Roy Watson

ROCHESTER -A beautiful fall evening to have been in the Northwoods.Age 90 of Rochester, MN, Roy Watson passed away peacefully on September 10.Born in the Damon Hotel on October 22, 1921; graduate of Rochester High School 1939; graduate of both Dartmouth College 1943 & Cornell University 1948.Degrees received in Economics, Political Science & BA Hotel Administration. Proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Commander on the USS Makassar Strait engaging in campaigns at Iwo Jima & Okinawa. A third generation hotelier, an original inductee to the Hospitality MN Hall of Fame, 2005.Watson served as General Manager of the Kahler Hotel, President and Chairman of the Board of the Kahler Hotel Corp, 1952- 1982; President of the American Hotel & Motel Association, 1964; President MN Motel & Hotel Association, 1955; President of Honor Inter-American Hotel Association, 1973; Vice President International Hotel Association, 1976; President and Trustee of The Educational Institute of AH & MA, 1961-1973. Eagle Scout designation received, 1940. Passionate about the city of Rochester and all Minnesota sports, gave generously & actively served many civic organizations: American Legion, Rochester Chamber & JR. Chamber of Commerce,Rochester Methodist Hospital Director, 1954-1980, Rochester Youth Football, Baseball, Hockey Associations (Director & Coach); Olmsted County History Center.President City of Rochester Park Board, 1969-1981.Most recently, President Olmsted County Park Board 2005-2011. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; three children, Roy Steven Watson,Kimberly Maude Watson,and W.W. Watty Watson; grandchildren, Kiley, William W, Steven Blake; brother, Dr. John Watson. Roy is preceded in death by a son, Michael; granddaughter Shannon Nicole; two sisters, Margie (Watson) Drosos & Dr. Eleanor (Watson) Duncan. Was loved and respected by everyone he met.An esteemed outdoorsman in the Boundary Waters, he loved the Northwoods.If Heaven is anything like the Northwoods in the fall, I will like it just fine! A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Friday, September 14, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home.Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine and an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.A Masonic Service will take place at 7 P.M. on Thursday. Memorials can be directed to the Rochester First Tee Jr. Golf Program. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW,Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com