UBSC Obituary: Richard S. (Dick) Watt

Published in Denver Post on February 23, 2011:

Richard Watt

Watt, Richard S. "Dick", January 15, 1935 - February 19, 2011, died at his home in Denver, CO, after battling a long illness.

Born in Cleveland, OH, he earned a M.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland. After serving as a Lieutenant in the USAF and earning the Air Force Commendation Medal, Dick worked at IBM, followed by a long and successful career in the banking industry.

He moved his family to Colorado in 1974 when he accepted the role of vice president of United Banks Service Co. Once promoted to president, he remained with UBSC, through the Norwest and Wells Fargo acquisitions, until his retirement in 1998.

Dick's admirable list of volunteer workings included The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (amongst other roles acted as chairman of the Light Rail Task Force and earned the Del Hock Lifetime Achievement Award for 2001-2002), Corporate Alliance for Better Air, DRCOG (served on several committees and assumed role as an ombudsman following retirement), Colorado Alliance for Science, and Community Advisory Board for George Washington High School's Computer Magnet Program (chairman). The Fine Arts Foundation presented both Dick and his wife Jean with the Citizens of the Arts award in 1996.

Dick will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, love of the arts, passion for Formula One racing, and fondness of jigsaw puzzles.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Jean, his daughter Kim Maurer (spouse Scott), son Rick (spouse Karie) and grandchildren Connor and Lindsey Watt and Piper Maurer. His granddaughter, Parker Maurer, preceded him in death. His extended family includes two sisters (also preceding him in death), two nephews, and three nieces.

Dick chose to donate his body to Science Care for research. Per his request there will not be a memorial service, but rather a small family gathering in Vail, CO once his cremated remains are returned.

Memorial gifts may be made to Denver Hospice at thedenverhospice.org, National Jewish Health at nationaljewish.org, or the Colorado Symphony Orchestra at coloradosymphony.org

In early December, 2010, Dick Watt emailed me out of the blue and passed along some sad and grim news:

"I was diagnosed with a somewhat rare lung disease (not cancer). It is termed "progressive". The original forecast was 3 to 5 years, but I'm in my tenth year, so I did good. But it has finally progressed to the point that I put myself into a hospice program.

I do plan to have you send a message to the troops that I'll compose later. But of all my 'work' experience, being at UBSC was my greatest joy. Looking back, it is still hard to believe that the gals and guys built such a sophisticated and advanced system. I hope they are as proud of the work as I am of them."

Then, on February 14, 2011, I received this:

"This is Jean (Dick's wife). Dick is failing and wants to make sure this final message of thanks is sent to all members of his UBSC family. Please let everyone know that Dick enjoyed working with them and hopes that they are as proud of the work they have done as he is. Their accomplishments have always been admired and appreciated."

And, in August, 2016 we received this sad news about Dick's wife, Jean:

From: Fine Arts Foundation
Subject: With sadness we report the passing of a member
Date: August 16, 2016
With a heavy heart we share the passing of Jean Watt, on August 10, 2016. Jean served the Fine Arts Foundation in many capacities and was honored along with her husband Richard S. Watt as Citizens of the Arts.

Jean was a driving force for all art forms in Colorado, notably classical music, dance and opera. She served the Denver metro arts community with dedication, wisdom and passion. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

The Watt family encourages donations to Fine Arts in lieu of flowers. Send contributions to Fine Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 3049, Englewood, CO 80155-3049. The mission of the Fine Arts Foundation is to enrich life In Colorado by supporting the arts.

Published in "The Denver Post" obituaries, Aug. 21, 2016:

Jean Watt -- January 6, 1936 - August 10, 2016,

passed away in Denver, CO after battling a long illness. Born in Washington, D.C., she earned a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland. Jean had a commendable list of volunteer workings within organizations including Colorado Symphony League (former president, board of trustees and supporter), Opera Colorado (board member and supporter), Colorado Neurological Institute (gala co-chairperson and supporter), and the Fine Arts Foundation (co-president among numerous roles and supporter), which presented Jean and her husband, Dick, with the Citizens of the Arts award in 1996.

Jean will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, love of the arts and devotion to her family. She enjoyed spending time with friends, vacationing with family in Vail, CO and spoiling her grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Scott Maurer; her son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Karie Watt; and her beloved grandchildren, Connor and Lindsey Watt, and Piper Maurer. Her husband, Richard S. Watt, and her granddaughter, Parker Maurer, preceded her in death. Her extended family includes two brothers (one preceding her in death) and numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored.

United Banks Service Company

Obituary: Obituary: Dick Watt