Doryld Lee Watson, AKA Papa D and Papa Chipper, age 67, passed away on the morning of January 31, 2025, at St. V’s Healthcare in Billings, MT, with his family by his side.
Doryld was born on December 31, 1957, in Forsyth, MT, to Doryld Lee Watson, Sr. and Julia Yonkaitis. He spent his childhood in Forsyth, Glendive, and Baker before moving to Colstrip, MT, in the seventh grade, where he lived until his death.
He graduated from Colstrip High School in 1976, where he participated in football, basketball, track, and was involved in band and other school clubs.
After graduation, Doryld went to work at the coal mine in Colstrip for Long Construction, which later became Westmoreland. Over the course of his 42-year career, he worked his way up to shift supervisor.
Doryld was passionate about sports. After graduating high school, he played softball, basketball and participated in a bowling league for many years. Later in life, he took up golfing and thoroughly enjoyed it. He also loved fishing in the Big Horns, where he could relax and escape for a while. In addition to his passion for sports, Doryld enjoyed riding his motorcycle, making many trips to the Sturgis Bike Rally and cruising around on his bike.
Doryld’s love for officiating started in 1986 when he began refereeing girls’ and boys’ basketball games. Over the years, he expanded to officiating football and traveled all over the state doing what he loved. He ended his refereeing career when his knees could no longer take the strain.
A lifelong lover of Western novels, Tom Clancy books, and classic Western movies (with John Wayne being his favorite), Doryld could often be found reading, listening to audiobooks, or quoting his favorite films word for word. He also enjoyed watching any kind of sport.
One of Doryld’s favorite times of the year was late summer, when he would travel to Lambert to help his brother-in-law, Rick Mullin, with harvest. He loved driving the combine and earned the nickname “Rainman” from his nephew, Steven, because every time he went to the farm, it seemed to rain!
In 1980, Doryld married Marilyn Kukes, and together they had two sons, Christopher Lee and Cody James. On April 27, 2002, he married Audrey Vojacek Ronningen, gaining three more children—Travis, Amy, and Heather.
Doryld had a deep love for animals, and he was often seen driving around with his two “furbabies,” Chipper and Izzy. He cherished his time with his grandchildren and made every effort to attend their games, concerts, and events, staying up-to-date through Facebook to watch their photos and videos. His grandchildren brought him immense joy.
Doryld is survived by his wife, Audrey; sons, Christopher (Cara) of Colstrip, MT, and Cody (Kelly) of Missoula, MT; stepchildren, Travis (Jessica) Ronningen of Alaska, Amy (Ty) Free of Bozeman, MT, and Heather Ronningen of Belgrade, MT; grandchildren, Shelby (Dalton) Hein, Rylan (Sabrina), RaeAnn, and Tristan Isaacs, Dylanne and Dayne Free, Bryce and Cashlynn Watson; and bonus grandchildren, Brand and Chasyn Melin. He is also survived by his siblings, Terry (TerriAnn) Watson, MaryAnn Dale, Ruthie (Rusty) Johnson, Judith McPhail, Darla Barkley, and Melissa (Adair) Norman; numerous brother- and sister-in-laws; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Doryld was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws.
A celebration of life will be held in Forsyth at the Rosebud County Fairgrounds at 2:00 PM on April 19th, 2025.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m,.
Saturday April 19, 2025
Rosebud County Fairgrounds
Forsyth, MT
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m,.
Saturday April 19, 2025
Rosebud County Fairgrounds
Forsyth, MT
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Mike Coryell says
God be with you my friend! We will miss your friendship, humor, and a partner in our officials pool, softball, and many journeys!
Corrie Barrett says
Condolences to the family with the passing of
Doryld. He will be missed by many. May the many happy memories you have be a solace for you all at this time. Keeping you all in thoughts and prayers.
Mearl DeTienne says
Sorry to read of Doryld’s passing, may He rest in peace. Mearl DeTienne Billings MT.
John Pachl says
My sincere condolences to the family. I’m sure going to miss reminiscing about the old days. May God’s loving arms embrace you.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
Audrey and all of Doryld’s family, we were so sad to hear about his passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers💔
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
We are so very sorry to all of you for the loss of Doryld. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. He was such a nice guy.
Linda Miars says
Audrey and Family,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Doryld.
May all your memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Linda Miars
Janelle Beartusk says
Audrey, Chris, Cody, Terry & all of Doryld’s family,
I’m so sad to hear of Doryld’s passing. He was a part of mine & my kids’ lives forever, it seemed. Always laughing & teasing & simply a good friend to us all. He will be greatly missed. May the Lord’s love & grace bring you peace. Fly high, Doryld.
Randy Durr says
One of the greatest competitors and sports I ever played against. I am incredibly saddened to hear this news. Many of the Forsyth kids had great friends in Colstrip and he was certainly one of those. RIP my friend. You will be missed.
