Gary L. Watts, 73, of Laramie passed away July 22, 2016. He was born April 8, 1943 to Daniel and Lillian Watts in Hannibal, MO. At a young age, the family moved to Casper, WY where he grew up and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1961. He attended the University of Wyoming and received a BS in Economics and Statistics and a Masters in Statistics.
He was a longtime Wyoming resident and a master fly fisherman and outdoorsman. He found great joy on the Miracle Mile. He owned Watts and Associates and was an expert witness on water rights and a consultant throughout the state and region.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marsha Watts; children Susan Apte (Madhav), grandson Ravi, and Daniel Watts (Beth) from a previous marriage. Also, survived by step daughter Kim Bailey (Dan) and grandchildren Luke, Grace, Cate and Colin; sister Linda Watts Sifferd (Mike).
Friends are invited to gather in his honor on August 10 from 5-7 at the Elks Club in Laramie.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Dear Marsha, My husband Jim and I are so sad to learn about Gary's death. He was so good to me and my family while Jim was in law school. Gary hired me to be the office manager for WRC and made it possible for us to put food on the table and survive financially during those three tough years. At times, things were fairly stressful around the office. When people began to lose their cool, Gary would do just the opposite and become very calm. He taught me how to maintain peace when the rest of the world was otherwise, out of control. He also taught me how to write. He would dictate and I would type. I thought his messages were eloquent, but then he brought out 'THE RED PEN'and edited his message down to just a few words. I found it fascinating how he was able to convey so much by saying so little. Gary was a generous man. I joined the office in the Fall of '85 just before Christmas, yet he gave me a bonus! He tried to balance work with play which I admire. He was very introspective, it seemed like he tried to learn how he could be a more effective human being. Gary walked softly on the earth. We lost touch with one another over the years, but that obviously didn't diminish my feelings for Gary. I remember getting to meet you a couple of times, Marsha, and it made me so happy to know that you two had found each other! Just this morning, I was able to share Gary's picture with our son, John, who Gary never met (Gary certainly met our daughter who was almost 2 years old when I went to work for WRC). I told John that Gary fed our family for three years! I'm so sad that I cannot make it to Laramie for the celebration of Gary's life (I am a yoga therapist and will be teaching that evening and have been gone too much this summer). I wonder if John Raines or Jim Thompson will be there. Jenny was his office manager before me, maybe she is around. If any of them attend the reception, please tell them that I remember the time I spent with them when Gary was the leader of the band. If you ever get to Casper, please call me at 307-631-7371. I would love to visit with you, grieve with you and just be with you. With love and care, Sally & Jim Belcher 6021 S. Poplar, Casper, WY 82601 Casper, WY
My dear Marsha, I was so shocked to learn of Gary's passing. My heart aches for you. Please know I am thinking of you and am sending my love and prayers. May Jesus and Heavenly Father wrap their loving arms around you, so that you can feel peace and comfort. I hope to see you soon. Love your friend, Tillma
Dearest Marsha, I am so sorry that your dear Gary is gone. There aren't many words that don't sound like platitudes at a time like this. I just hope you find strength from your friends and family. May God grant you some small measure of peace in this dark time. You and Gary are a shining example of what love looks like. I love you and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jeanette Lamb