Richard S. “Dick” Watt

Richard S. “Dick” Watt, 89, passed away on July 28, 2016 at the Auburn home where he lived for 48 years.

He was born and educated in Yonkers, New York. He sold newspaper advertising for the Yonkers Herald-Statesman, and later for the Auburn Sun when he came to Washington in 1953 to visit his brother, met his future wife, and never left. He wed Dorothy Melin, an Auburn teacher, on August 27, 1955 and they lived here throughout their marriage.

They traveled extensively, visiting family in Texas, California and New York, and took a cross-country trip after retirement. Dick worked at several sales jobs, including the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, for Sunset Laundry in Auburn and Peerless Laundry in Tacoma. He was also a 25-year volunteer with the Auburn Fire Department.

He was a 65-year member of the Masonic lodge, both Rising Star Lodge No. 450 in Yonkers and Thornton F. McElroy Lodge No. 302, Federal Way. He an adviser to Masonic youth organizations before, during and after his children’s participation.

His wife, Dorothy, predeceased him in 2004, and Dick visited her nearly every day at Mountain View Cemetery. He also is predeceased by his brother, Don Watt, and sisters Janet Watt and Betty McDonald.

Surviving are his children, Richard S. Watt, Jr., (Lois) and Peggy Watt (Mark O’Deady); granddaughter Moira O’Deady Darone; great-grandchildren, Spencer and Avery; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 27 at Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn with a celebration of life following. Memorials to the Dorothy and Dick Watt Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Auburn School District or to White River Museum. Contact us at watt@odeady.com.