13/12/2024
In Memory of Hal Watts
Today, I want to pay a tribute to a great friend, a confidant and a person with the highest integrity. Hal Watts’ passing is a painful loss for all of us but his accomplishments and legacies will live on.
Hal had an exceptional life filled with significant achievements and joyful moments. Hal has had many interests from body builder, insurance adjuster, and dirt bike rider. But he would be best known for being a dive pioneer. Hal was one of the eight original founders of National Association of Cave Diving (NACD). He was a prominent record holder for deep air diving. Not surprisingly, Hal was the trainer of many of the current world air record holders. His drive to push for more knowledge and training led to the creation of Florida Diver Supply / Florida State Skin Diving Schools. With the dawning of Technical diving, these groups eventually became the Professional Scuba Association International (PSAI).
But above all, Hal’s most defining characteristics were his love for people and his humor. Hal had a gift that allowed him to easily connect to everyone in all walks of life. I lost count of how many times I observed Hal engaging with people at trade shows, at dive shops, or at other social events, with all the tales of his dive adventures, his travel, his hobbies or his love for Harley Davidsons. Hal never failed to make his audience laugh, be amazed, be at ease, and have the feeling that they are the most important person in the conversation. He had the charm that made every person feel understood, heard, and appreciated, while he treated them with affection, warmth and high regards. I will always cherish the moments I have had with Hal during DEMA or during travel to far away destinations together.
Ultimately, Hal was family. Hal’s life was evidence of friendship, love and the greatest affection. He will always be a part of us.
Rest easy now Hal. We will never forget you and your smile will always live in our heart.
To quote, one more time, one of Hal Watts’ favorite mottos: “Plan your dive and dive your plan.”
-Gary Taylor
