Elder and Sister Watson Say Farewell to Asia

Elder Kent D. Watson, President of the Asia Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Connie Watson, have departed Hong Kong for a new assignment in Salt Lake City, after having served in the Asia Area Presidency for five years, and lived and served in Asia for 22 years. 

Elder Watson, a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, has spent almost one third of his life in Asia.  He served as a young missionary in the Southern Far East Mission in the early 1960’s, raised his family in Asia, lived and worked in China for 11 years, and served twice as a Mission President in Taiwan.  During that time, he has watched the membership of the Church in Asia increase dramatically. 

Elder Gerrit W. Gong, who will serve as Asia Area President effective 1 August 2013, reminisced about his many associations with Elder Watson. “It has been a great learning and most rewarding experience to serve with Elder Watson in the Asia Area Presidency.  He is such a resourceful and respected leader.  He has deep understanding of gospel principles and a love for the people and countries in this part of the world.”

According to Elder Larry Y. Wilson, a member of the Asia Area Presidency, "Elder and Sister Watson are true friends of the members of the Church in Asia.  I have been struck by how many people they know throughout the Area and how much they know about their lives.  We are grateful for the strong and steady leadership they have provided during their five years of service in the Area Presidency.  They are constant and courageous disciples of The Lord, Jesus Christ.  We will miss their inspired leadership and inspiring personal examples of righteousness."

Kent Liang, an early convert to the Church in Taiwan and Church leader for many years, was named after young Elder Kent Watson.  Brother Liang says, "President Watson’s mind is open, and his faith is strong.  He is an excellent teacher.  He knows what should be taught, he knows how to teach, and his teaching always touches the audience's heart.”

“Elder Watson treats everyone as his best friend, and he always supports you.  He is a wise man.  His treasure is not in gold or property, but his strong faith, good service, leadership and his obedience.  Our family will always consider President and Sister Watson as our forever friends."

Chad Lewis, former NFL player and Taiwan missionary says, "President and Sister Watson changed my life as a young missionary because they taught me how to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ by serving others with enthusiasm. I know for a fact I never would have been able to play in the NFL without his inspirational leadership at the most critical time of my life. He prepared me for the many challenges that came on and off the field. I love him, and I always will."

Kent Dee Watson was born in Cedar City, Utah, on May 8, 1943. He married Connie Lingmann in August, 1967. They are the parents of five children.

Elder Watson received both a bachelor of art degree and a master of art degree in accounting from Brigham Young University.  After graduation, he worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers (formerly Price Waterhouse) as a CPA.  In 1998, he became the Chairman and CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers, China. He has retired since being called as a General Authority and to the Area Presidency in 2008. 

Elder Watson has served in a number of Church callings including full-time missionary, elders quorum president, bishop, stake president’s counselor, Scoutmaster, mission president, district president, branch president, high councilor, Church-service missionary, and membership clerk.  However, when asked what callings he has held previously, his reply is, “I’ve served as a home teacher many times.” 

Hong Kong and all of Asia will miss this humble man who has dedicated so much of his life to the service of the people in this Area.   Elder Watson will assume his new role as the Chairman of the Church Audit Committee later this summer.