Matthew Leers Watts

Husband to Anne Watts, Poppy to his fur kids ""The Girls"" Dublin and Scout , and all other fur kids over the years, and brother to Arnie and Aaron of Cincinnati, OH - we miss but celebrate Matthew Watts.

Matt was born on October 3, 1956 in Fort Thomas, Kentucky and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating high school, Matt joined the US Navy in 1975 through 1981. He met his better half in 1974, wed in 1976 and never looked back. They enjoyed Key West, to Pensacola, to Orlando, to Jacksonville and finally settled in his beloved Colorado in 1998. He traveled extensively, mostly to races and recently vacationed in Ireland which of course included a race. Despite excellent care and attention at local hospitals, he passed away quickly after contracting a bacterial infection in his bloodstream.

Matt was an avid walker, ultrarunner extraordinaire, trails and aid station volunteer and worked professionally when he had to. He completed ninety-five 100-milers - many of which were extremely difficult mountain trail events. His best friends were family, fellow runners, race directors, race crew, volunteers and neighbors.

Watts' have a reputation of liking their food - a lot, and he lived up to his name. Breakfast out was a favorite meal and beer his favorite liquid refreshment (next to H2O during a run).

Matt was happiest whenever he was out running. What he loved the most during a 100 mile race was the nighttime - just him and his flashlight, lighting the way along the trail.

From Matt’s Brother Arnie:

My brother Matt could be a hard person to get to know and share a close relationship, kind of like an M&M candy (hard on the outside, sweet on the inside). The lucky people that were able to break through his shell found a loyal, intelligent, opinionated, giving, hard headed, shy, stubborn, gracious, funny, relentless, caring and loving to name a few. Matt used his memory as a gift and a tool to remember any past indiscretions to be ridiculed or important dates to be celebrated. I am very proud of my brother, the goals he achieved, the loving he showed around the people and things he cared about and the bond we shared by growing up together. Matt and I would laugh, yell, argue, agree, hug and told each other “love you” any chance we would get. Matt would often say “live your life today while you can, tomorrow is promised to no one…” Matt lived by these words and lived the way he wanted. I’ll miss my brother more than words can say and love him forever…

From Matt’s Brother Aaron:

I always liked to remind Matthew, I was the one that got him interested in running. It all started when I went to live with Matt and Anne in Key West. He loved to ride his bike. I started running with a neighbor and enjoyed it so much that I told Matt he might like it. Well, as it turned out, he enjoyed it much more than me. My longest race was a 10k and his longest race was a run to Heaven that he just completed. God Speed from Aaron and Family.

If you so wish, memorial donations can be made in Matt’s name to The Colorado Trail Foundation, coloradotrail.org.