Theodore R. Watson, Sr.

Theodore Raymond Watson, Sr., age 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly due to severe complications from Covid on January 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born in Hastings, Nebraska on April 28, 1941, Ted’s life was a remarkable journey of love, service and accomplishment.

Ted met the love of his life, Emma Ann (McGraw) Watson, at a college dance in Evanston, Illinois, where his warmth and intelligence immediately captured her attention. Married on June 17, 1964, the couple recently celebrated over 60 enchanting years of marriage, a partnership defined by the deep love of their family, adventure and unwavering dedication to leaving this world a better place. Their shared song, "Some Enchanted Evening," perfectly reflects their extraordinary life together.

Ted and Emma traveled the globe, visiting all seven continents, 135 countries, and all 50 U.S. states. Among their destinations, their trips to the Galápagos Islands, Africa, the Amazon, New Zealand, Australia, Hawai’i and the Antarctic still hold a special place in Emma’s heart. Ted’s love for exploration extended to both cycling and sailing. He completed 18 DALMAC bicycle trips and even rode through the Scottish Highlands, clocking over 85,000 lifetime miles on his bike. As avid sailors, Ted and Emma enjoyed boating and sharing countless adventures on the water together ~ the warm sun and cool breeze, salty or not, upon their faces.

Ted’s academic journey was equally impressive. He earned his Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Northwestern University in 1964, followed by a doctorate in biochemistry and microbiology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1969. Ted was a proud member of Sigma Xi, an international scientific research honor society and the American Chemical Society. He led the Cancer Research programs for the State of Michigan Department of Public Health with groundbreaking contributions. Serving as Quality Control Director, Ted played a pivotal role in discovering the treatment for Legionnaires' disease as part of the Legionella Pneumophilia Project with the US Center for Disease Control. Additionally, he manufactured many vaccines, including rabies and DPT, ensuring the health and safety of countless individuals.

Ted’s commitment to society extended far beyond his professional achievements. He was active in Rotary International, a proud member of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and a valuable volunteer for the Inland Seas Education Association, teaching children about the Great Lakes. His contributions as Zoning Commissioner for Leelanau County and as an active board member of the Suttons Bay Congregational Church and the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Traverse City further reflected his dedication to improving the world around him.

Throughout his life accomplishments, Ted remained a devoted family man. He cherished his countless conversations with Ann and his fishing trips to Canada with Ted Jr., his brother and nephew. Ted found immense joy spending time with his twin granddaughters, Adeline Emma and Virginia Grace. He was in awe of them from the moment they were born, often marveling at their distinct personalities.

Ted’s dry sense of humor, kind heart and dynamic personality endeared him to all who knew him. His life’s work, both professionally and personally, was dedicated to the betterment of society, leaving a legacy of humanitarianism to inspire the future.

Ted is survived by his cherished wife, Emma; his children, Ann Elizabeth Watson Shane (Jeffrey Lynn) and Theodore Raymond Watson, Jr. (Lori Ann) and his grandchildren, Adeline Emma and Virginia Grace Watson; his siblings, Edward A. Watson, Jr. (Katie) and Mary Rocheleau (Mark), along with nephews and niece: Geoffrey Watson and Matthew, Ryan and Sarah Hartman. Ted also leaves behind his cherished cousins, extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia Ruth and Edward Albert Watson, MD, and his nephew, Aaron E. Watson.

A celebration of Ted’s extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Portage, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, his family respectfully request that donations be made to the Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation at diabetesaction.org .

Ted’s life was a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the world through service, dedication and adventure. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will continue to touch lives for generations to come.