Watkins arrived in Telluride in the early 1970s, to take a sabbatical from his work as a photographer in the Los Angeles area. With camera in hand, he explored the Telluride region, roaming the high country and documenting the changing town. He soon became the photographer for the newly established ski area, capturing the grittiness of the town as it transformed. His photos, which also graced the pages of the Telluride Times, provide an invaluable chronicle of the era. Many of the images appear in The YX Factor, the documentary created by Amy Levek and Dean Rolley with the Wilkinson Public Library, which focuses on this pivotal time in Telluride history.
"Wayne left this world for a much wider and more vibrant one in his own magnificent mind," his family said.
He passed away surrounded by his wife Donna, her daughter, Theresa, and Mike Watkins, his oldest son. Wayne's life as a photographer lasted for years, beginning primarily in Hollywood, working with his long-time friend, Charles Poalillo of Paso Robles, California.
"Photography was his life, and it will always be what he's most remembered for," his family said. "Wayne, we'll all miss you."
Wayne is survived by his wife and partner of 30 years, Donna Gene Watkins; her children, Theresa Marie Farris, Robert Gene Corbett and son-in-law, Kelly Farris; grandchildren, Jamie Farris, Joshua Farris, Sammy Farris, Leah Joy Farris and Christopher A. Farris; great-grandchildren, Cameron Corbett and one month-old twins, Autumn and Ashland; his children from a previous marriage, Mike G. Watkins and his wife, Regina, Carla J. Roberts, Daniel J. Watkins and Neil G. Watkins and grandson, Lance G. Watkins; half-sister, Ina and her husband, Brad Dunlap.
A memorial service will be held on January 12, 2006, which would have been his birthday.
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