‘Monopoly man’ Victor Watson dies

ONE of the region’s most popular and respected businessmen, who played a major role in developing the famous board game Monopoly, has died.

Victor Watson, who served the city of Leeds for more than half a century, passed away on Wednesday at Southlands Nursing Home, Harrogate. He had suffered from Parkinsons Disease since 2009.

A former 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers after World War II, Mr Watson joined Leeds-based family printing and board games firm Waddingtons in 1951, and was made chairman in 1977 until his retirement in 1993.

During his time at Waddingtons, he played a major role in helping to develop the Monopoly game that the company made, which has subsequently become a firm favourite around the world.

He also fought off two hostile takeover bids from disgraced tycoon Robert Maxwell.

In his book, The Waddingtons Story, Mr Watson gave the inside story of how he and his team successfully outwitted Maxwell’s bids despite the former Daily Mirror owner resorting to plenty of underhand tactics.

Outside of his work, Mr Watson also held a wide range of other posts in the city, including president and chairman of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, director of Yorkshire Television and director of Leeds Holbeck Society.

He was a great supporter of education, charities and voluntary organisations in Leeds over many years.

In 2013, he was presented with a ‘Leeds Award’ by the Lord Mayor at a special ceremony held in the civic hall.

There will be a small private family funeral service. A memorial service will be held in Leeds in April, further details will follow.                                                       

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