John Rowe Watson

John R. (Jack) Watson of Fort Collins and Red Feather Lakes, CO passed away due toliver cancer April 18, 2025. Jack was born to Louis and Bervia Watson December 13,1939. Jack grew up in Peoria, IL and later attended DePauw University. After DepauwJack went on to the University of Wisconsin and eventually completed his PHD at UtahState University with a doctorate in vertebrate zoology.Jack was eclectic gentleman. He was a proficient jazz drummer, horseman,outdoorsman, traveler, farmer, historian, life-long learner and so much more. He willalways be known for the detail and characters in the many stories he told.Jack was involved in many different biology research projects throughout the west. Hespent countless hours in the field learning about the natural world. Jack especially hadspecial knowledge and a love of birds and bears but loved all critters. Jack shared thispassion for nature by teaching biology, zoology, and other sciences locally at ColoradoState University and the University of Northern Colorado.Jack and the love of his life, his wife Ann, shared many adventures involving theoutdoors. This involved building a cabin in Crystal Lakes from the ground up. Jack toldmany stories of the construction project and could almost give the history of each log orbeam in the structure. He and Ann would travel to Crystal Lakes almost every weekendbuilding a family of friends that remain close to this day. Jack was the quintessentialfriend to many and always kept any group he was with entertained. Whether the campcook at the B.A.S.H. fishing derby, the self-designated leader of the Buffoon Outfitters,or the founding member of the Panhandle Creek Social Club, Jack made sure thateveryone in his charge was happy, entertained and well fed. He was a Life member ofFort Collins Elks Lodge #804.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Louis and son James. He issurvived by his wife Ann, his niece Susie Mitchell (Mike), their children Katie and Charlieand a multitude of friends and neighbors throughout the U.S.Memorial contributions can be made in Jack’s name to the Audubon Society or DucksUnlimited to support Jack’s endless love of nature.