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WATTS WACKER Obituary
of Westport, CT died October 15 at home at the age of 64. He was born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, MI, and attended school at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Tulane University in 1975 and an MBA from the University of Texas-Austin McCombs School of Business in 1980. Watts lived his life always looking to the future as well as anticipating it. His insights and perspective left an impact beyond explanation or imagination. He was one of the most celebrated and influential minds in modern business, and had been one of the world's most respected futurists since 1986. His body of work will continue to influence the world in a positive way. He is survived by his beloved wife and life partner Elizabeth Smith-Troy of Westport, formerly of New York; his step-daughter Madeleine Troy of New York; and Marylyn Smith of New York, his mother-in-law whom he loved dearly. Watts is also survived by his two children Lee Wacker, of Philadelphia and Cal Wacker of Wilton, whom he missed dearly, and his ex-wife Betsy Wacker. As soulmates, Watts and Elizabeth brought nothing but love and inspiration into each other's lives. He lovingly called her "My Plum One" and she called him "My Man." Nancy Dicostanzo of Bridgeport, CT and Darrell Stewart and Jack Stevens of Norwalk, CT were a meaningful and loving part of Watts' everyday life and he considered them family. The lists of friends Watts loved is limitless. It is with dignity, respect, love, and admiration that we remember the life of Watts Wacker. To help carry on his legacy to future generations, Watts' family and friends have partnered with HOLA to establish the Watts Wacker Memorial Fund. Contributions will provide HOLA students with the support they need to access secondary education and speak their truth about what new methods, metrics and tools will be needed in our future together as a society. Please join us in celebrating Watts Wacker's incredible life on November 5th at the Westport Inn from 1:00-4:00pm. 1595 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880. Please send all photos, videos, messages, and memories you have with Watts to inmemoryofwatts@gmail. com. View Watts' website: firstmatter.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for WATTS WACKER
Terry Scott
October 21, 2024
Miss you my friend. Still
Looking for the new shiny thing!!
William Love
October 22, 2021
I heard him at SHR 's perceptual Management conference in Scottsdale Arizona, in 1995. It's the only time I ever heard or saw him. I was too nervous to go up to him afterwards, but he caused me a shift unlike anything prior or since; mind you, Peter Drucker was at this even, and I've been around the block some....
saw i never met him in person.
That said, from his hour or so long talk, I attribute my last name changing to Love in 1997. I attribute quitting a long term stable sales position in Phoenix to taking a huge pay cut to work for an airline and travel the world, fly alternatively to my dying mom and Hawaii week by week voluntarily living homeless in Southern Cal, in an RV, going to Bali and Tibet and Peru twice, and the general call to be an ongoing sociological experiment, living in the moment one lifetime, gaining mastery or close to it and moving on for the next adventure. (such as selling a $100,000 time share deal and then moving on from t of time share; another thing I attribute to Watts). His story of his "Taco Bell experience" in San Diego and more, one simple talk changed the life of someone forever who he never met in person. Pretty amazing, huh! I have always kept up on his goings on, sometimes with more time lapse than others and have just discovered his untimely death , now, 4 years after the fact.... Shine On Sweet Prince.....
Keith Todd
April 24, 2018
I have only just become aware of Watts moving on when i was back today in New York. I recall my first meeting in Hedsor House, near London, with this unique persona ,stories and wisdom. I think 1995. For several years he played the court jester with me as i lead a team to a new place; the world of Technology as a service. Today we call it Cloud , PaaS, SaaS, in 1995 it was the future. I saw him most years since as I travelled or he did to London. Moy whole family
He was one of the most influential people in my life. His humanity , love , wisdom and insights were infectious. I am proud to have had him as a mentor but most importantly as a friend . Like all great artist and philosophers his full recognition in this worlds ,beyond his close family and friends, is yet to come. Watts , thank you I can not tell you how much i appreciate what you gave me . Keith
Tom Cook
November 27, 2017
Watts was the most unique person I ever met, a true original. Who else wears shorts all year long in New England. A great guy all around, plus a fellow UT grad to boot.
Joe Lee
November 8, 2017
I've known Watts since he was a teenager at Tulane. A brilliant raconteur, athlete and lifelong friend. Never a dull moment exploring adventure with Watts. His outstanding career never surprised me. With a heavy heart, I wish the very best for his soulmate and wife, Elizabeth.
Scott Bedbury
November 7, 2017
Watts had that rare gift for capturing the essence of something in a few words. 25 years ago, after the launch of the "Just Do It" campaign, he pointed out that Nike was in fact not a sports and fitness company.
"It's an energy company," he said simply. I'll never forget that.
Give my best to Plato, Socrates and Aristotle, Watts. Save me a seat.
November 5, 2017
Watts, you were an original, through and through.
You're off no doubt to a new adventure in the great beyond. I guess the dress code in the hereafter now includes Hawaiian shirts and sandals.
My condolences to the people who loved you and who were loved by you. May your memory be a blessing to them all.
Victor Herbert
November 4, 2017
So sad to hear about the passing of Watts Wacker . A genius and inspirer...there is a whole group of us Brits who are truly indebted to his crazy notions but most of all his intellect. I would like to say a big thank you to him on behalf of us :- Judith, Hillary, Susan, Belinda, Judy, Paul and Louise. God Bless.
Jerome Conlon
November 3, 2017
I knew Watt's professionally as a business futurist, storyteller extraordinaire and brand shaman. I watched him shift the energy and optimism in seconds with blinding anecdotes and short stories. The gift of his magic was transformation. As we were driving to dinner in Portland once I proclaimed, "In the world of mules, there are no rules." He jumped in excitement at my statement. I asked him what was the matter. He said, the mule is my spirit animal. The portrait above reveals this side of Watts. He was obstinate in his lifelong search for insight and truth. He will be missed.
M D Suwyn
November 3, 2017
Watts came to Savannah in 2000 to prepare us for the oncoming tourist invasion. He quietly inspired much of what has happened since ...
Cynthia Bates
November 3, 2017
Watts was a friend, colleague, inspiration, and the most unique person I have been fortunate to know. Creative,intriguing and visionary. In his case, the often over-used term "guru" truly applies.
Terry Scott
November 2, 2017
Rip watts. One of finest men I've ever met. A man who truly enjoyed life and shared that gusto with those who knew him.
Tom Osborne
October 31, 2017
WATTS was a good friend and co-worker from our days at Kenner Toys. He was one of my biggest supporters and cheer leaders. We had some great times consuming mass quantities of meat, exchanging jokes etc. He took me to the 1988 All Star Game in Cincinnati. I will miss him although we didn't keep in close touch. He recently called me to congratulate me on my son's Oscar award. A true one in a million!
October 30, 2017
May he R.I.P and may God comfort and console mourning family and friends.
Paco Underhill
October 26, 2017
Funny kind insightful man. Glad to have known and worked with him.
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