Punky passed away June 5th, 2018 in Eureka after a brief illness. He was born on September 19th, 1949 to Gerald and Violet Watson of Manila.

Punk was a gentle loving soul who also wouldn’t hesitate to put someone in their place. He had a heart of gold and spent many days helping friends or community members with odd jobs until his age and health prohibited him from doing so. Punk was a lifelong resident of Manila, where he made many lifelong friendships.

Punk loved the outdoors. He was a true mountain man. He was well known for his pet rattlesnakes and pet Racoon “Trisha.” You could often find him picking berries, mushrooming, or his one true love, fishing. He could often be found at the North Jetty with his secret bait — “muddworms”.

Punky is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Watson Sr.; mother, Violet Watson; brother Larry Watson; sisters Ethel Miller and Laverna Beach; nephews Wanye Frisbee, Roy Foust and Tony Reed.

Survived by his lifetime best friend and fishing buddy, Cindy Shumard (Trella Chun-Ming); brother Ernie Watson; sisters Mary Ann Renfro, Sharon Young; sister-in-law Louise Watson; daughters Bobbie Nottingham Polen and Violet Watson; nieces Alisha Watson (Mike Plante), Sherrie Lucchesi (Tony Lucchesi) , Tina Frankrone (Kenny Frankrone), Marilyn Boomer, and Candy Foust; nephews Terry Watson, Robert Hunt (Jeni Hunt), Jimmy Renfro, Brant Renfro, and Carl Frisbee; ex-wives, whom Punk still remained friends with Barbee Tatro, and Betty Sue (Nottingham) Rogers. I know I have not mentioned many others who hold a dear spot in Punk’s heart — you know who you are so please don’t be offended.

Please join us for a memorial to honor Punky on Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Manila Community Center 1611 Peninsula Drive. Please bring some special memories and any pictures you would like to share with us.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Punky Watson’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.