In Memoriam: Rev. David Watson (Sept. 21, 1960 – July 4, 2012)

Rev. David Kuyper Watson, widely traveled Renaissance man, engaging defender of the faith, spontaneous believer, and lover of nature, died at age 51 in a drowning accident at Mount Rainier, Washington.

Watson was born in Philadelphia, Penn., and grew up in Havertown. In l982 he graduated from Wheaton College and then attended Calvin College, where he received a Master’s degree in Christian Studies. Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia awarded him a Master of Arts in Religion degree in l988.

Joining the English Language Institute, Watson spent two years in China as a teacher of English. Back in Philadelphia, he taught English at the American Language Academy. There he met Jungsoon (“Jamie”) Park, of Seoul, South Korea. They were married in l992.

Watson graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1998.

His first charge was Terra Ceia (N.C.) CRC. He subsequently served Good News Fellowship Church of Kent, Wash., and Eun-Gwang Presbyterian Church of Lacey, Wash. He also became an IESL Language Instructor at the Community College of Green River, Wash.

Along with his wife, Jamie, Watson liked to read, hike, and travel. Known for their generosity and hospitality, they were appreciated by many as a delightful couple to whom material advantages meant little. They maintained contact with people around the world, and their home was a haven for international students.

Watson’s deep appreciation of the Reformed confessions, his lively interest in people, and his easy way of relating to them made him an effective witness for Christ.

Watson is survived by his wife, Jamie, and four children: Leah, David, Anna, and Stephen.