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Today's Featured Biography

Ron Watson

Here goes. Hi Everyone!
It has been a journey since I left Pullman in Spring of 1974. Growing up in Albion and attending school in Pullman. After a rough childhood and becoming a juvenile delinquent, the Whitman County court system relocated me to a Boys home in Spokane. It was one of the best things to happen to me at the time. Helped me get back on track through some solid structure and discipline . I was able to graduate from East Valley HS on the 13 year plan. Went on to attend a couple years at Spokane Falls Community College. Married a girl from East Valley and Had two beautiful kids. Got a Job at Hotstart Mfg company in 1979. Started playing way too much softball and and started distance road running. In 1984 I had the privilege of carrying the Olympic torch for the relay across the United States for the 84 summer Olympics. Shortly after I became to fall into a life damaging journey of Alcoholism . Ruined my first marriage and went astray from the spiritual upbringing my father had taught me. Leaving a trail of Damage that is still being mended today. On February 20th, 1991 I entered an inpatient treatment center for substance abuse. There I was able to reunite with God and my faith. By the Grace of God, I have never had the desire to have to Drink or use Drugs again. Married a second wife early in recovery and tried to make a go of it. But her relapse on prescription drugs ended that marriage after lots of effort to try to get through it.
After almost 30 years after leaving Pullman, I reconnected with a HS sweetheart from Pullman. Debbie Liebel class of 1976. We have been married now for 20 years, It is a lot easier when equally yoked and have God at the center of the relationship. We have 5 kids and 15 grandkids between us.
From 1991 through 2006 , I coached Girls Fastpitch softball in the summer rec league and West Valley school system. What a fullfing chapter in my life , working with several hundred young people ages 13-18 over that time.
I was able to retire early on 12/12/12 after 33 1/3 years at age 55. From the same company that supported me and stuck with me through all my crazy years. Debbie and I bought a Home on Deer Lake, just North of Spokane in 2006 and have lived at Deer Lake ever since. We also maintain a Condo in Pullman for my crazy addiction for Cougar Sports . Have Season tickets for Football and both Basketball teams. Have not missed a home Football game since Apple Cup 1996.
In 2012, I was told no more running or playing softball. And had to recieve my first hip replacement. So I took up cycling both Mountain Biking and Road cycling/climbing. Average around 2500 miles a season. Later I had to have both knees and the other Hip replaced. So my friend Steve Peters told me I am officially now a Quadraficial. God, My new Joints and Chronic Cycling saved my life in many ways, both physically and mentally, spiritually and from depression. A few of my favorite cycling events each year include; The old Lewiston Grade race each June, Ride my age each year on my birthday this year 68 miles up the Mt. St. Helens fallout area, Than in August the last few years I have visited my old PHS/Albion friend Noel Carey in Sequim. And we climb to top of Hurricane ridge in a big event each year. (That is a full mile of elevation, in a 20 mile continuous climb).
Looking forward to reuniting with PHS friends at our 50th reunion. Hope everyone can do whatever is possible to make it. It may be the last chance to see many of us.
Keep Movin! Keep Improvin! God Bless!

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