Bruce Douglas Watson, 69, husband, father and grandfather, and friend to many, died peacefully at his home in The Dalles, Oregon, February 27, following an eight-year fight with pancreatic cancer. He outlived almost everyone who has had the deadly disease. He was a fighter.

Bruce was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. As soon as he was able to, he left home and began his higher education. In 1971 he recieved a B.S in psychology from Dartmouth, 1976 a B.S in Zoology from the University of Massachusetts, and from 1981-83 he worked in the master’s program at the University of Idaho in Moscow. He worked for the Yakima Tribe as a fish biologist from 1984 to 2001, working on projects for the recovery of salmon. From 2001 to 2010 he worked on Vashon Island, Washington, for Mobrand Biometrics as a fish biologist. Besides his love of fish and the work he did to help bring them back, he was a technical writer and most recently helped write The Power of 10 by Rugger Burke, and The Benefits of Low Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy for his oncologist, Dr. Chen.

Bruce, an avid traveler, loved the outdoors, taking month-long treks across the Tetons, biking across the country, fishing, exploring and living life to the fullest. When he met his wife, Judi Blaze, in 2001, they traveled everywhere together, spending winters in Arizona or Mexico. He led a spiritual life, following a Buddhist path. He was selfless, kind, giving, and caring. Everyone who met him loved him.

His real passion, however, was his family. He is survived by his wife Judi, daughter Sarah Downen and her husband Brad, their daughters Gracie and Charlie, son Carl Watson, stepsons Arius Blaze and Cory Day, and stepdaughter Nicole Day. His other grandchildren include Lexy Day, Solomon and Una Price-Blaze, Colton Day, and great grandchildren Avery and Paisley. His best friend Ron is only one of the many friends who loved him, as well as all of his cousins in Ohio. From the East Coast to the West Coast, his friends were many.

He will be missed by everyone. The world was a better place with him in it and those who knew him will always have a void but he will be there in spirit. We love you Bruce.

There will be a memorial service for Bruce on Vashon Island in July. Date and time will be announced.