Richard Durbin Watson

The Watson-Miller Families sadly announce the passing of Richard Durbin Watson, on April 11, 2023. Rick was a longtime resident of Arlington Heights after spending his childhood in Barrington. He died at 75 years of age in Ft. Meyers, Florida, where Rick kept a second home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Marshall Watson (1994), Deborah Ann Durbin Watson (2013), and wife Peggy Smiley Watson (2009). Rick is survived by his daughter, Heather Watson Miller (Chad) of Grayslake and his two grandchildren, Ethan and Lauren Miller. Rick is also survived by his younger brother, Craig Watson (Jean) of Mission Viejo, California; his nephew, Scott Watson (Ashley); and nieces, Kelly Watson Durocher (Matt) and Keri Ann Watson Last (Jeff).
After graduating from Tarkio College (1969) Rick became an award winning educator (receiving the Kohl Foundation Teacher of the Year in 1983) for his work in the Arlington Heights School District where he made learning fun and imparted his students with confidence and self-worth. Rick was a very kind man and instilled that same kindness in his students. He kept up with many of his students' life achievements long after they left his classroom and Rick could always be found at high school football or basketball games on any given weekend.
After Rick retired from teaching, his love of horseracing and people led to his second career at the Arlington Park Race Track, where he became the Head of Guest Services. The position was a great fit for Rick, over 15 years, as he interacted with friends and former students when they visited the race track.
Rick was an avid golfer and passionate sports fan. He played on his high school (Barrington High) and college golf teams. He was extremely proud to be shooting his age and maintaining a single-digit handicap just prior to his unexpected death. Rick loved his life! He was devoted to his family and close friends that included Sharon and Bill Heuer, Garen Bohlin and his cousin Scott McAdoo. In his full retirement, Rick kept active walking the trails near his Florida home, exploring new places and experiences, socializing, cooking, dining out, gardening, and maintaining his social media. These many interests, close friendships and his deep love of his grandchildren kept Rick young at heart! He enjoyed so much watching Ethan play basketball and perform in his school band. He also loved attending Lauren's dance recitals and to being her #1 taste tester for the gourmet dishes she cooked!
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023. A visitation will take place 9 - 11 a.m. followed by a service at the Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL. Your attendance is warmly invited by Rick's family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 or American Heart Association, 300 S. Riverside Plaza Building, Chicago, IL 60606.