John Peter Watson

John Peter Watson, age 91, of Prescott, Arizona, died on November 3, 2008 at Granite Gate of complications related to Alzheimer's disease. John was born on April 5, 1917 in Youngstown, OH, the second of five children, to the late Peter and Helen Watson.  John's parents immigrated from Greece prior to his birth and John grew up with a love of both his Greek heritage and the United States.  His father owned several successful restaurants in OH and it is there that John first learned about cooking and the restaurant business. John proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1941-1945, first as part of the 107th Calvary, the last horse Calvary in history, and then as a technical sergeant, instructor of cooking, baking and meat cutting. John and his brother were partners in Watson's Restaurant, in Kenmore, NY for almost 40 years.  The business was renowned in Western New York and its candy making business is legendary to this day. John was president of the Lion's Club, Kenmore, NY chapter in 1973.  He was also a Master Mason. Over the years, John received more awards and acknowledgements for his leadership, service, creativity and integrity in the food service industry than can be listed here.  Many of these were while he was a member of the International Food Service Association. In addition, he was a member of the US armed forces food service evaluation team.  During these trips he was given the temporary rank of a one star general.  John  volunteered duty in places such as Japan, South Korea, the Phillippines, Germany, Italy, and Spain. In retirement John volunteered for SCORE and helped many budding restauranteurs. John was a gregarious story-teller with a great sense of humor and zest for life.  He spoke three languages.  He loved to solve crossword puzzles, play golf and travel.  He was a talented woodworker and artist and received an AA degree from Yavapai College in 2001. John is survived by his wife, Constance (Prescott); his children, John (Susan) Watson (Valrico, FL), Nick (Pam) Watson (Williamsville, NY), Elaine (Bob) Finn (Phoenix, AZ), and their children and grandchildren; his step-children, Susan Caldwell (Brazil), Steven Caldwell (Romania), Sandra Caldwell (Nancy Newbold)(Redwood City, CA) and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Katherine Jamesson (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Mary Hample (Moline, IL), and Colleen Mansfield (Rochester, NY) and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Helen Watson, first wife, Mary, and brother, Louis and is survived by Louis's family. John requested not to have a memorial service.