Robert Dayton Watson, 93

Robert Dayton Watson, Presbyterian Home, North Oaks, Minn., was born July 1, 1916 in Milaca, Minn. and died on Jan. 6, 2009.

Growing up in Farmington, Bob was an Eagle Scout, a star athlete, the Minnesota state champion in the 440-yard dash (51.3 seconds), a record which he held for decades. After graduating from the University of Minnesota and serving as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, Bob worked for Pillsbury from 1946 to 1970, rising to corporate vice president of personnel and organization. He subsequently worked for many years with a company he co-founded, Balch and Watson, an executive search agency. He came from a small town and loved to travel the world, working in Sri Lanka and Jakarta.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Helen Kriechbaum Watson.

Robert is survived by his wife Loranda McNulty Watson; sons John Watson (Janet) and Steven Watson; his stepchildren Craig McNulty (Betsy), Charlotte Reed (Bill) and Loranda McLeete (Paul); grandson, Philip Watson; and step-grandchildren Tyler and Molly McLeete, William Trask and John Reed, Anne Haase (Aaron) and William McNulty.

Bob was an admired team player in his long professional work, a man who continued his friendships forever, an ardently inspiring father, a genially adventurous traveler and an engaged grandfather. We who have known him in all these roles celebrate his extraordinarily fruitful life. We thank him for many things he has given to us.

In 2003, he started the Robert Watson scholarship for high school students who demonstrate leadership and sportsmanship. Memorials are preferred to Farmington Area Education Foundation, Robert Watson Scholarship, PO Box 296, Farmington, Minn., 55024.

A reception in Bob’s honor was held on Jan. 14, at the Lafayette Club, Minnetonka Beach, Minn.

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