Calvin Richard Watts

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Calvin Richard Watts, died on November 5, 2018, and crossed over calmly and peacefully to be greeted by his wife, daughter, parents, and extended family.
Cal was born on September 13, 1924, in Rexburg, Idaho, the youngest son of eight children. His parents were John Austin Watts and Lucy Ellene Nichols Watts. Cal’s mother died of cancer when Cal was just fifteen. He spent his earliest years in Rexburg, playing in the fields and waiting for the train to come through town. A child of The Great Depression, he and his family knew poverty, but unity and laughter made them rich. His family moved to Logan in 1932. Nearly every Watts descendant has attended Utah State since. Go Aggies.
An athlete, he ran track and played basketball for Logan High School (Class of ’42) and basketball briefly at USU. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. A talented pilot and flight instructor, he flew the B-29 Bomber. He was very proud of his military service, when he learned of his strengths and drew upon them. He achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant.
He married his beautiful, high school sweetheart, Ann Adams, on July 22, 1945, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and was sealed to her (after 58 years of marriage) in the Logan LDS Temple in December 2002. Their happy marriage was one for the ages, lasting nearly 71 years.
Cal co-founded Cache Valley Builders Supply with his brothers in 1946. As time passed, he bought out each of his siblings, passing the business along to his sons. The lumber, truss, and prehung door business thrived for 54 years until it was sold.
Cal had an optimism and warmth throughout his entire lifetime, truly loving his family, lifelong friends, and dear neighbors, showing concern through empathy, generosity, and humor. He so enjoyed an afternoon at Lava Hot Springs, days at their Bear Lake cabin, and the years of male companionship with The Bluebird Coffee Club. His wit and wisdom can be summarized in his favorite sayings: “We are blessed, not lucky,” “I’ll be ‘go to hell,’” “Live life with the least amount of regrets,” “Always leave everyone better than you found them,” and “Don’t fail to mention it” when someone expressed appreciation. The only thing he wanted written in his obituary was to say, “Thank you for letting me call you my friend.”
Cal is survived by his children, Craig (Dorothy) Watts, Randy (Kathie) Watts, Kim (Anita) Watts, Lisa Watts (Rob) Baskin, 18 grandchildren, and 36 great grandchildren. His lovely wife Ann, beautiful daughter Judy Watts Johnson, and his beloved siblings preceded him in death.
Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary, and are scheduled for Saturday, November 17, 2018, at Noon at the Logan 20th Ward, 875 North 1500 East, with a viewing at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., just preceding the service. On Friday, November 16, 2018, there will be a viewing from 6:00-8:00 at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center in Logan. Sincere gratitude to Terrace Grove Assisted Living, Karmon and her excellent staff, and Sunshine Terrace Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sunshine Terrace Foundation or your favorite charity.