NAPLES — Noel E. Watson, 70, of Naples, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Bridgton Hospital.

He was born March 14, 1947, at Hattie Merrill’s in South Casco, the son of Earle and Arona (Wight) Watson of Naples. Noel was the second child of four boys.

He attended grade school in Naples and secondary school at Hinkley School in Hinkley, where he lettered in soccer, lacrosse and skiing. Then, he went on to the Portland School of Art, graduating in 1971 with a degree of Fine Art, with a major in Lithography.

As a young man he wintered in Steamboat, Colo., where he worked on the National Ski Patrol and as a Ski Instructor. His favorite thing was to be the first down the slope at sunrise. After several years he returned to Maine and, for 25 years, continued his career at Pleasant Mt. in Bridgton, all the while still drawing and painting. In the summer he worked painting signs. From 1993–2003 he worked for George Sawyer Engineering as a draftsman and surveyor.

In 1997 Noel had a stroke and heart attack, giving him the time to indulge his obsession for painting.

His hobby was sports, but his real hobby was the ladies. He never married but was always in the company of an interesting lady friend.

Noel is survived by two brothers, Dana E. Watson (Merry) and Blair O. Watson (Susan); his nephew Cole and wife Shelly and their children, Nicole and Ashley.

The family would like to thank Amy Crossley, of Naples, for the kind and attentive care of Noel while he was ill.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.