Kirby Watson

Kirby Dee Watson
Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and friend

Cause of death: Cancer

Personal tributes, activities, accomplishments: Kirby passed away November 9th, 2026 at the age of 79 from cancer. Kirby’s pride was his family: wife Julie, daughter Shannon, and sons Paul and Jake. When Kirby was with any of his 6 grandkids or 6 great-grandkids, you would often ask who was the youngest of the group. He loved to spend his time building toys for his family only a grandfather could: marshmallow guns, sling shots, M&M dispensers, and other toys we won’t list in case the ATF reads this. More than toys, he loved going fishing with family and friends. He’d go anytime and with anyone who wanted to go: ice fishing in the cold, trolling on the lake, floating a river, fly-fishing a stream with a rod he built himself, or most frequently in his pontoon.

Kirby was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on October 11th, 1947 to Harold and Martha Watson. He grew up in Granger, Utah with three sisters, Blondie, Vicki, and Linda, then graduated from Granger High in 1965. He married Julie Martin in May of 1967. Julie is the love of his life and his favorite fishing partner for 59 years. They met in high school and were inseparable throughout their lives. Kirby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many.

Survivors: Wife Julie Watson, daughter Shannon Valdez (Tracy), son Paul Watson (Penny), son Jake Watson (Hoang), 6 grandkids, and 6 great-grandkids.

Memorial: Viewing 10:15 – 11:00 AM on Monday, 16 November, 2026 with services immediately after at Jenkins-Soffe: 1007 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095

Place of Interment: West Jordan Cemetery, 7925 South 1300th W, West Jordan, UT 84088

In Lieu of Flowers please make a donation to the Utah Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Stonefly Society in his honor.