William "Bill" Joseph Watson

William (Bill) Joseph Watson, 67, of Snohomish Washington, passed away on August 28, 2025, from health complications due to radiation damage to his throat and neck. After battling Cancer in 2004 and beating it in 2005, with radiation and chemotherapy, the damage long term took its toll on him. He fought long and hard for the past 20 years and endured so much to be here with his family for as long as he could.

Bill was born on August 22, 1958, to Carmen and Elizabeth Watson in Gardena, California. He was the second child of 6 to Carmen and “Betty” and was the oldest son. He was the big brother they looked up to. Later Bill graduated from Gardena High School; after taking a few college courses he landed in a career in Aerospace.

In 1984, Bill met Debbie, a single mom with a 3-year-old daughter at a night club in Long Beach, California. They married in 1986 and welcomed 3 more children. Amy, Robby, Brittany and Holly were raised in Lakewood, California.

In 2014 Bill retired from Northrup and moved to Washington with his wife, looking for a simpler life. He started a new career at Blue Origin building rockets. He was part of the very first successful launch and even hand painted the feather that was on the side of the New Sheppard. After seeing many successful flights, even ones with passengers, Bill retired from Blue Origin in July of this year, just weeks before his passing.

Bill enjoyed drawing, painting, working on cars, doing home improvements and playing with his grandchildren. He never paid anyone to do a job he could do himself, which was everything. He loved playing sports and often coached his kids and grandkids in their sport of choice. He was a huge Dodger, Kings and Seahawks fan. He was a man of God and leaned on his faith.

Bill was predeceased by his mother Betty and father Carmen. Also, his youngest brother Michael Watson.

He is survived by his wife Debra Ann Watson. His daughter Amy Orona and her children Ethan Orona, Emery Tulio and Elyse Pacheco. His son Robby Watson, his wife Kadi Watson and their twin sons Wyatt and Oliver Watson. His daughter Brittany Ewry and her daughter Magnolia Ewry. And his youngest daughter Holly Koshi, her husband Peter Koshi and their son Sawyer Koshi.

As mentioned, Bill was the second oldest of six children. He leaves behind his older sister Robin Karsh, her husband Kerri and her two children Ashley and Kodi. His sister Cheryl Watson and her husband Mark. His brother Steven Watson, his wife Sarah and his two children Steven Jr and Juliana with his three step daughters, Alex, Gaby and Megan, with 2 grandkids, Sean and Lydia. And his youngest sister Denise Watson and her son Preston.

Services for Bill will be held on September 13, 2025, at Purdy & Walters Funeral Home in Lynnwood, Washington at 3pm, with a reception to follow at their home is Snohomish.