Bernie Watson, best known in the region for his skills behind the piano and providing regular entertainment at local inns, restaurants and The Park Theatre, died at the age of 80 April 14.

Watson was born in Sunderland, England, but would later make Jaffrey his home with his wife Louise. She was his partner both in life and in entertainment, as the duo of Bernie & Louise was often billed to provide piano and songs at various locales and performances.

The duo met on the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II, where they were both providing lounge entertainment. Louise Watson called their marriage a “lifetime of pure joy,” that was “romantic and happy.”

“I’m very blessed,” Louise said.

Steve Jackson, director of The Park Theatre, said he first heard the Watsons playing as a duo at the Woodbound Inn when he moved to Jaffrey 12 years ago.

“We were mesmerized, not only by the music, but their love for one another,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the couple became avid supporters of The Park Theatre when the dream of renovating the old theater was getting off the ground, and often offered their services as entertainment for fundraising efforts at no charge.

Jackson said he promised them, “One day, you’ll be playing in The Park Theatre.” Once the theater – after more than 15 years of fundraising – was rebuilt, he said that dream was a reality, with Bernie & Louise playing the lounge nearly every week.

“They had an ultra-devout fanbase of a dozen people that were always around, and they made new friends, one after another, and they were a staple of the lounge bar,” Jackson said. “It’s very sad, when you have some that’s so beloved pass.”

Owen Houghton of Jaffrey said he saw the duo perform many times in various locations, but most often pictures them in the corner of The Park Theatre.

Watson left an enduring gift to the theater with the song “Jaffrey, New Hampshire,” an ode to the town he made his home and its scenic views. To this day, proceeds from sales of the song go to support The Park Theatre, and the song was featured in Jaffrey’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

“It was his little parting gift, and it’ll go on forever,” Houghton said. “There was no question his love for the town and the people in it, and it was reciprocal.”

The Watsons would sometimes provide entertainment in the former Sunflowers Cafe on Main Street in Jaffrey. Former owner Carolyn Edwards said when she heard of Bernie’s passing, the song “Beautiful Dreamer” by Stephen Foster popped into her head.

“He was just a beautiful man, and the vision that you got when you heard him play just went with that song to me – he was a beautiful dreamer,” she said.

Max Mitchell knew the couple both personally and as entertainers from roles managing the Monadnock Inn and then as event coordinator for the Woodbound Inn. He was also personal friends with the Watsons, and said they shared a weekly watch party to enjoy “Downtown Abbey” together, and after the show ended, a film night.

“Bernie was very witty – he had a great sense of humor and a British sensibility. He was very charming and likable,” Mitchell said.

According to Mitchell, when they were playing at the inns, he would occasionally hear the music pause, and knew that the two were engaging with their audience, talking and having conversation.

“The music would stop, and I knew exactly what was going on,” he said. “It was part of the experience people came to expect, the relationships they were building and fostering with our customers.”

The family held a graveside service in Jaffrey Center on April 16. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to The Park  Theatre, 19 Main St., Jaffrey, in his  memory. Jackson said The Park Theatre is planning to hold a celebration of life for Watson this summer, with a date to be announced.