Ricky W Watson

Rick Wendell Watson was born on September 18, 1957 in Phoenix, Arizona and died on December 12, 2011 in his home in Placerville, California. In December of 2010, he was diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In September of this year, to the eternal sorrow of his family and friends, he found out that treatment had been unsuccessful. In his last months, he made sure we all knew that the most important things in life to him were family and friends. The strength, courage and steadfastness of his wife Teri and his adored daughter Melanie, the many visits from family both far and near, and the support of his friends and colleagues are a testament to how important he was to us.

Even though Rick lived a short 54 years, he packed more into them than most of us do in 90. He attended no less than five colleges, earning a BA in Biology with an emphasis on entomology from CSU Stanislaus in 1988 at age 31 and a Master’s in Chemistry and Life Sciences in 2010 at age 53 from the University of Maryland.

Rick held over thirteen different jobs in his lifetime as varied as gas station attendant, park ranger, electron microscope instructor and, during the last 22 years, was a life sciences teacher. He taught multiple generations at Camerado Springs Middle School where he earned a reputation as an inspiring teacher despite, or maybe because of, the mealworms his students ate for extra credit and the sheep eyeball bouncing contests held in his classroom. He coached winning girls’ volleyball teams and fencing as well.

Rick enjoyed chopping wood, backpacking, climbing mountains, fishing, brewing beer, playing Fantasy Football, watching Perry Mason, studying genetics and reading about science. Throughout the years, he amassed an astounding number of injuries due to the likes of parachuting, ultra-light flying, and major construction projects on his home. Rick never stood still which was why it was such a good thing he had a lively granddaughter to chase around the house. He collected an amazing and dedicated group of friends who shared these interests with him and who have stood by him with admirable tenacity.

Rick was a man of science and encouraged curiosity and skepticism. His passions were entomology and paleontology. He had a pet tarantula he was fond of and opening the freezer door in his home could be unnerving. Camerado Springs Middle School is establishing an annual science award in his name to honor his dedication to teaching science.

Rick is survived by his wife, Teri Watson, daughter Melanie Freeland and her husband Justin and daughter Kennedi, by mother Winona Watson, by his brother and best friend Randy Watson, his wife Karen and their children and grandchild, and by big sister Dena Watson-Lamprey, her husband Wayne and their children and grandchildren. Rick’s father Ray died in 1984.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on January 7, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Camerado Springs Middle School Multi-purpose room, Cameron Park, California.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Pines, Placerville, CA.