaines Street - 1/2 block South of the Church on the East side of the Desplaines Street).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Institute of Systems Biology in Chuck's name:
Institute for Systems Biology
Attn: Development
401 Terry Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
https://give.isbscience.org

For further information please call Michalik Funeral Home at 312-421-0936.