Robert Preston Watson, known to friends and family as Bob, Wats and Big Wats, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025 at the age of 91. Born in Brussels, Belgium on January 21, 1934, Bob's life was a remarkable journey that spanned continents, careers, and countless adventures.

Bob spent his early years in Toronto, Canada before moving to Ardmore, Pennsylvania, where he attended Lower Merion High School. He went on to Princeton University, graduating cum laude in 1956 with a degree in politics and some of his closest friends. At Princeton, he developed a lifelong love for lacrosse, which he played with pride and later supported as an investor in one of the first Major League Lacrosse teams, the Bridgeport Barrage.

Following graduation, Bob served honorably in the United States Air Force for three years, stationed in South Dakota and Germany. His professional life took him across Latin America, where he held leadership roles with Colgate-Palmolive in Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Mexico. His love of entrepreneurship included starting 'Ye Pub' in San Jose, Costa Rica, bringing the first draft beer to the country. On a business venture in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, his life changed dramatically.

It was in St. Thomas where he met the love of his life, Katharine "Kit" Mohlman Watson. The two were married just three months after meeting, on February 28, 1971, in New York City. Their love story spanned 47 joyful years until Kit's passing.

Bob's entrepreneurial spirit defined much of his life. After several business endeavors, he founded The Managers Funds, a pioneering mutual fund company. Yet his legacy is far greater than his professional achievements. He was a devoted family man, a great friend, a lover of labradors, and had a deep passion for both the mountains and the Caribbean.

An avid skier and outdoor enthusiast, Bob continued to seek out challenges well into his later years—including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his daughter Whitney at the age of 70.

Bob is survived by his beloved daughters Daphne Watson Ely (Clute), Amanda Watson Marmer (Craig), and Whitney Watson Littman (Will); his cherished grandchildren Hudson, Grafton, Gardiner, and Kingsley Ely; Piper and Eloise Marmer; Watson and Wilson Littman; and his sister Peggy McGrath. He is predeceased by his wife Kit and his brother John.

Bob's later years were challenging with vision loss limiting his ability to live life to the fullest. He did find happiness with his family and friends and with Birdie, a woman he greatly admired.

Bob's life was one of purpose, passion, and profound love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the businesses he built, and the adventures he embraced.