Basil Manley Watson often referred to as “Bas” was born on Thursday May 1st 1941 in Cambridge, St. James, Jamaica to Linda McLeod and Claudius Watson. He was the second child of six siblings, Cloyd Brown, Hyacinth (Livie) Waite (deceased), George Watson (deceased), Marva Forde, and his baby sister Thelma (Gracie) Yong. He spent most of his childhood years living with his beloved Grandmother Ada McLeod and Grandfather William McLeod and his favorite cousin Evert Davis. He later moved to 6 Rashford Avenue in Rollington Town, Kingston. There he attended Winward Road School and then Tutorial College.
In his early adult life Basil moved to Mandeville, Manchester and began a career in accounting at Mandeville Parish Council and then the Alcan Bauxite Company. He later became a business man pursuing many opportunities such as his own restaurant and club, swap shop, real estate agency, car rental business, independent distributor at the Jamaica Herald, life insurance agent, telephone sales manager, school bus driver and most recently a steward at the Hollywood Seminole Hardrock Gaming Casino. He would often say, “I didn’t sit around and play dead, I jumped around and did a little of everything.”
In the late 1960’s Basil met Millicent Elease Vernon they dated for several years then got married on August 11th 1976. They had three children together, Mario (also known as Jim), Ali, and the youngest Judith (also known as Juds). Basil also had four additional children the eldest which are twins Steve and Yvonne, and also Julie-Anne and Roger. Basil was very proud of all his children and their achievements and enjoyed reasoning with them and visiting them and his grandchildren.
Bas enjoyed life immensely, he travelled to many countries around the world and was known as the life of the party. The fun didn’t get started until Bas arrived. Everyone would know that he was present when they heard his grandiose laughter. His heartfelt infectious laughter would resonate throughout the room and even heard outside in the street wherever he was. Basil was quite humorous and loved life, his friends, good conversation and of course his glass of white rum. Bas was very charming and charismatic as a result he was loved by the ladies, he would say “I don’t know what I do, why dem love mi suh” but let’s skip that part for now. He had an entourage of close friends over the years whom he cherished dearly these include, uncles: Scorcher, Floyd, Buster, Bailey, Roland, Wesley, Tony, Charlie (deceased), Crosby, Colin, Rod, Wilbert (deceased), Fascil (deceased) and many more.
His health and fitness were very important to him he would walk for many miles every day and when he got home, he would say, “mi just caah tyad.” His children can tell you, the smell of ginger and garlic was forever present around the house and he knew what every bush or herb was good for when he made his famous concoctions. His passion for sports influenced this interest in his children who were very athletic and often seen running and walking with him or participating in numerous sporting events. He appreciated listening to good old classic music, watching westerns and an exciting boxing match. Basil was also a very spiritual man, he confidently believed in the Almighty God and was open to many religious perspectives. He very often read his bible and acknowledged that he was blessed by God and indeed he was in so many ways.
In November 2015 Basil migrated to South Florida and lived with his youngest child Judith (Juds) whom he adored. They shared a special bond and enjoyed many happy moments together such as going on cruises, watching movies, dining out, attending conventions, long walks on the beach, playing dominoes, visiting friends, and so much more. His migration to the United States also allowed for him to travel to different states to visit all of his children and some of his lifelong friends. He was never one to just stay home and do nothing so he applied for a job at the Seminole Hardrock Casino and abundantly enjoyed his short career there. He would always talk about how much his coworkers and boss loved him and all the compliments he would get, especially for being so willing and strong at his age. Sadly, in April 2021 Basil took ill and passed away on Sunday, July 4th 2021.
In addition to his children and siblings Basil leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Crystal, Brittnie, Tyreq, Symone, Nicholassebastian, Charvis, Jeremiah, Aliyah, Natalie, Nathaniel. One great grandchild Sebastian, many nieces, nephews, cousins and precious friends. Basil was loved by so many and his signature laughter and humor will always be remembered.
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