Barry Watson is paying tribute to his late dad Michael, revealing he learned of his father’s death two days after being evacuated from his home during the L.A. wildfires in January.
The 7th Heaven alum shared an emotional tribute to his dad via an Instagram post on Thursday, February 13 and gave details about the moment he found out.
“It was a month ago when I got the call from my sister. She called as I was on my way to the airport. My wife, daughter, 3 dogs and I had been evacuated from the palisades fire for 2 days. My sister said ‘I’m sorry, dad just passed.,” Watson, 50, wrote in the caption. “We cried together on the phone for a few moments. I told her I would call back after I went through security. What a weird drive that was. (Apologies if I cut someone off because of my lack of attention:).”
Watson went on to reflect on the sad news as well as recall what an amazing person his dad had been in life.
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“I’m not sure why I’m writing this. I guess it’s hard to believe it’s been a month and I’m just now catching my breath. Thinking of my dad’s life. And mine. One thing I know about dad. He brought joy. He brought smart logical conversations. He brought laughter. Sometimes just by his own laugh. (I’ll try and find audio of it somewhere:),” Watson added. “I will miss him. I will honor him. In ways I don’t even know yet. Like my brother Scott said at the end of the eulogy ‘I’m proud to be your son’ I love you dad. And thank YOU;) Husband, father, grandfather, friend.”
He concluded: “Michael A. Watson 5/7/41-1/13/25. Ps this isn’t a pity party. A life well lived. And we are lucky. We didn’t lose our home:) #rip #alifewelllived #michiganmade #joymaker.”
Although Watson confirmed his home is still standing after the L.A. wildfires via the Instagram post, he was one of many stars and California residents forced to flee during the natural disaster.
The Highway to Heaven actor evacuated his Brentwood home, sharing a video via Instagram on January 10, as he drove to check that his nextdoor neighbor, Bill, had evacuated as well.
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In the video, Watson captured the ash falling from the sky caused by nearby fires, which he noted “looks like snow.”
“Let’s Go Bill! Just got the order to evacuate Brentwood,” Watson captioned his post. “Waiting for one more neighbor before I head out. #staysafe @losangelesfiredepartment @lapdhq @knxnews #LetsGoBill. Bill Left!”
