Watson, SF Chronicle biz journalist for 44 years, dies at 91

Lloyd Watson, who was a reporter and columnist on The San Francisco Chronicle’s business pages for more than 44 years, died Sept. 2 at the age of 91.

Carl Nolte of The Chronicle writes, “As a writer for The Chronicle, Mr. Watson reported on the Bay Area’s business culture and executive moves. He was noted both for his connections in the business community and for his direct and clear writing style.

“‘He made it simple and easy to follow,’ said Ernest Beyl, an author and longtime friend. ‘His column was the best-read thing in the business section.’

“Mr. Watson started at The Chronicle as a copy boy in January 1949, and was soon promoted to reporter. He worked with business editors Sidney Allen and, later, Donald White. In 1956, he began a business column that ran in various forms up to the time he retired in 1993.

“He was also a mentor to younger reporters. Jeff Pelline, who now writes a blog from the Sierra foothills, remembered him fondly.”

Read more here.