Jason Mathew Watkins

Jason Mathew Watkins:

Jason passed suddenly on Feb. 27th at his home and the home of his fiancé, Angelina Merriman. He was born on Nov. 23rd, 1975 in Bennington, Vermont to Lari Ann Finning and Leonard Watkins who resided in Cambridge, NY at the time.

While Jason died at the relatively young age of 50, the dash between the dates was long and adventurous.

He was the sweetest little curly haired blond boy with a smile that would always light a room. He and his cousins spent many hours together dreaming up all kinds of mischievous plots, always in good fun and never harming a soul. He and his little sister, Keya, were best buddies. He protected her fiercely and held a lifelong heart full of love for her.

There is a family story of Jason looking out the window to see his great grandmother, Jennie Arnold, cutting her lawn (or so he thought) with a pair of scissors. He went running to his mom, very worried about her and what could possibly be wrong with his great grandmother. Turns out she was cutting dandelion greens to cook. Humorous, as it was, it is just one small example of the compassion and heart Jason felt for those that he loved.

While living in Oregon, he suffered from a horrific accident and was told that he would never walk again. Medical staff even ordered him a special wheelchair. He promptly returned the chair and told them he would never use it and that he would, in fact, walk again. Through tremendous tenacity and pain, he beat overwhelming odds and learned to walk again.

After recovering, Jason went on to put his natural gifts to work in the construction industry. Jason was employed by AOW Construction of Albany, NY for the past several years and enjoyed his work. He was a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

While doing so he endured terrible pain every day of his life. Only those closest to him knew what he went through. Through it all, he kept that same little boy smile that lit up whatever room he was in.

His life challenges took a backseat when he met the love of his life, Angelina who brought a joy, laughter and love into his life that he cherished. It was filled of off-road Jeep rides and fun experiences.

We will all miss him so much, yet are incredibly blessed to have had him in our lives.

Jason is survived by his mom, Lari Ann and her husband Michael Hayes, his father Leonard Watkins, Sister Keya Hunt and her husband Steven along with their children, Ella and Nolan (who affectionately called him Uncle Monkey), his son Jordan Watkins, Jordan’s wife Maura, and his fiancé, Angelina Merriman as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Mary Ella Arnold and her husband James Whitten, Lawrence Finning and his wife, Dolores, and Franklin and Lorraine (Moon) Watkins. Also, uncles, John Watkins, Leonard Finning, Danny, Alan and George Carey, a cousin, Heather Finning, and stepfather, Thomas Rich.

Hanson, Walbridge & Shea Funeral, and Cremation Services of Arlington, VT will be handling the arrangements. There will be no calling hours. A private family Celebration of Life may take place at a later date.