Richard Allen Watt

Richard Allen Watt, Omak, Wa., passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024. Richard was born on March 11, 1958 in Inchelium, Wa. to Clarence Thomas and Nellie ( Noyes ) Watt. He moved to Omak as a young child with his many siblings. He was a member of the Lakes band of the Colville tribes. He was a member of the Catholic Church. He graduated from Omak High School in 1976. He graduated from WSU with a BA in Fine Arts/Education in 1984. He taught school at Pashal Sherman Indian School for many years, he also worked at 12 Tribes Casino in Okanogan. He married his high school sweetheart, Diane Ewer, in 1976. They had four children together. They remained close after their divorce for the sake of the family. Richard had many interests which included carving soap stone sculptures, making dream catchers, cooking, playing guitar, native jewelry making and making native drums. He enjoyed making smoked salmon with his sons, Gabriel and Jer. He passed down his artwork and his expertise to many, especially to family members. He loved hunting and fishing mostly for salmon with both family and friends on the reservation. He especially enjoyed fishing with his eldest son, Gabriel Watt. Their first fishing memory was catching a salmon when Gabriel was only two years old. They were hooked on fishing for life! Richard was a musician and he loved playing guitar. He enjoyed attending concerts with his family and friends, many who are musicians. Richard loved his family and they remained close- knit throughout his life, enjoying their family gatherings, birthdays, and dinners. He especially loved joking and laughing among all he encountered both family and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Thomas “ Tinker”, Terry, Darlene “Doll”, Joyce Watt, James Watt and Joseph Zacherle; nieces and nephews, Josie Watt, Windy Watt, and Red Autumn Eagle Bear, and Dakotah Hunter. Richard is survived by his children, Andrea Hitchcock, Lisa Watt, Gabriel “ Gabe” Watt, Jeremy “ Jer “ Watt and step daughter Rachel Zacherle. His grandchildren, Chelleray, Livia, William, Ava, Kaella, Haylee, Apollo, Jordan, and Journey. His siblings, Loretta Watt, Barb Watt, Theresa Ramirez, Laurie Zacherle, and Gary Zacherle, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Rosary and funeral services were officiated by Father Jake Morton and Lead drum/singer was nephew, Vaughn Eagle Bear at the Omak Longhouse 08/05-08/06. Burial is next to his mother, Nellie Watt, at St. Mary’s Mission Catholic Cemetery, Omak, Wa.

Richard Allen Watt

March 11, 1958 - August 2, 2024