Darik and Michelle Watt

“It’s an honor to be in grief. It’s an honor to feel that much, to have loved that much.” --- Elizabeth Gilbert

With heavy hearts after an unimaginable loss, we announce the passing of our beloved parents, Darik Peter Watt and Michelle Marie Paternoster Watt. After a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer, Darik peacefully passed away in the early afternoon on Sep 1, 2026. Unexpectedly, the love of his life, Michelle, also passed away that day.

Darik Peter Watt was born on November 22, 1966 in Oakland, CA to Peter and Virginia “June” Watt. At age 5, his family moved to Boise, ID. He attended Capital High School and had the privilege of playing the trumpet in the Capital High Golden Eagles Marching Band, sparking a love of music he had for the rest of his life. He was awarded a scholarship to continue his schooling at Boise State University in their music department and had the honor of playing in the inaugural season of the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band in 1987. After his schooling, he went on to spend the majority of his career working for Hewlett-Packard.

Michelle Marie Watt was born on December 21, 1966 in Boise, ID to Terrance “Terry” and Dee Paternoster. She came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve, making her the best Christmas present her parents ever received. She attended Boise High, where she was a member of the drill team. After graduation, she took jobs in New York and Utah, before ultimately returning home to Boise to also attend Boise State University. She would later go on to enjoy a long career working for the State of Idaho at the Department of Labor.

After meeting on a double date, Darik and Michelle were immediately inseparable. They were married in Darik’s grandparent’s backyard on April 9th, 1988. Soon thereafter, they were thrilled to welcome their son, Jaryn, into the world in September of 1990. On June 8th, 1991, the three of them were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Boise Idaho LDS Temple. The family grew in the years that followed, with two daughters, Hailey (1993) and Karyssa (1994), completing their family. After a short time in Northwest Boise, the Watt Family settled in Meridian where they raised their family.

Family was always at the center of their lives, and becoming grandparents later on gave them a whole new sense of purpose and fulfillment. Only the love for each other and the Lord meant more to them than their relationships with family and friends.

They are survived by their three children: Jaryn (Caity), Hailey (Dallin), and Karyssa (Tyler); seven grandchildren; Darik’s brothers: Deran (Tracy) and Mark; Michelle’s parents: Terry and Dee; Michelle’s siblings: Terrance Jr. (Lisa), Brett (Colleen), Ryan (Carrie), Rhonda (Chris), Erik (Marcie), and Katie (Carl). Funeral services will be held on September 26th, 2026 at 10am at the Meridian Idaho South Stake Center; 6575 S Eagle Rd, Meridian, ID 83642. A visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at the Meridian Cemetery following the service.