Albion Watts died on June 17. Despite his illness, he lived as happily as possible until he neared the end. Born in London in 1948, Albion grew up in orphanages and group homes in post-war England. His early life was challenging, but he found joy where he could. He spent his youth working at a variety of jobs to support himself, but whenever possible, he would be on the move traveling all over Europe. He spent many summers picking champagne grapes in the vineyards of Verzy, France, where he made lifelong friendships. Fluent in French, he spent several years working and living in Paris. A lifelong Francophile, when his DNA testing revealed a significant French component, he was absolutely delighted.

Always a “rolling stone,” he came to the U.S.A., where he moved around the country working in restaurants to support himself. He eventually landed in Connecticut, where he finally stayed put. He always said it reminded him of England. His life took a turn when one day, he walked into the Ivoryton Library and met his future wife, Lorraine Donovan. They spent 31 years together and never stopped being grateful that they had found one another. For the first time in his life, he experienced stability, and it suited him. To earn a living, he worked at Whelan Engineering for many years, but the rest of his time was spent pursuing a long list of creative projects.

His curiosity was endless, and his talents were many. He loved woodworking and building furniture for family and friends. Later, he discovered metalworking and spent endless hours in the studio (that he built) cutting, bending, and twisting metal into large and small sculptures. The guitar was his instrument, and some of his happiest moments were spent hanging out on the porch, singing and playing with family.

His adopted family is so sad to see him go and had hoped to have him around a little longer. He will be badly missed by John and Caroline Budney, Chad Brigockas and Tammy Borges, Bob and Maria Donovan and Sunny Donovan; his grandsons, Ian and Will Budney; and his dear friends, Mark and Cate. He would probably like to send a fond farewell to his Pub pals and Ivoryton friends as well. He valued your friendships more than you know. His wife Lorraine will always carry him in her heart.

He was fascinated by life and people and would often say, “When I die, please write on my headstone, “He was amazed.” Because he was! Donations in Albion’s memory may be sent to: Ivoryton Library, P.O. Box 515, Ivoryton, CT. 06442 or Essex Ambulance Assn., P.O. Box 233, Ivoryton, CT. 06442.