Obituary of Watson Dahl Skinner

Watson Dahl Skinner died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 1, 2021. Watson was born on August 2, 2017 in Idaho Falls, ID. We waited until delivery to find out if we were having a boy or girl and were elated and very emotional when they announced it was a little boy. He came out wide eyed and calm as can be and was a momma’s boy from day one. He was lovingly referred to as Watty, Watty Bottle, Wats, or Watty boy. Watson did everything his way and on his time and this remained true until the end. Unlike most kids, Watson would often turn down sweets but could never resist chips and salsa. He also had an intense love of yellow and it is this love that is to blame for the purchase of an all yellow Christmas tree that, to this day, remains standing in our home. His little brother affectionately refers to anything yellow as, “Watty’s color.” The color yellow will always be represent Watson to us. Watson was kind and coined the catchphrase, “You’re the best!” He was a bright boy and memorized several books and songs he loved. Watty was most often seen watching select episodes of Mickey Mouse Roadster Racers over and over again, playing Iron Man with Daddy, racing hot wheels with his siblings, sorting his sticker collection, or snuggling with Mom. Watson loved to get the mail and it brought him so much joy when he found packages with a ‘W’ on it. Watson was diagnosed with Diffiuse Instrinsic Pontine Glioma in April of 2020. When someone would mention to him that he had cancer he would reply, “I don’t have Spencer.” He never let cancer slow him down, and was often seen pushing the speed limits while on his red walker and Ybike. He handled his journey with sweet grace and frequently comforted his parents, assuring them that he was okay as each change became his new normal. Watson found joy in the little things and smiled and laughed through every challenge. We witnessed so many miracles and tender mercies these last 12 months and have seen God’s hand in each step along the way. Watson will be missed by so many people who loved and knew him, mainly his parents, Ben and Monet and best friends, Halland and Wade. He was lovingly greeted by his grandma Janis and cousin Nathan. We are so grateful for the support and love we received at Memorial Hermann Children’s hospital (Dr. David Sandberg and Dr. Shivani Tripathi), Carolyn and Krista of the Sunflower program at Sacred Heart Hospital, and all the staff at Hospice of North Idaho (namely nurse Joni). In Lieu of flowers we ask that you visit your local blood bank and donate in honor of Watson, register to be an organ donor, or find someone in need of love and brighten their day with something yellow.