Benjamin Franklin Watson was born on December 5, 1948, in Farmington, Michigan, to Jack and Mabel "Bee" Watson. The second of five children in the rural countryside, Ben grew up with an impassioned duty to provide for his family by trapping game for dinner and collecting fresh spring water to drink. Always up for a challenge and good fun, stories of Benny's hunting, fishing, and daredevil adventures were shared around all the dinner tables of the neighborhood. However, his boyhood escapades aren't his lasting legacy. Even from an early age, when people talked about Benny, they talked most about the tender way he treated people. Everyone was significant to Ben, and he had the rare gift of discovering not only what people needed but how he could be of help.

Later in life, Ben would present his delicious treats from the kitchen with a huge grin and exclaim, "It's all natural stuff. Didn't have to add anything else to make it taste good!" We tend to think that's what God thought too when he formed Ben, using simple yet impactful gifts, pure yet approachable values. Made in God's image, Ben reflected God's delight in creation. As a young man working at Steinkopf Nursery, Ben took quiet moments to observe the intricacies of different plants, flowers, and trees. Years later, with only a glance at the vast landscapes of nature, Ben could point to each sprout by name and explain their needs as only someone who had given them tender care could do. Ben also delighted in hearing birdsongs on his morning walks and in catching fish on frozen lakes, in summer streams, and over the calm ocean harbor. Simply stated, Ben delighted in God's creation.

Ben used his gifts of artistry and ingenuity to bring God glory. After completing his apprenticeship as a master craftsman, Ben became skilled in all parts of construction including cement pouring, dry wall installation, painting, and especially carpentry. Ben's creations met the physical needs of others and nurtured their souls with the very substance of fellowship and hope. We know God took great pleasure that Ben's slow and obedient craftsmanship whispered eternal things that words cannot convey. Ben not only created new works, but he repaired what was broken. Ben saw repairs as a glad opportunity to show good stewardship of blessings given to him, and he met each task before him with gentleness and generosity of spirit.

More than anything, Ben showed unbridled love for people. His skills and care for others came together during his 27-year-career as master carpenter and all-around "Mr. Fix It" for Farmington Public Schools. Generations of children laughed at his Donald Duck impersonations and colleagues took great relief that Ben was only a call away to fix any problem and tell a funny joke as he worked. Nothing warmed our hearts more than Ben's twinkling eyes, raised eyebrows, and broad smile after he told a joke.

It was during his time with the schools that Ben met the love of his life, Julia. Ben will be remembered by many names (Ben, Benny, Papa Ben, Papa, Grampa, Papa Duck), but his most treasured role was as Julia's husband. Together, Ben and Julia worked, retired, traveled, cooked, walked, laughed, and dreamed. Together, they asked Jesus into their hearts as their Lord and Savior and lived each day with purpose and thanksgiving. Julia rejoices that Ben is together with Jesus saving her a seat right next to him with twinkling eyes, raised eyebrows, and a broad smile.

Ben is remembered and loved by his beloved wife, Julia Watson; his daughter Ammie Watson and her children Zachary, Zander, Gavin, and Shelby; his son Evan (Leigh Ann) Roehm and their children Keira and Elle Leigh; his son Matthew (Erin) Clark and their son Dominic; his son Kristopher (Donna Jo) Clark and their children Konnor, Addy, Elly, and Knoxton; his son Aaron (Courtney) Clark; his sister Joan Miracle; his sisters-in law Karen Watson, Betty (Bob) Brindley, Sally (Bill) Schaab, Nancy Wyngaard, and Lynette Oser; his brothers-in-law Dennis (Jean) Oser and Patrick (Deborah) Oser; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends upon friends upon friends.

Ben was welcomed in Glory by His Savior, Jesus Christ; his mother Bee; his Gramp Merle; brothers Jack, Skeet and Merle; his mother-in-law Betty Oser; his brothers-in-law Mike Wyngaard and Steven Oser; and nephews Tyler Toll and Cody Oser.

We will celebrate Ben's life on January 3, 2021, at 1:00 p.m Pacific Standard Time at South Shores Church in Dana Point, California. Pastor Ty Guy will lead the service. A link to the simulcast for virtual viewing will be posted once provided by the church.

Donations in Ben's honor can be made to the church at https://www.southshores.org/give.

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 1:3