William H. “Beaver” Watkins, 72, a resident of County Rte. 60 and owner of Hillview farm in Cambridge, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 12, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family, following a long valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Cambridge, NY on September 30, 1947 to Francis E. and Betty (Curtis) Watkins.

Beaver was born and raised in Washington County the land he loved and admired. He was a graduate of Cambridge High School and after graduation worked his way up the ranks at the NYS Department of Transportation. He began plowing snow back when roads were salted by hand. Beaver was an outside the box thinker, he was instrumental in implementing DOT protocols and training programs throughout his 42 years of service. Beaver was a people person; he knew people from sea to shining sea. His smile and sense of humor was contagious and everyone that knew him instantly became a friend. He served as the Town Supervisor in Cambridge for 2 terms and was co-chairman of the Washington County Conservative Party. He was devoted to serving the N. Cambridge Stump Church where he took care of the building and cemetery grounds and carried on the tradition of their chicken BBQ fundraiser.

His world changed on a hayride in Cambridge, where he met the love of his life for the past 52 years Constance (Thomas) Watkins, together they had 3 beloved children. Beaver was a hobby farmer tending to his beef cows, he was an avid hunter, and he loved spoiling his grandchildren. You could always find him hanging out at Stewart’s smiling and socializing with anybody and everybody and he loved a good banana cream pie. He will be deeply missed by many from all over the state and country, but his smile will never be replaced.

He was predeceased by his father Francis Watkins and brother Michael Watkins. Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years Constance (Thomas) Watkins of Cambridge; children Chaughn (Connie) Watkins of Cambridge, Amy (Daniel) Mazzio of Danville, IN, and Tracey (Benjamin) Wardwell of Greenwich; mother Betty Watkins of Cambridge; grandchildren Megan, Anna, Carrissa, Garrett and Rachel; siblings, Bonnie (George), Chuck, Alan (Marion), Anne (Greg) and Diane (Tim); several nieces, nephews and cousins; special friends, John Foster and Paul Galbraith.

 A celebration of life for close family and friends will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Family and friends may call on Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 1 to 3pm and 5 to 7pm at the Flynn Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St, Greenwich, NY, 12834. Due to COVID-19 restrictions masks and social distancing will be required and a maximum of 33% occupancy will be allowed in the funeral home at one time. In lieu of flowers donation’s in Beaver’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.donate3.cancer.org or the N. Cambridge Stump Church. Online condolences and messages to the family may be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com.