Michael Gene Watson

I am deeply grateful to Saralyn for sponsoring Michael's Memorial. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you so much to Mary Ann Brown-Powell for the work on Michael's photo. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Gene Watson, 20, died at Duke University Medical Center on March 22, 2001 after a year-long battle with a brain tumor. A new-found deep faith in God kept Michael strong and fearless, willing to face numerous surgeries in the hope he could be cured. Throughout his struggle he remained positive and hopeful, often supporting and encouraging those who loved him and feared for him. During his many hospital stays he went out of his way to befriend, inspire and encourage others. Michael was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale by his mom and step-dad, Ruth and Greg Maduros. In 1999 he graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School where he excelled in many sports, especially football. He was an exceedingly warm and funny young man with many friends. His special and nearly life-long attachment to his dear friend Evan is exemplary of the kind of friendship and love he shared with many. He liked nothing more than to spend time with his friends in his prized red Honda Civic on Fort Lauderdale Beach (see Michael's stone). Soon after graduating, Michael's cancer was discovered. Initial surgery in Ft Lauderdale was at first thought to be successful. Michael married his girlfriend Laura and they moved to North Carolina where Michael planned to work with his father, Walter. Not long after, the cancer reappeared. Multiple surgeries and many treatments failed to erradicate it. Michael was our neighbor and my son's best friend. He was one of those young people who is a "presence" in every room he enters... full of life and energy and warmth. I think he lived more fully in his last year than many people do their whole lives. He never gave up, but went peacefully when the time was right... though it never seemed right to those of us he left behind.