Final Salute

Middleton – Harold Archie Watkins, affectionately known as Big H, lost his long, valiant battle against multiple cancers and heart issues related to the disease on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. He was born in Caldwell, Idaho, on August 31, 1949, to Melvin Archie Watkins and Margaret Elizabeth Beeson. He grew up on the family farm in Middleton and attended Middleton schools, where he made many lifelong friendships. During his youth, he worked on the family farm and with many other local farmers. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He graduated basic training in Gulfport, Mississippi, as a sharpshooter and went on to advanced survival training at Camp Pendleton in California. He was assigned to United States Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 3 and served in Vietnam as a Seabee. He was proud of the Seabee mottos “We Build, We Fight” and “Seabees Can Do”. He often shared stories of his service and his time as a forward communication specialist, setting radio towers ahead of infantry to provide good lines of communication. Upon his honorable discharge, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Operations Insignia. After his discharge from the Navy, he worked in construction for many years. These years saw him work in many types of construction and took him to many different locations. He enjoyed his time working in remote parts of Alaska, working as a carpenter in man camps across the state. He spent time in Dutch Harbor, near Nome, and on the North Slope in Prudhoe Bay. In 1993, he began work for Black Canyon Irrigation District as a maintenance foreman. He continued his career with Black Canyon, working in many different facets, including Water Master and as Director. He enjoyed his time there and working closely with the farmers and water users the district served. In 1979, Harold met and married the love of his life, Patricia Mae Sleeper. They spent the next nearly 46 years together as a great example of a husband and wife. In 1980, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Matthew Allen Watkins. They enjoyed watching him grow up in the same small town in which Harold and his father were both raised. Harold often made time in his busy schedule to attend sporting events and school activities. It was no surprise to see him at a track meet or basketball game, even during the busiest times of the year. After the couple retired, they became “Snow Birds” and began spending their winters in Yuma, AZ, with many friends and family. Yuma became a second home and a favorite of Harold’s when it just got “Too Damn Cold” up north. Even though retired, he was always working as a handyman. Friends and family always knew they could count on him and his jack-of-all-trades skill set. He was “damn good” at almost everything. He was always busy on a project, and those that knew him knew he was always “on call” to help if needed. Harold also loved classic cars and trucks. It is a love that he shared with his son and his friends and attended many car shows around the Treasure Valley and beyond. It truly brought him great joy. He also enjoyed his Friday morning coffee klatches and afternoons in the Chap North and other shops around town. There was always time for a chat and a cold beer. He is survived by his wife Patricia “Patsy”, son Matthew, his cousins, nieces, nephews, and all of his many friends whom he considered a part of his family. The family would like to convey their deepest gratitude to Dr. William Kreisler and the Bone Marrow Transplant team at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center and the Mountain States Tumor Institute. Thanks would also like to be conveyed to The Yuma Regional Cancer Treatment Center and The Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. The care and compassion provided during his 12+ year fight is so deeply appreciated. In keeping with Harold’s wishes, there will be no official funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor his memory with family, friends, stories, laughter, and of course, a few cold beers. In lieu of flowers or tokens, the family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice and honor Harold’s memory by spending time with your loved ones and making sure that you cherish the time that you have with them. Harold was a man of few words, but a deep love for those he cared so much about. He cherished his wife, his family, and of course, his friends who meant so much to him. You will be missed, Big H… Fair winds and following seas.