David Manning Watson

David Manning Watson

August 25, 1944 - July 2, 2022

David was born in Boston, MA, and grew up in Rochester, NY, the son of Michael Lasell Watson and Claire McLamore Watson (Thaw).

He attended Brooks Academy in North Andover, MA, and graduated from Harvard in 1966 with a B.S. in Chemistry.

Post college he started working as a fine woodworker and harpsichord builder. After several years working on his own, he joined forces with his brother Michael L. Watson Jr and created the architectural millwork firm Watson Brothers, Inc. In 2015 after nearly 30 successful years in business, they sold Watson Brothers which continues to operate today.  In addition to making furniture, David was an avid fly fisherman who fished the waters of Kennebago Lake in Maine since his early childhood. He and his wife Deborah raised animals and tended gardens on their Massachusetts farm for over 50 years. He was a phenomenal cook and enjoyed curing hams, bacon, and sausages. He developed numerous original recipes which his family will miss. When not in the kitchen, he enjoyed relaxing with a good book and listening to opera, including those sung by his mother.

David is survived by his wife, Deborah, daughter Jessica, son Aden, and his wife, Jamy, grandchildren, Owen and Benjamin Watson, Francisco and Estlin Brouillette, brother Michael, and sisters Bronwyn, Diana, and Marion Watson, and Anastasia Markson.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (rlht.org).

A private family gathering will be held at a future date to celebrate his life.

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