Paul Watson 1953 – 2024

Paul was born in Harrogate on the 10th September 1953. He joined Churcher’s College as a boarder in 1965. Although officially a member of the Class of 72, Paul actually left school in 1970, along with a number of his contemporaries. Paul returned to his parents’ home in Stockton and studied for his A levels at Billingham Technical College.

In 1973 he went to what was then Leeds Polytechnic and graduated with a BA Hons. in Law in 1976. Paul was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn, London in 1978 and served as a Magistrates’ Court Clerk in Sheffield between 1978 and 1980.

As a qualified barrister, Paul served in the Army Legal Corps, joining as a Captain in 1980 and retiring as a Major in 1985. His postings included time spent in Aldershot, Germany and the USA. Between 1985 and 2002 Paul was a barrister in both Sheffield and London.

 In 2002 Paul took Silk and, having been appointed a Recorder in 1998, became a Circuit Judge in 2012. Prior to that, as a QC, he was Head of Paradise Chambers in Sheffield.

Thereafter, Paul was a Crown Court Judge in Sheffield, Hull and Grimsby. As a Senior Circuit Judge, Paul served as Resident Judge for Teesside Combined Court from 2020 until his retirement in February 2024.

Paul enjoyed the company of close friends established both as a student and through his highly distinguished career. He was always delighted to get together with Old Churcherians, whether at official or informal reunions.

Paul was a devoted Middlesbrough supporter and a particularly accomplished yachtsman. In his sixties, Paul took up running again with a nod to his former school cross country days. By competing in various long distance events, considerable sums were raised through sponsorship for charity.

Despite the diagnosis of his illness in 2020, Paul continued to devote all his energies to work, family-life, dog-walking, sailing, travel and a strong interest in film and music.

Paul died on December 4th, 2024 at St.Luke’s Hospice, Sheffield. He leaves a wife Sally, son Richard, brother Mick and family. He will be much missed by friends and family alike.

On a personal note, he was best man at my wedding and closest friend for just short of 60 years.

Johnny Marks, Class of 72, January 2025