Duluth Central High School Class of 1961
Classmates
Richard Watts+
Comments
Retired
Spouse: Sally
3 Children
6 Grandchildren
Information update: 06/27/2022

After graduation from UMD in Art Education, I found myself married with our first child on the way. I determined that I had to change my teaching plans to something that would generate a little more income. (A decision that I have often regretted)

I then started my 40-year career in the field of Financial Services Business, with positions ranging from Sales, Marketing, Management and finally an executive level. (The Peter Principal!) It has been a rewarding career giving me the opportunity to travel extensively in the U.S. as well internationally. I have also been given the opportunity to continue my business education at such fine institutions as the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. It also required frequent relocations which isn't always fun when children are involved! We have lived in Minneapolis, MN, Des Moines, IA Columbus, OH, Pittsburgh, PA with a condo in Naples, FL. We now consider Naples home.

As I mentioned earlier, I have an art background and have been able to continue some art projects and interests including ownership of an art gallery and picture framing business in the heart of Pittsburgh. We received lots of enjoyment from the business, but we sold it upon retirement and relocation from the Pittsburgh area.

I have 3 children; Katie (Beller) who is a V.P. Creative Director of an international advertising firm; Jason, an architect and aspiring artist whose work is on display in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, etc. Anne Hurst (a.k.a. Kim Yuk Jin) adopted from Korea in 1971 at age 6 months. Anne is a Dental Hygienist. All three are happily married with children and we are proud of each of them. We have a total of 6 grandchildren including a set of twins. My marriage to the children's mother ended in 1980. We remain friends and have frequent contact.

At this point in my life I was absorbed in work and began my search for a soul mate to guide me thru the rest of my life. She had been right under my nose for ten years and being a dummy it took me 10 years to realize that she was the one. Sally and I have been married close to 20 years and we enjoy each other and our lives together.

I am a cancer survivor (4 Years). It would be interesting to know how many in our group are also survivors. It appears that we have lost many to this disease, but I'll bet many have been as fortunate as I have been.

In retirement, Sally and I have been working with the elderly who have Alzheimer's and other maladies. This has been the most rewarding period of my life and along with Sally; I love helping these fine people. Sally and I were named "Caregivers of the Year" last year by our Naples organization. Sally and I have an 11-year Collie, named Abbie Sue. Our interests include golf, skiing, boating and owning old antique cars. If there is an old car show we are there!

I have enjoyed keeping up with all of you via the website and look forward to the reunion in July
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