Ronald Burgett Watson

August 1, 1936---July 14, 2023

Ronald Burgett Watson of Salt Lake City passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, July 14, 2023. He was 86 years old.

One of two children born to Brigham Marcellus Watson and Ruth Maxine Burgett. Ron, along with his younger sister Ann, spent his growing up years in a small house located on the west side of Salt Lake City in the now mythical neighborhood of Kilby Court.

The stories he told of his childhood rivaled those of Tom Sawyer and other boy vagabonds, and while the factual accuracy of some of his exploits may be suspect, the freedom and adventure he felt was undoubtedly real.

Ron attended South High and followed in his father’s footsteps by working part-time at the LDS Hospital as a painter after school. He completed his education and then, on October 2, 1956, Ron was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the country of Australia. He was set apart by Marion D. Hanks on November 13, boarded a boat and arrived in Sydney over a month later.

After completing a successful mission, which included flicking ants into his breakfast as a sweetener, as well as saving souls. Ron returned home and joined the Air Force Reserves, it was also around this time that he attended Trade Tech and became a licensed barber. The Air Force later called him up to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and his barber license led him to a barber shop and a clientele that included Tommy Monson, Marion D. Hanks and other church apostles, one of whom, was rumored to request Ron specifically and refused to let anyone else cut his hair, even if it meant a lengthy wait.

Kilby Court, it turns out, wasn’t just a place for childhood games, but also the starting point for the greatest, most important adventure of his life. A marriage to the girl next door. Patricia Jean Bush.

Ron and Pat were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 9th, 1961, and welcomed their first child, Rebecca a year and a half later. Their sweet boy Glen Ronald arrived next and sadly only lived a few days. Their third child, a girl, Christine was then followed by the arrival of Wendy, Elizabeth, Ryan, Emily, Karyn, and Eric.

In the midst of raising a large family, working at the barber shop, and his ever-increasing responsibilities at the LDS Hospital which now included, carpentry and duties as a working supervisor over hospital maintenance, he received and accepted a call to serve as Bishop of the 26th ward.

By all accounts, he was a good Bishop and did his best to care for and meet the needs of his fellow ward members, both physically and spiritually. Chocolate-covered orange sticks were the reward for those who attended tithing settlement, and he faithfully made visits, gave blessings, and did his best to steer the ship.

Ron worked tirelessly his whole life to provide for his wife and family. His 30 year work career at LDS Hospital enabled his children to participate in many activities such as, basketball, pep club, piano, ballet, drums, cheerleading, horseback riding and more.

The legacy of hardwork and dedication he has instilled in his family will carry on for generations to come. He will be greatly missed.

Ron was preceded in death by his infant son, Glen Ronald, parents Brigham and Ruth Watson and sister, Beverely Ann Anglesey.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Jean Watson, children Rebecca (Russell) Knight, Christine Watson, Wendy Watson, Elizabeth (Dennis) Barnes, Ryan (Yumi) Watson, Emily Watson, Karyn Watson, and Eric Watson. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the 26th Ward Chapel located at 1145 West 500 South, Salt Lake City Utah on July 21, 2023. A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. and funeral services will begin at 11:30. Ron will be laid to rest at Valley View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to Primary Children’s Medical Center would be deeply appreciated.