David Watson

David “Buck” Kenneth Watson

David “Buck” Kenneth Watson, a lifetime Hibbing resident, died on Monday December 24th 2018 after courageously battling prostate cancer and its complications for over 11 years.

He was a Hibbing High School and Hibbing Community College graduate.

David was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Boy Scout Troop 2, Presbyterian Church, National Guard 47th Infantry Viking Division, American Veterans, Detroit Diesel’s Craftsmen’s Guild, Loyal Order of the Moose – 1510, Elks Lodge 1022, Hibbing Sportsmen’s Club, Hibbing Rifle & Pistol Club, Hibbing Chisholm Chapter – MN Deer Hunters Association, Ducks Unlimited, Jokers and East Range Vintage Auto Clubs.  He had been an Assistant Youth Hockey Coach and an Assistant Scout Master of O.S.L.C. Troop 17.  David had been employed for over 34 years at General Diesel as a Class A Senior Diesel Mechanic.

David was a mechanical genius and a man of many hobbies.  Hunting, fishing, and participating in car shows or cruises in his 1965 red Chevrolet Impala convertible of which David was the original owner.  (‘Good Vibrations’ by the Beach Boys was always playing and was his favorite song).  He never gave up the search for his first car; a 1950 pink Ford convertible which he had customized.

David enjoyed attending and watching the Twins, Wild, Vikings, and especially the Duluth Bulldogs games and faithfully followed Kevin McHale’s career.  He always looked forward to morning coffee with friends.

David loved the cabin and property at Big Sturgeon Lake where he would go jet skiing, four-wheeling, and made sure God’s humming birds were fed.

David “Buck” is survived by his wife of 51 years, Constance “Doe” Cummings Watson who he married on St. Patrick’s Day 1967. They raised three incredible, loving children; Davi (Laura) of Burnsville, MN, Kari (Brian – who David considered to be a son) of Chisago City, MN, Dani (Christina Liesmaki) of Big Sturgeon Lake, MN. Grandchildren Tyler and Karli shared countless adventures with Buck and were loved to the moon and back by their grandfather.  His yellow Labrador, Tracker, was his devoted companion.  Every morning David would make him toast heaped with peanut butter to share with him and the grand dogs; Olivia, Oliver, and Remington when they were visiting.  Dave also cared for his nephews Dean Larson, Scott Welsh, and Brian Welsh.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edith (Kosola) and Kenneth Watson.

Per David’s request there will be a private celebration of his life at a later date at the Pilgrim’s Chapel in Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Hibbing.  The Rev. Kevin Olson will officiate.   Interment will be in the O.S.L.C.’s columbarium-niche #8.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.