Alvah Otis (Curly) Watson

Alvah Otis “Curly” Watson, 83, of Brooktondale, New York passed away peacefully, at home on a sunny Friday morning, February 23, 2024. Curly was born March 22, 1940 to Roscoe Watson and Lessa Bartley in Ashcamp Kentucky. Curly’s family later moved to Nicholson, Pennsylvania, where he spent his youth, making memories with lifelong friends, Paul and Becky. In1958 Curly joined the US Army, serving in the 17th cavalry in Schwabach Germany and later the 7th cavalry at Fort Hood in Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1962. In 1962 Curly married the love of his life, Bonnie Gow. They would remain married for 62 years walking hand in hand, and working side by side, running a farm and raising 5 children. They farmed first in Warwick NY, then coming to the town of Caroline in 1971, making it their forever home. Curly was a devoted husband, loving father and proud Papa and kind neighbor, but first and foremost he was a dairy farmer, keeping cows until he was 80. He loved his cows, whom he named and sang to as he did chores. He could be found whistling through the barn and on the tractor during all hours and weather. He treasured his farm and all it held, the trees, the wildlife and pure beauty of the land. He was known to haul his daughter off to see a fall tree in full color or show off a snapping turtle nest he had discovered. He looked forward to the visits of feed and seed salesmen, neighbors and the folks that would hunt “ down back”, even the “milk inspector”. A humble man, leading a quiet life, Curly enjoyed the small things. A good book, a nice looking Ayrshire cow, a soft raisin cookie or perhaps a Wyandotte hen. He could be counted on to notice the geese flying south or the night sky at 3 am when he went out to milk cows. Curly was also a bullheaded, tenacious man, who loved his family endlessly and lived to playfully push Bonnie to the edge of her patience. Curly is survived by his beloved Bonnie, sons Wayne (BJ), Virginia Beach VA., Alvah Jr (Anne), Troy PA., Brian (Jennifer), Brooktondale; his daughter Lori (Jim) Yarbrough, Ithaca. Grandchildren; Wayne, Amanda, Logan, Shelby, Drusilla, Brian, Alisa, Cullen, Alvah III. Great-grandchildren; Miller, Nolan, Landon, Killian, Tanner, Amelia, Abigail, Lillian, Eliza, Declan, Andrew, Kylee, Karsyn,Elyse, and Jeffrey; Brother Roscoe, and sister Lois Ann. Dear friend of 70 plus years, Rebecca Darling also survives Curly. Curly was predeceased by his parents; son Jeffrey and grandson Jeffrey Jr (JR), brother Bobby; sisters Pansy and Inez and, dear friend Paul Darling. As per his wishes, there will be no formal services, Curly will be cremated, and his ashes scattered at the farm he loved so fiercely. “Once you have lived on the land, been a partner in its moods, secrets and seasons, you cannot leave. The living land remembers, touching you in unguarded moments, saying, ‘I am here, you are part of me’” Ben Logan. Perkins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.