BIDDEFORD — Allan R. Watson, 71, of Manchester, New Hampshire, died on Jan. 21, 2016 from cancer, which he viewed as a life experience and not a struggle or battle that he was in.

He was born in Biddeford on Feb. 10, 1944, the son of the late Rodney and Irene (Simms) Watson. He was educated at Thornton Academy in Saco, Oklahoma State University (Bachelors) and the University of Southern Maine (Masters), and earned his doctorate in divinity from the American College of Metaphysical Theology.

He worked for 36 years with individuals who have special needs, more than 25 years of which was as a special education teacher. He retired after another 11 years as a therapeutic foster parent.

Allan was an avid fan of New England sports, always cheering on his beloved Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins or Celtics. He was always known to spend hours on end involved in studying and working toward civil rights, human rights and equality.

He was also a member of the Unitarian Universal Church in Augusta as well as a pastor for the Metropolitan Community Church in Portland and Augusta, and at the Riverside Congregational Church in South Gardiner.

Allan is survived by: his wife of 23 years, Jill Watson; his daughter, Erica Watson of Lewiston; a sister, Judy Richardson of Biddeford; a special friend, Frank Cantara of Biddeford; a sister in-law, LeAnn Wilcox of Gustavus, Alaska; brothers in-law, Craig and Jana Ring of Ketchikan, Alaska, and Kip and Heather Wilcox of Suquamish, Washington; nieces, Liz and Jon Chenard, Arielle Richardson, and Karen and Rob Heflin, all of Saco, Cassidy Briskar, Sarah and Ty Gass of Ketchikan, Alaska, and Amanda Briskar of Juneau, Alaska; and nephews Erik Sanborn of Portland, and Charlie Ring, Bradley Ring and Cody Ring, all of Ketchikan, Alaska.

Per Allan’s wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made in Allan’s memory to: Special Olympics Maine, 125 John Roberts Road #5, South Portland, ME 04106.

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, 198 Western Ave., Augusta (www.funeralalternatives.net).