Dear family,

My condolences for your loss. Dr. Watson was my professor in 2002 and 2003 at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health---I want you to know that he left an indelible impression on me and did his very best to prepare his students for the COVID-19 pandemic. I took several of his classes at the school and he mentored me on my MPH dissertation---I am now a funded investigator at Brown University's School of Public Health and have spent much of my career researching the effects of disasters on nursing home residents--an idea and course of research that I first discussed with him years ago as a geriatrics fellow and MPH student. I was very fortunate to have gotten to know Sam and  I have wondered in recent days what he would say about this pandemic. I hope you are staying safe.

All best

David Dosa, MD, MPH
david_dosa@brown.edu

Sam was a devoted Deke (Delta Kappa Epsilon) at Lafayette.  It was an honor to have mentored him and to have shared many fun times together.  
I am very proud to have been a friend and brother to this hero.
Ed (Bucky) Case (ejcaseinc@aol.com)

Our condolences to you and your family as well .... God bless you!

Wendy and family,

I had the privilege to meet Sam during my deployment in 2010.  Sam was an exceptional colleague and a trusted mentor to me.  I will always cherish the memories I have of Sam and the wisdom he has shared with me over the years.  Sam, we have the watch my friend, may  you rest in peace.  Chief Garcia

May Care and Love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.  Our most sincere condolences, the Garcia Family.

I knew Col. Samuel Watson during his service in Iraq. It was a great opportunity and a privilege to work with such a loving and wise person. His guidance and care taught me a lot. Rest in peace dear friend. 
Your friend Ahmed !

Colonel Watson was a great man, leader and mentor.  I echo Paul’s words about how great an inspiration he was while working with him at Camp Echo.   From s’mores in Hannah’s Cabana around the campfire, to enjoying a meal at Eden Center in honor of the fall of Saigon Samuel imparted great wisdom through his incredible experiences and provided a wealth of advice, guidance, and inspiration to me personally and professionally (and to many others) through the years.  Until we meet again Sir!  To Samuel’s family, take comfort in knowing he is a true hero, mentor, and leader that served his country in ways you can never imagined and has inspired many others to do the same.  With all my love and respect, Terry Alston

Sam was one of the most extraordinary persons I have met in my lifetime.  It was a privilege to serve with him in Iraq.  In a place where the U.S. Government would ordinarily be pulling civilians out--we went in.  It was surreal in many ways as the base we were on reminded me of a "wild west" town.  In the face of so many obstacles, Sam maintained a positive and "can do" attidude that we all could try to emulate but never reach his level.  He was serious about his mission and achieved so much in the Province of Diwaniyah.  Yet he liked to banter and tell stories that entertained and educated us all.  I appreciated the times post Iraq that we would gather at Martin's in Georgetown for a drink and reminisce about sand storms, sitting around a fire in Hannah's garden and DEFAC food.  I am always glad that he was home for Christmas 2010 as it took him out of harm's way, a real blessing.  Much love to his family.  Paul

Dear Wendy,

We have very fond memories of Sam going all the way back to the Married Couples Group days. His contributions to our church and our country were enormous and will be grately missed. We regret that we are unable to attend Friday's service but wanted you to know that you and your family are in our prayers.

Lydia and Ralph

Wendy and family,

Please accept this assurance that our thoughts are with you .....and our memories of  Sam  are very are very fond and warm.

Dear Wendy.  I am sorry to hear about Sam.  I hope you and Peter are holding each other together.  I wish I could attend the memorial service but will be away all that week.  Blessings to you both.  Moira

OBITUARY

Col. Samuel Johnston Watson III

8 July, 1939 – 23 December, 2019

Demaine Funeral Home

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