Just after he evacuated from his Los Angeles-area residence amid the terrifying wildfires last month, Barry Watson’s relief was short-lived upon hearing his father, Michael, had passed away the same day. He was 83 years old.
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In a recent Instagram post, the 7th Heaven alum revealed that his sister gave him the bad news as he, his wife, daughter, and three dogs escaped from the Palisades Wildfire.
“My sister said, ‘I’m sorry, dad just passed,’” he wrote in the post, which featured sweet throwback snapshots of his father. “We cried together on the phone for a few moments. I told her I would call back after I went through security. What a weird drive that was.”
Barry Watson also wrote that it had been a month since his father died. He was just now catching his breath.
“Thinking of my dad’s life. And mine,” he continued. “One thing I know about Dad. He brought joy. He brought smart, logical conversations.”
Watson further pointed out, “He brought laughter. I will miss him. I will honor him. In ways I don’t even know yet.”
The actor then reflected on what his brother, Scott, had shared during the eulogy. “‘I’m proud to be your son” I love you dad. And thank YOU. Husband, father, grandfather, friend.’”
Watson then added, “This isn’t a pity party. A life well lived. And we are lucky. We didn’t lose our home.”
Watson is one of four children of Michael and Karen Watson. His father was an attorney. Michael and Karen divorced when Barry was 14.