Jeffrey Scott WATSON

Jeffrey WATSON Obituary

WATSON, Jeffery Scott (Age 69) Jeff Watson died on his 69th birthday, December 30, 2019 in Greer, South Carolina of complications from strokes. Although Jeff did not live in the Spokane area for his last 40 years, Spokane and Liberty Lake in particular were his forever hometowns. He tried to get back as often has he could and maintained many friendships from his childhood and young adulthood. Arriving at Liberty Lake at age nine, Jeff, his parents, Jim and Lois, and older brothers, Jim and Rick, lived first in a tiny trailer at Sandy Beach Resort, soon moving a few houses away. Later they moved across the lake before finally relocating to Opportunity in 1968. Jeff graduated from Greenacres Elementary and Junior High, Central Valley High (class of 1969), SCC and Eastern. In order to keep paying his own way through school Jeff pumped gas, moved sprinkler pipe, lifeguarded and many other jobs. After college he spent two years in the Peace Corps in South Korea. Nobody who knew Jeff was surprised he made that choice because helping others was just what he did, who he was. He taught Junior High in Moses Lake for two years before scratching the itch to return to work overseas by joining the Peace Corps again - this time for an assignment in the Philippines where he met his wife, Catherine. Jeff spent most of the next 25 years in the Philippines and Nigeria where he coordinated blindness prevention projects that saved or restored eyesight for too many to count. Beyond helping those in need Jeff loved spending time with family and friends, skiing (on snow and water), adventures, Volkswagen bugs, music, studying the Bible, dogs and watching Doc Martin and other comedies. Jeff's laugh was legendary. Jeff is survived by his children, Tyler (Regina) Watson of Munich, Germany and Olivia Watson; and his former spouse Catherine Seamands Watson of Springfield, VA; his brother Jim Watson (Beth Naylor) of Eugene, OR; and nieces Megan Thompson, Jennifer Schreck, Melissa Garman, Leah Naylor Watson and nephew Jay Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rick. The family is eternally grateful for the Jeff's South Carolina community, Greer Rehab and Palladium Hospice for the caring and kindness shown to Jeff during his time there.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on Feb. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey WATSON

4 Entries

Victoria M. Sheffield

August 27, 2020

I first met Jeff when we worked together at Helen Keller International. I as based at HKI's headquarters in New York City and he was HKI's Country Director in the Philippines. We worked together to develop eye health training materials focusing on vitamin A deficiency. I had lived in the Philippines 1969-1971 when I was in the US Air Force, so it was fun to go back as a civilian. I loved riding with Jeff on motorcycle in Bicol and visiting the villages. He was an amazing guy, so kind and so passionate about his work. I knew he had had a heart attack a few years back, but I was not aware of his recent incidents and only found out of his passing through the grapevine of colleagues in international eye health development. So sad, he was amazing and we all have lost a great friend. Catherine, Ifeoma told me that Jeff had passed away and now again from Susan McMahon. I have your number and plan to call some time soon. I'm happy to learn that Tyler's a Dad and that Olivia is nearby. With love, Victoria Sheffield

mike silvey

February 4, 2020

Jeff was a fun guy to be around a good friend and he made the world better than he found it.

February 2, 2020

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Korea and the Philippines.

Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association

Mike and Charlene McClellan

January 26, 2020

Jeff is greatly missed. He loved His Alive church family. He was active in his Sunday Morning Bible Study Class and also was the substitue teacher. Jeff loved the Lord and had a winsome personality. We would visit him, which he enjoyed, but he so looked forward to his grapes and blueberries we would bring him. We are praying for the family!

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