Stephen J. Watson, BHS 1966

Stephen J. Watson,.BHS 1966

Stephen J. Watson,. Steve fought a courageous 27 month battle with brain cancer, but finally succumbed on Monday February 7th, 2011. He was 62 years old. He died in his Cloverdale home with his devoted wife Sue by his side.

Steve was born in New York City in 1948. He lived in Leonia, New Jersey, until the age of eight, when he and his family moved to Burbank, CA. There he attended Bret Harte grade school, Luther Burbank Junior High, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1966. He then went to Los Angeles Pierce College earning an AA degree, U.C. Northridge, and Sonoma State University, earning his BA degree in 1974. It took him a while to get his degrees, but he was working full time to support himself, and having a good time while doing so. He was a true child of the 60's! He was a member of the Boy Scouts, Cloverdale Lion's Club, and the Redwood Empire Trail Riders.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Sue of 37 years; brother Rick (Diana), sister Debbie (Dallas); and nephews Jonathan and Michael. He was preceded in death by his father William and mother Lynne. There are far too many family and friends to name, who loved him, and will miss him dearly. Steve worked hard all his life, whether at his job of 32 years at McLea's Tire or at home on his ranch in Cloverdale. He had a good work ethic and a great sense of humor. He believed in responsibility, honesty, and a job well done.

He loved to fish, hike, help others, and work on cars. His last project was rebuilding a 1969 jeep on a 1976 frame. He was unable to complete the job due to his illness, but many friends chipped in to help see it through, so that he could take one last trip in it to Death Valley in December 2010. It was hard to get him to take a vacation at all, as he loved staying home working on his many projects. He was the ultimate handyman who could make or fix anything. The city boy became a country gentleman. As per his wishes, there will be no service at this time. Donations in Steve's name may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, http://www.braintumor.org/.

Published in the Press Democrat from February 12 to February 13, 2011