7/23/2012
Dr. Robert Milton Watson died July 23, 2012, as a result of injuries sustained in an auto
accident in southern California. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Teri Watson.
He leaves behind four children with former wife, Margo: Jeff, Mark, Steve, and Susan
Hancock; their spouses; 16 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Bob is also
survived by his brother George Watson and his son Michael.
Bob was born in Galva, Iowa, on August 31, 1935, to Arthur Watson and Florence Watson
Baker, who predeceased him.
After graduating from Knoxville High School in 1953, Dr. Watson graduated from State University of Iowa in 1960 with a Doctor of Medicine
degree. He was a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist in private practice
from 1964 to 1997, the majority of those years in Sacramento, California.
Bob served
in the United Air Force Medical Corps from 1966 to 1968 at Mather AFB, California,
where he was chief of the OB-Gyn Department. He was a clinical instructor at the
University of California, Davis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, from 1974
to 1976.
After retiring from private practice in 1997, Bob worked as a Medical Consultant
for the California Department of Health Services, Licensing and Certification. He
enjoyed the change of pace this new career offered him. He formed many close friendships
with his State colleagues. Bob retired from the Department of Health Services in
2004.
Music had always been a big part of Bob's life. After his retirement, Bob pursued
his love of jazz with gusto. He studied advanced piano jazz techniques at American
River College and privately with Jim Jordan and, later, Ron Foggia. As a result,
he became well-known in the area as a top-notch jazz pianist, playing regularly
in many venues and with many different bands. Bob especially enjoyed the weekly
jazz jam sessions held at his home. Bob's children and grandchildren inherited his
musical talent and it brought him much joy to hear them perform.
Anyone interested in making a donation in Bob's memory may write a check to 'ARC
Jazz Band' and send it to: American River College, Dr. Dyne Eifertsen – Music, 4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Dr. Watson's honor on Tuesday, August 7, 2012,
3pm, at Del Paso Country Club, 3333 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, California 95821.
Private burial.
Published in The Sacramento Bee from August 3 to August 5, 2012