Ralph Leroy Watkins
September 30, 1929 - August 6, 2015
Obituary
Ralph Leroy “Roy” Watkins, 85, was born on September 30, 1929 in Yakima, WA to Ralph Osborne Watkins and Helen Margaret Watkins. He died in Seattle, WA on August 6, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lois Ann Watkins of Seattle, WA, his daughters Trula (David) LeBleue of Shelton, WA, Carol Wachana of Stevenson, WA, Catherine Watkins of Edmonds, WA, and his son Russell (Lois) Watkins of Woodbridge, Virginia, as well as 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Dale Watkins, his brothers Robert “Bob” Watkins and Gerald “Jerry” Watkins, and his sister Clara “Louise” Swain.
Ralph worked his way up to become a civil engineer after being employed by various companies, including Boeing and the City of Seattle, from which he retired after 22 years. He worked on numerous projects creating maps and designing traffic signs. He conducted research to assist in the placement of Metro Bus stops in Seattle and in the creation of smooth alternative-traffic routes for special events, such as Seafair. Many of his maps, traffic signs, and alternative routes are still in use today.
Ralph had many hobbies, including square dancing, travel, and playing card games. He enjoyed collecting and using souvenir card decks he acquired on his travels. An avid card player, especially of Bridge and Pinochle, he was responsible for organizing numerous card tournaments throughout his life at his places of work, his communities both before and after he retired to Providence Point, and at Foss Nursing Home where he spent the last few years of his life.
Many thanks to his family, friends, and colleagues for making his life full of joy and happiness, and for the employees at both Providence Point and Foss Nursing Home for their love and compassion, greatly contributing to his happy and fulfilling life.
His funeral service will be held Friday, August 28th from 10:00 AM -1:00 PM at Bonney-Watson, 1732 Broadway, Seattle, WA.
Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Friends and family may leave remembrances by visiting www.BonneyWatson.com
Please RSVP for services to RalphLeroyWatkins@gmail.com
I will miss Roy very much. We had a very special relationship, one in which we both enjoyed over many years. Our conversation over the years covered many topic and I know I will miss those conversations in the coming years. Roy was very special to me.