Homer ‘Ray’ Watson, 81, went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
Born August 18, 1944, to Homer and Ruth Watson in Bakersfield, California, Ray grew up surrounded by grandparents, cousins, and siblings. While the family business included growing cotton, ranching, and raising Quarter Horses, rodeo was at the heart of the family.
In 1957, the family moved to the Mount Crest Ranch in Hilt, California, and Ray attended Yreka High School, graduating in 1962. During his high school years, he was a standout athlete in rodeo, track and field, and basketball – a sport he would continue to play competitively for years in Men’s City League. After graduation, Ray continued his bull riding career in both the California Cowboys Association (CCA, now CCPRA) and the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA, now PRCA), earning his share of championships, buckles, and saddles.
In 1962, Ray spotted the love of his life, Robin Dais, crossing the street between the school and the high school gym. He promised himself he would marry her one day, and in 1964, he did. They welcomed their first daughter, Cyndi, in 1965 and soon moved to Redding, where Ray worked for Pettibone Construction. The family later returned to Yreka to raise their family, welcoming their second daughter, Stacie, in 1970.
After hanging up his bull rope in 1971, Ray remained active in the rodeo arena for many years, competing in team roping and serving as a judge for the CCPRA, as well as junior and open rodeos.
Ray dedicated over 30 years to the Siskiyou County Public Works Road Department, where he was a respected Supervisor for two Districts, known for his kind leadership and commitment to his crew. His dedication was clear—whenever crews were out plowing snow, Ray was there alongside them, not returning to the shop until the last plow crew was finished. Ray knew the roads of Siskiyou County so well that he continued to provide directions from the passenger seat well into his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ray retired from the Public Works Department in 2005 and, like many cowboys, picked up a set of golf clubs. As with all his athletic pursuits, Ray aimed to excel, spending hours practicing his short game—pitching in the backyard and putting in the living room. He enjoyed countless rounds with his wife Robin, family, and many golf buddies as a member of the Men’s Club at Shasta Valley Golf Club (affectionately known as “The Pasture”).
In retirement, Ray also became one of the first volunteer drivers for the Fairchild Medical Center Auxiliary Patient Transport Van. He and Robin also loved to travel to their favorite destination: Bandon, Oregon.
Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years, Robin (Dais); daughters Cyndi Fitzgerald (the late Buck), of Palo Cedro, Stacie Maynard (David), of Mooresville, NC; brothers Ronnie (Jerilyn) of Central Point, OR, Gerald (Sue) of Keenesburg, CO, Michael (Paula) of Georgetown, TX, Arthur (Joanie) of Loma Rica, CA; sisters Karen Ramirez of Bakersfield, CA, Susie Watson (the late Gus) of Calipatria, CA; brother-in-law Robert Dais (Karen) of Bella Vista; sister-in-law Lani Milovich (Allen) of Yreka; grandchildren: Jordan Fitzgerald, Jenna Orloff (Danny), Jaxon Fitzgerald (Jenna Lea), Cody Maynard and Travis Maynard; great granddaughters: Emersyn, Henley, and Stella; a great grandson Augustus arriving in August, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Ruth Watson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 1:00 PM at the Miners Inn Convention Center in Yreka, California. Food and fellowship will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to Madrone Hospice House (Yreka) or The Alzheimer’s Association.
sourced from Girdner Funeral Chapel
