Mark "Doc" Watson

Mark “Doc” Watson of Livingston Montana died at Livingston Healthcare surrounded by family and friends, on April 10th, 2024. He was 66 years old.

Doc was born on March 13, 1958, in Oneida, New York to George and Josie (Farris) Watson.  He joined siblings Sue, Betty, Judy, and Dennis.   Terri, the baby sister, arrived later.

He graduated from Vernon Verona (VVS) High School and went on to the State University of New York at Alfred Culinary School where he developed a love of preparing all kinds of foods.

Mark’s passion for adventure led him to work in King Salmon, Alaska, Las Vegas, Nevada, Jackson, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner, Montana with his final stop being in Livingston, Montana.

While living in Yellowstone, Mark got his Disc Golf Pro Card and participated in his first professional disc golf tournament in California. He went on to be a very successful disc golfer, playing and winning multiple Montana State Championships, as well as many other National and local tournaments. He was instrumental in the design of the Chico Hot Springs Disc Golf Couse.

His life’s motto “Who has more fun than we do” was more than a saying. It was a way of embracing each day with joy and gratitude.

Doc was a founding member of the Yellowstone Olympic Committee. He was integral in developing, celebrating, and promoting the Snow Lodge Winter Olympics, which have been a boon to staff moral for over 4 decades.

Doc had a deep love for the mountains. Not only did he climb most of the peaks in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), but he was always ready to share routes or hike alongside those brave enough to follow him.

Anyone who expressed an interest in hiking, skiing, canoeing, golfing, playing disc golf, or exploring the Yellowstone Back country, became an instant friend to Doc. He shared his positive attitude and passion for life with everyone he met.

He is survived by his mother Josie, siblings Sue, Judy, Dennis and Terri, and many loving nieces and nephews, including his nephew Al Fera who followed in Doc’s footsteps and spent several years working and living in the GYE.

He is preceded in death by his father George and sister Betty, as well as his two beloved dogs, Scout and Mesa.

A celebration of Doc’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared on social media.  

Those of us lucky enough to call Mark “Doc” Watson a friend are truly better people because of his spirit and generosity.

Doc taught us all how to love life and each other.

So many of Doc’s Yellowstone Family came and spent his final days with him.  All of their love and light lifted Doc up and helped him on his final journey.

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