Michael Watson

Michael "Mike" Reed Manful Watson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michael "Mike" Reed Manful Watson, who passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by the care and compassion of those who fought alongside him in his final days.

Mike was born on February 25, 1941, in Santa Maria, California. His mother, Lella Mae, was from Idaho, and some of Mike's earliest memories were of working on a farm there as a young man. Those experiences helped shape the strong work ethic, humility, and resilience that would define him throughout his life.

He graduated from Ogden High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963 aboard the USS Macon and other ships. Mike carried a deep sense of duty and pride from his years of military service for the rest of his life.

In 1960, he married Linda Marie Martin, and together they raised their three children in Roy and Riverdale, Utah. Family was always at the center of Mike's life. He was a provider, a steady presence, and someone his children could always count on.

Mike spent more than 40 years working as a telephone communications specialist with Mountain Bell and AT&T, traveling throughout Utah to keep people connected. He took pride in his work and was known for his dedication and reliability. One of his favorite assignments was working at the Delta Center during Utah Jazz games, where he could combine his work with his love of sports.

In 1992, Mike married the love of his life, Linda Ann Record. Together they built a life filled with companionship, laughter, and love in Sandy, Utah. Their years together were among Mike's happiest, and he deeply missed Linda after her passing in 2019.

Mike loved sports of every kind. Whether it was football, basketball, or baseball, he rarely missed the chance to watch a game. He was an especially loyal fan of the University of Utah Utes and enjoyed cheering them on over the years. Mike loved watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren play in some of his favorite sports. Beyond sports, Mike will be remembered for his quick smile, his stories, his quiet strength, and the love he showed to his family and friends.

He is survived by his brother, Steve Manful (Missy); his nephew Steve Manful (Miros), his grand niece Kimberly Childers, his daughter, Debbie Revelli (Dale); his sons, Michael A. Watson (Julie) and Paul Watson; his stepdaughters, Victoria Bernier (JP) and Alana Spendlove (Greg); his stepson, Dan Heaton; 19 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Ann Watson, and his grandson, Gabriel Revelli.

A graveside service will be held on October 10, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the University of Utah in Mike's memory.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the University of Utah Neuro Critical Care Unit for their extraordinary care, compassion, and kindness. Their efforts not only gave Mike every chance to recover but also helped ensure that he passed peacefully and with dignity.

Mike's greatest legacy is the family he loved so deeply. He will be missed beyond words, remembered with gratitude, and carried forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.