Velma says
To All of Doryld’s family and friends. My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends..I only met Doryld last year but I have known of him for many, many years.. He is my best friend Ruthie’s, “little brother”, who loves him dearly. He has a very kind and gentle soul…he will be missed immensely …
Jerry k spang says
Journey well brother.prayers for your family
Joan Engle says
Robert enjoyed many years of your friendship and officiating games.
Troy Tormoehlen says
Sending you strength today and peace in all the days ahead. There are so many people who remember your kindness, humor, and just being one hecht of a guy. Doryld was one of the good guy in stripes during the games, always a sense of humor while he was blowing the whistle. My thoughts n prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
Susan Acton says
Ken and I were so sorry to hear of Doryld’s passing. Sympathy to Audrey, his children, Terry and Teri, Ruthie and all who loved him.
Duane and Sue Allred says
We would like to express our condolences to Doryld’s family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace!
SHELLY HOLUM says
Sending prayers to all of the family.
Pattee B says
Doryld watson you are going to be missed my many your sense of humor will not be forgotten!
I’m sending my sincere condolences to your family.
Georgia Bement says
So sorry to hear about Doyl sending lots of prayers and hugs to all of you my heart is with all of you let us know what’s happening ok 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ He was a awesome friend to George referring and also on the basketball courts themselves and golf course many games they played now they can do it in heaven with no pain anymore❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Devra Fadhl Nolan says
I would like to express my condolences to Doryld’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Doryld.
Ryne Harris says
Doryld was tough but, fair man. If it was officiating, shifting, or talking smack. You will be missed my friend. Prayers for his family.
KAY WELLS says
Audrey and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Doryld’s passing. Dick says he will sure miss golfing with Doryld! We will definitely be thinking of your family in the days ahead.
Forest Plympton says
Chris and Cara so sorry. Doryld was a great man. Peace be with you guys.
Ann Gunnare says
We have some great memories of the Watson family while raising our family in Colstrip. Doryld wore the stripes well, and he was always involved in the community. Love and prayers to his family.
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
Audrey, Chris, Cody and all of Doryld;s family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Daryold. He was a nice man. Love and Prayers to his family.
Michelle Bleth-Weber says
Deepest condolences the Watson families.
Doryld made an incredible impact on literally thousands of people… young, old and everyone in between. What an incredible legacy. ❤️🙏🏻🌻
Prayers for comfort and peace.
clenora Quinlan says
A wonderful person has gone to soon, prayer’s for all the family. He is enjoying being on the other side of the stars.
Cindy Bennett says
Audrey, Chris, and Cody, Thinking of you. God Bless. Cindy and Dinny Bennett
Tracee Raymond-Waples says
Doryld’s family,
Please know your in my thoughts and prayers. I definitely know how hard it is. Doryld was one of the nicest guys and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Rip my friend.
Donna Nelson says
Sending sympathy and hugs. Cherish your many memories. Prayers for Doryld’s family
Diann and Dominique says
Audrey and family, our hearts broken for all of you. Such a big loss for all who knew him. Praying for peace for all of you. RIP, Doryld
John Groom says
A shock to see this post this morning about Doryld and it leaves me at a loss for words. I would like to send my Condolences to his Wife and Children and All of Doryld Family God Bless You All and may Doryld Rest in Peace.
Willowa Heppner Ankeny French says
Myself and family are very sorry to hear of Doryld of passing. To all of his family hugs and prayers. Can remember his always smiling face and sense of humor no matter where or what he was doing.
Monte Wilke says
Audrey and family:
We are sorry to hear of Doryld’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Monte & Barb Wilke
Joy and Mike Enterline says
Audrey and family. We are so sad to hear this. Even though we were neighbors for a short time, it was always nice to see Diryld out washing his boat and cars. Take care.
Mary Van Lith says
So sorry for your loss Audrey. Sending hugs and prayers for you and your family. God will carry you in his arms and comfort you. Love to you all. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lynn Harris says
Damn good guy… Always had good stories to tell, may he RIP
Sure will miss his jokes & humor… Sorry for your loss Watson family , he lived a full life for sure!!! We’ll keep you all in our prayers !!!
Leeroy Kukes says
This world will miss you and your kidding around doryld,always a funny guy.may god bless you with a never ending game..RIP DORYLD
IUOE Local 400, Board, Members and Staff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Greg & Cindy Millhollin says
To all of the family, we’re so sorry for your loss. Doryld was a great guy and always had us laughing when we got together. I worked with him for many years and learned so much from him. He was one of a kind and we will truly miss him.
Peggy Quinlan Certain says
Sorry to hear about cousin Doryld’s passing. Peace and comfort to his family. Used to hang out with him at track meets and ball games in jr high – high school.
Cathy mertz says
Marilyn so sorry to hear about Doryld to young to go God bless to you and your boys
Rocky and Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you in this time of loss. Doryld was a good guy. He will be missed in this community. God be with all the family and may God’s comfort be upon you.