Raymond Watson facts for kids

Raymond "Ray" L. Watson (born October 4, 1926 – died October 20, 2012) was an important businessman. He helped plan and build many parts of Irvine. Ray was the president of the Irvine Company for many years. He also led Walt Disney Productions as chairman from 1983 to 1984. He was part of the Disney board of directors from 1972 until 2004.

Ray Watson's Early Life and School

Raymond L. Watson was born in Seattle, Washington, on October 4, 1926. His mother, Olive, was a schoolteacher from Norway. His father, Leslie, was a carpenter from Scotland and Ireland. They lived in a Seattle neighborhood called Greenwood.

When Ray was young, his mother became very sick and passed away. This happened during the Great Depression, a time when many people had trouble finding work. His family had to rely on relatives for help.

Later, his father found a job building state park buildings in Oakland, California. Ray moved to Oakland in 1934 and was raised by his grandmother. He spent his summers at the state beaches and parks where his father worked.

After a short time in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Ray went to college. He studied at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned two degrees in architecture, one in 1951 and another in 1953.

Ray Watson's Business Career

In 1960, Ray Watson started working for the Irvine Company. He became their chief planner. During his time there, he helped design and build many important places.

He oversaw the creation of the City of Irvine. He also helped develop the University of California, Irvine. Other projects included Newport Center and Fashion Island. He also planned many neighborhoods throughout Orange County.

In 1996, Ray Watson wrote about his work in Irvine. He said that the people of Irvine built the community. He mentioned how they created great schools and recreation programs. He believed the citizens brought life to the shopping and entertainment centers. He felt the neighborhoods he helped plan became their homes.

Awards and Special Honors

Ray Watson received many awards for his work. In 2005, a special walking bridge was named after him. It's called Watson Bridge. An inscription there calls him a "Modern Renaissance Man." This bridge connects the University of California, Irvine to the Irvine Company's University Center.

In 2006, the University of California, Irvine, gave him "The Medal." This is a very high honor.

Ray was also a trustee for the University of California, Irvine Foundation. He was part of the Dean's Advisory Board for The Paul Merage School of Business. He also led the Daniel G. Aldrich Society. In 1997, he won a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in real estate.

In 1971, he was chosen as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. This is a special title for architects. He also taught at the University of California, Irvine. In 1986, he received an award for excellence in architecture. In 1988, he was added to the California Building Industry's Hall of Fame.

Ray Watson's Personal Life

Ray Watson and his wife, Elsa, lived in the same home for 48 years. Their home was in Newport Beach. This was in the East Bluff area, which Ray himself helped plan. They were also lifelong members of the University of California, Irvine Chancellor's Club.