Wayne Walter Watts, Sr., Age 79, a longtime Bow, Washington resident, passed away at home May 7, 2023, surrounded by his family.  He was born April 10, 1944, in Hot Springs, South Dakota to Alfred L. and Yvonna ‘Bonnie’ (Welch) Watts.  His sister, Ida Lynn Walter, 67 and brother, Charlie Alan Cox, 63 are still alive and well, living in South Dakota.

Wayne served in the Navy from 1961 to 1965 during the Viet Nam Conflict.  From this time, he made many lifelong friends, some that have passed and others that carry on their friendship and brotherhood in their hearts to this day.  He has, from this brotherhood, met others like himself who have walked a road that very few have travelled.  This brought a smile to his face many times because no one wants to be alone in this world.  He was also a member of the American Legion.

On February 8, 1964, Wayne married Mary Catherine Pilkenton.  Over the next 10 years, they were blessed with four children.  He and his family sold their home in La Verne, CA and settled in Skagit Valley on June 1, 1975.  Wayne and Mary have made their home on Bow Hill ever since.  Wayne was always a hard worker in everything he did.  With his family’s help, he built their forever home here.  To this day, it stands as a memorial to what hard work, dedication, and love of family can accomplish.  During the rest of his life, he and his wife, Mary, lived out their lives to the very end surrounded by family and love.

Wayne and Mary were raised to be religious, and this was shown by their deeds.  There was nary a year that they did not help out those that needed a little extra assistance.  He was so joyful of the pictures and paintings that he made so that he could give them to the church and children as gifts or playing Santa in the hope of bringing a smile to a child’s face.  He was always ready to help others whether through deeds or words.  As his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren can attest.

His many interests also included, trains (both model and full size), painting, woodworking, construction (many fields), fishing, outdoor activities in general, and the verbalization of Hooey.

Later in life, he found a group of like-minded individuals in a Motorcycle Club called the Nam Vets Nomad.  From this association, he, Kilo to his fellow members, travelled far and wide on his motorcycle.  Even making two trips around this great country we have.  Getting off the beaten path, just to see what is around the next corner.

He is survived by his sons, Wayne Watts, Jr and his wife, Rowena, Micheal Watts and Charlie Watts; daughter, Laura Lynn Garon and her husband, Timothy; he has been blessed with 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Bonnie, and his wife, Mary.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Bow Cemetery with Military Honors.  Reverend Rodney Woodcock of the Skagit Valley Baptist Church will be presiding over the service.  Share your memories of Wayne and sign the online guest register.