Donald "Dale" Watson began life on March 13, 1940, at the family  home in Colstrip, Montana; his proud parents were Lyndon (Bud)  and Ruth Kimball Watson. His 2 sisters, Lavina and Beth, and  brother, Lee, completed the family. He grew up near Forsyth,  attending Hammond Valley School and graduating from Forsyth  High School. Some of his happiest times were spent "Out North"  at his grandparents' ranch. Some of his happiest times were  running farm equipment, riding horses and playing with his  siblings and lots of cousins. He loved playing football in high  school then in his 4 years at Northern Montana College. After  serving in the US Army, he began following the family tradition of  ranching. A childhood dream was fulfilled when he later was able  to purchase his grandparents' ranch. Along the way he met and  married Rita Rowe and they shared 54 amazing years of life  together. He was ready to be a daddy so when Grant then Donita  came along, he was thrilled; he loved every minute with them.  Life led him back to NMC where he received a Bachelors and  Masters degree and began over 30 years teaching at Deer Lodge  and FHS. He enjoyed teaching, especially Driver Ed; his students  knew when they had made a mistake when he uttered "Mercy,  Mercy" and sometimes there was even a third "Mercy." He still  has and was recently wearing a cap that his students gave him,  which said "Mercy, Mercy." He balanced teaching, ranching and

his family; he was a very hard worker. In his spare time he was a  4-H leader, bowler, coached football, and sang at various events  around town; he had a beautiful singing voice. His love of football  was completed with Grant playing for FHS, and the several years  later traveling to all of his grandson's football games plus many of  their basketball games. Those grandsons (Kyle, Casey, and  Hunter) were his pride and joy. After he retired from teaching, he  and Rita moved to Belt, where he began a new life style. They  bought a small place there, and he busied himself doing what he  loved—caring for the land and horses. He, Rita, Jim and Donita  were able to visit Rome and Venice, Amsterdam, and Cologne,  Germany; a truly memorable trip. They enjoyed had many visits to  Alaska. They looked forward to boating, fishing, 4 wheeling and  panning for gold with Grant, Lana and boys. Dale loved the Lord  and was active in his church. He was preceded in death by his  grandparents, parents and his brother Lee. He will be missed by  Rita; Grant and Lana Watson; Donita and Jim Madigan; sisters  Lavina (John) Lubinus; Beth (Forrest) Rossman; Kyle, Casey,  Hunter, Cody, and Brandon; Judy Rowe; Josh (Seve)Poppe; Nicky  (Troy) Frank, and many nieces and nephews. Until the very end,  Dale was busy doing what he loved. His was truly a life well  lived.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to

The Emile and Helen Perey Scholarship Fund C/O Terri Brown

PO Box 228

Forsyth MT 59327