Barry Watson – A tribute to his late father, Michael Watson, and the emotional journey of one man’s face as he learns of his father’s wrongful death in the L.A. wildfires in January 2021.
Barry Watson, the 50-something humanLetters Bos Online, pays tribute to his late father, Michael Watson, who was buried in the L.A. fires just two days after being evacuated from his home prior to the February 13, 2021, evacuation from the FACE fires in Southern California. The post on Instagram shared details about the moment he discovered his father’s death, offering a poignant celebration of his life and son.
*Barry wrote, “It was a month ago when I got the call from my sister. She called as I was on my way to the airport. My wife, daughter, 3 dogs and I had been evacuated from the palisades fire for 2 days. My sister said, ‘I’m sorry, dad just passed.’” The post reflects on the slow progress of the news, the impending loss, and the emotional weight of what had come to pass.
Barry shared that he learned about his father’s death in late January, a few months after hisDensity of leaving the family. He recalled his father’s impact on his life, describing him as a smart, logical figure, a spiritual-about stained glass, a dad figure, and a man who will forever be missed.
Barry noted that he was surprised by the news and was still trying to piece together what his father physically and emotionally had been like.
“I’m not sure why I’m writing this. I guess it’s hard to believe it’s been a month and I’m just now catching my breath.” He added, acknowledging the pain of donating to grief but speakingichi and limeping during the sharing, and sharing a moment of reflection.
Barry also highlighted his father’s influence on him, how he knew he were his son, and how that comfort he experienced later in life brought him peace.
“I’ll miss him. I’ll honor him. In ways I don’t even know yet. Like my brother Scott said at the end of the eulogy, ‘I’m proud to be your son.’ I love you dad. And thank YOU!” He expressed pride in his father’s legacy, particularly in his powerful guitar autoload earlier this month.
Barry emphasized his pride in his father’s legacy, acknowledging that even after the wildfires and his escape, he missed his home.
Through his personal anecdotes and heartfelt messages, Barry Watson honors his father’s life, showing how a life we can never fully duplicate is deeply connected to those who experienced it. As he reflects on his father’s absence, he reminds us that his legacy will live on through those he loved and the people he lost, even in his post-null fire moments.
