Hat’s Off Gary and Millie Watts

 Print This Article

Hats Off to Gary and Millie Watts

Our hat is off today, and everyday, for Dr. Gary Watts who, after 35 years, had his last day of work Christmas Day at the Utah Valley Hospital as one of the state’s premier radiologists. The recognition also goes to his sidekick in all things—-Millie, his wife of 47 years.

There are thousands upon thousands who will join with us in this Hats Off recognition, from the thousands in Utah County who have benefited by his medical attention to the tens of thousand throughout the state and across the nation who have benefited from their highly visible and personal campaign to change the attitudes of the world toward gays.

Gary’s medical practice was inspirational and worthy of emulation by all physicians everywhere. He was well compensated for his expertise, but his devotion to his patient’s care went around the clock every day, mostly uncompensated except in the satisfaction that he received from helping others by easing their burden and fears. He is idolized by many of his former patients and numerous of his physician friends for his knowledge, his wisdom, and his caring, and the unselfish love he has shown to them at all hours of the day and night.

Radiologists are supposed to be able to punch a time clock and then go home. They don’t have patients. Doctors are their clients. But that wasn’t the way it was with Gary. He was available around the clock with soothing counsel for those in fear regardless of whether the news was good or bad. He didn’t sugar-coat anything, but he made the medicine easier to swallow.

In the lives of many people Gary’s medical career has been heroic, and it has been his life’s work, and he has touched so many lives for good through his role as a physician that it should not be discounted in the least—-but truly, when the last bell is rung, his most significant contribution, one that will stand forever, is his partnership with Millie in their joint campaign to change the attitudes of the general public towards gays.

Their standing in the community as a family of merit, his credibility as a trained physician, and their history as worthy members of the Mormon Church, added significant impact when they decided to go public in defense of gays. That one decision, and the unrelenting dedication they have given to that cause, will define their lives.

They did it knowing full well that they would be going against the teachings of their church, and straining relationships with long held friendships. They didn’t know where their journey would take them, but they knew it was the right thing to do and they didn’t worry about the fallout. It was full steam head, and they will tell you that their crusade has brought them untold happiness and enriched their own lives more than they could have dreamed.

They joined forces with a few other like minded Mormons and founded Family Fellowship, a group of Mormons dedicated to giving support to gays and their families within the Mormon Church. They also joined a fledgling unit of Salt Lake PFLAG which became a positive force in the advancement of gay acceptance. One of their PFLAG projects was a billboard campaign declaring “Someone you know and love is gay.”

Gary and Millie have counseled with hundreds of Mormon gays and their parents and eased their burdens through love and hope.

Through their visibility and strength to go public the gay movement in Utah took a giant leap forward almost immediately. Gays throughout Utah watched in awe as Gary and Millie campaigned in the print press and through television interviews encouraging the public to re-think their negative attitudes and to take the high road in their view of gays.

They were the go-to couple when the press needed comments from the gay point of view on various issues. Their public presence and courage emboldened gays and they began coming out of the closet in ever greater numbers.

When they first started this personal campaign the movement was just a snowball on the top of the mountain, but support gathered and momentum inched forward and the snowball got to rolling and it will eventually fill the valley with fairness and equal rights for gays.

It’s been a worthy cause, and one that required pioneering leadership. It has also had enormous success. Where we are now and where we were then in our attitudes towards gays represents a monumental shift in public acceptance and understanding. The remaining chasm is rapidly narrowing and the world is better off for it.

Gary and Millie were married shortly after his return from a Mormon mission in New Zealand. He was a first team Academic All American on the Utah State basketball team that featured the late great Wayne Estes. By the time he entered radiology practice at Utah Valley Hospital they had five of their six children. His training included four years at Utah State, four years at the U of U medical school, three years of internship and residency at Harbor General Hospital, and two years as a captain in the Air Force at Warren Air Base. Two of their children are gay and all the siblings are loving and supporting of one another and are the personification of true family values.

Hats Off to Gary and Millie for a balanced life well lived and being an example for all to emulate. You’ve inspired many!

Related Articles

• No Related Articles