Michael Arthur Watts

Michael Arthur Watts died at the University of Washington Medical Center on July 20, 2016, in Seattle, Washington at the age of 60 from a primary cancer of the heart. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Ann (Annie) Watts; his sons Arthur (Mac) Watts and Andy Watts of Renton, WA; his daughter Erin Hallman of Dallas, GA; and ten beautiful grandchildren. His daughter, Heather, preceded him to the arms of the Lord. Mike was born on the 18th of November, 1955, in San Pedro, CA. He was a man who believed in life-long learning, acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering from New Mexico Institute of Mines and Technology (now known as New Mexico Tech), a Masters of Education majoring in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National University, and a Masters Certificate of Project Management from George Washington University. His skills were as impressive and varied as his degrees. Mike was accomplished at everything he set his mind to and soaked up information like a sponge and then effortlessly and clearly could explain even the most complicated concepts to anyone, at any level. He was a generous, loving friend to all who have been fortunate enough to know him. As his walk with Jesus matured, his relationships provided others with a glimpse into the heart of his Lord and Savior. He was passionate about life, and a life more abundant for himself and all those he met. Michael was a musician, artist, scuba diver, writer, engineer, teacher, pilot, seaman, traveler, and adventurer a man for all seasons, a man for all reasons. He loved to play his ukulele, and his sonorous singing voice was a joy to all. His lovely watercolor fish paintings brought his scuba trips in the tropics to the cold north of Alaska. An engineer who could write? Yes. Mike was that, too. He brought color to everyday life, and his stories of his adventures were breathtaking. He was scuba diving at 12, and became an able-bodied seaman at 16. He lived to travel and learn. It was all about the adventure! He joined the Air Force at 18 and because of his amazing abilities, he was immediately placed in high-tech, secret work that took him all over the world, including being shot down and fighting his way out of Laos and Cambodia. Saved while attending New Mexico Tech in Socorro, NM, Mike and Annie set down deep roots there and every other place they lived after that miracle of God. In the 90s, he worked for ARCO as a corrosion engineer and later as a facilities engineer. When ARCO was sold, he tried to retire. It didnt take. So, characteristically, he went back to school and became a teacher. He chose to teach middle-school age kids one of the most difficult age groups. His desire was to catch kids just as they were waking up, and show them the joy of learning, the excitement of the scientific world, and the pure elegance of mathematics. He returned to engineering when many teachers were being laid off. As usual, he was considering others in this decision he could find work as an engineer, but the majority of the teachers being laid off had no other career to return to. So back to Alaska he went. He became a project management professional (PMP), working for BP as a lead development engineer. Two Alaska events are currently planned in celebration and memory of Mikes life. On Sunday, August 7, beginning at 1 PM, there will be a picnic barbeque. If you have an instrument, bring it! Well sing some of Mikes favorite songs and enjoy telling stories about him. For directions, please email us at [email protected]. On Tuesday, August 9th, from 6 9 PM, there will be a celebration of Mikes life at the First Assembly of God in Anchorage, at the corner of 15th and C Streets. There will also be a memorial in Silver Springs NV, and a large get-together in San Pedro, CA. Those dates are pending. Everyone is welcome to attend any and all of the gatherings. For updated information, email us at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Welcome Home to the USA(r) , a fledgling organization whose goal is a holistic, faith-based, case-managed, 24/7 reintegration resource for all veterans who are transitioning from Active Duty to the civilian world. Michael was involved in the establishment of this much-needed organization. His daughter, Erin, posted this after his death: Late last night we lost our Michael Watts. I keep typing out posts and deleting them and typing and deleting because there are no words that are sufficient to explaining what he meant to me and my family. He has been not just my step father but my "other" father. He has literally loved me since I was born. His love for God was something I will always look up to. A few things I am thankful for and will miss are: 1) His love for my Mama. He loved her deeply and without failing. I always knew she was taken care of and cherished. 2) The nomad in him matches the drifter in mama. Like peas and carrots. They literally were made for each other. 3) His love for adventure. He was willing to try and do about anything! 4) His yearly broke bones! Oh heavens, he was not afraid to play hard and try new things. 5) Walking in the room and hearing him and Tori on the phone just chatting away about "stuff". Her search for answers and his love of teaching solidified a bond that was precious and unshakable. I will be forever grateful for his love for his grandchildren (and he had 10!). He blossomed to a new level when he became a grandpa. 6) His vast knowledge. He knew everything about everything.....I'm not lying....EVERYTHING. And if you asked him to teach you something his eyes lit up with excitement. 7) His laugh! He had a laugh that made you think a giant was in the room. He bellowed from deep in the belly and was infectious. I wish I had a recording of it so that I could play it often, it is probably one of my favorite things about him. 8) His love for me. Every time I talked to him his voice would take on a sweet soft tone. His tone always told me he missed me, love me and he was pleased to be talking to me without him having to say the words. It melted me every time. Plus I knew I could get him to do anything. 9) His love and respect for Patrick. From day one he and Patrick Hallman were drawn together. I am thankful that he was free with that love and that over the years they developed a friendship that was only between the 2 of them. 10) His eyes. Those eyes were expressive. They would show his emotions. You would always know when he was up to something, his eyes gave him away. I wish I could have 1 more conversation with him to hear his voice and look into his eyes and tell him all the things that he deserves to know and ask him all the questions that I haven't gotten to ask him yet but I am thankful Jesus has him in his arms and that I get to see him again soon.