Michael WATSON Obituary

Very sad to belatedly here of Mikes passing - a good mate for many years who went out of his way to keep in contact. Much fun, many adventures and mis adventures over the years

Condolences to you Sally and The Watson Family, I have very fond memories of Mike growing up in Inglewood , I went right through primary School with him, very sad .

My deepest condolences to all family and friends of Mike "Handbag". Always fun to be around and I know will be missed. Have great memories mostly of rugby games, the beers afterward and endless debates about anything! RIP Mike

Susan and I would like to express our deepest condolences to Sally and Michael's wider family. Michael was a salt of the earth, dependable, and decent bloke with a good sense of values. He was a good friend and I am ever grateful that we got to meet at Ozone cafe in May last year in New Plymouth and spend a priceless hour chatting. Take it easy up there Michael, and keep writing!

Remembering all the times we spent as kids at Brooke st with the Watsons and little Mikey in his pyjamas in the cold mornings . We send love to all of you at this very sad time

Thanks for a lovely send-off for Mike today. I worked with (or against, him with the Dominion Post, myself with the New Zealand Herald) in the Bay of Plenty for years. We´d often end up at the same news events or door-steps. Mike was one of the finest - but also one of the humblest - journalists and individuals I´ve met. When we both ended up back home in Taranaki I enjoyed catching up for a beer and recounting old stories we both covered. Thanks for everything Mike, and go well. I´ll miss the beers

I remember Michael from Inglewood days. My mother Pax Cleland an ex nurse used to keep an eye on elderly patients in the community after a call from Doctor Bob Watson, Michael´s father. i was at primary school in the same class as his elder brother, Robert. They were a lovely family. Sad to see Michael go so early.

Mate
You have gone far too early
I remember when we first met at Uni in Wellington in 1978 and playing rugby for the Vic J1 team.
You painting the interior of my house back in the 1990's.
My golf buddy at Wairakei and Tauhara when I got to Taupo.
The Tongariro and Tauhara walks we did.
Your Ironman in 2015 - you were inspirational.
And the coffees, a few beers, texts and calls that we had, searching for the solutions to the many problems of the world!
You were a storyteller Scoop...
R.I.P. Mike - a pleasure to have known you.
Sally, we share your sorrow.
Ted & Mary - Wellington & Taupo

Sending love Sally. Will be there tomorrow. Such sad news. x

Mate
You have gone way too early.
I can remember our days at Uni and the J1 rugby team in 1978 when we 1st met.
Your Ironman in 2015
My golfing buddy at Wairakei and Tauhara when I got to Taupo.
The Tongariro Crossing back in 2014.
And the many coffees and a few beers when we solved all the problems of the world.
Always a good storyteller Scoop!
You were an inspiration.
R.I.P. My Friend .... To all the good times we had.
Sally, we share your sorrow.
Ted & Mary

Thinking of you all at this time,
Take care, Lorraine Wilson
Inglewood.

Such a shock to hear of dear Michaels passing at such a young age. Sending deepest sympathy to all the family.
Fond memories of him from Brookes Street. RIP Michael

My condolences to Sally and the Watson family, it´s was very had to say no the Mike when he came to me looking for a story, with his cheeky smile, glad we caught up be for Christmas for a coffee, unfortunately we never made the New Year one. RIP Mate

Sorry to hear about Mike. We started school together and there´s many memories of playing pianos, folk dancing and broken legs. My thoughts are with the family and especially Sally. apologies I can´t be there tomorrow.

What a shock to hear about Mike's passing. My sympathies to Sally and his family. I know he will be sadly missed. I knew him when he first got back into journalism and we shared some fun adventures. Im so sorry I can't attend the funeral. Rest in Peace Mike

My earliest memories of Michael was in his little pedal car outside his home in Brookes Street stopping us kids from going to school. He was a beautiful boy and I send prayers to the family

I am so sad to hear that Michael has passed, and so soon. My thoughts are with you all.

I´m so sorry to hear of Michaels passing Sally.
My thoughts are with you and you have my deepest sympathy.

Sad to hear this news Sally. Thinking of you both a lot.o

So very sad to say goodbye to a fabulous friend. Condolences to Sally and Mike´s family.
Much Love, Holli