Everyday Encounters: A retiree finds joy in the simple pleasures of living in Belvedere

Belvedere resident Bill Watson, pictured here May 14 at Belvedere Community Park, celebrated his 80th birthday May 15. He’s retired following a career in office-furniture sales, selling to Wells Fargo and Visa. (Francisco Martinez / The Ark)

Bill Watson has embraced life in Belvedere, where the 80-year-old retiree says he’s been busy enjoying his days since moving to the city in 2021.

“I don’t know what we do every day, but we’re busy,” says Watson, who celebrated his birthday May 15. “I mean, there’s always stuff to do.”

The former contract-furniture executive moved from San Anselmo seeking a one-story home with a two-car garage on the water. Four years later, he says he appreciates the peninsula environment, his neighbors and local amenities.

“We have all the facilities we need,” Watson says.

On May 14, he was strolling down San Rafael Avenue near Community Park after taking his 23-pound rescue dog, Ike — named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower — to the vet for a teeth cleaning. Watson has had the dog for the better part of 13 years and calls him “one of those good friends over the years.”

“You know, they invented love — dogs,” Watson says.

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