By David Watkins, special to the Blog
If you’ve lived in Phinneywood long enough, you know what it feels like to put down roots in a neighborhood that truly becomes part of your life. For me, that started back in 1989, when I bought my first house on Phinney Ridge. More than three decades later, I’m incredibly lucky to both live and work in the same community—now serving as the General Manager of Aegis Living Greenwood, just blocks from my home.
A Neighbor First, A GM Second
My journey started far from here. I grew up in Fiji, moved to Honolulu for school, and even met my wife, Sally, at a bus stop there. Eventually we made our way to Seattle and chose Phinney as our home. Sally became known as “Teacher Sally” at the Phinney Preschool Co-op for 20 years, our daughter grew up here, and this neighborhood became woven into our family story.
For more than 30 years, I worked in hotel leadership. Like many, my career shifted during COVID when the hotel I managed closed. A fellow Aegis Living GM encouraged me to explore senior living, and after being hired and completing an immersive 100-day training program, I realized I had found a new calling. My first year brought recognition as Rising Star GM, and our Ravenna community earned Community of the Year. I later had the honor of opening the Kirkland Waterfront and Laurelhurst communities before the opportunity arose to return to Greenwood.
Being back here feels natural. I know the streets, I recognize the faces, and I genuinely feel connected to the people around me. This community raised my family. Being able to give back means everything.
And that’s exactly what I hope to do.
A Resource for Local Families
My goal is simple: to be a helpful neighbor to anyone navigating the questions that come with aging—no pressure and no sales pitch. In partnership with the Greenwood Senior Center, I hope to support local families by offering approachable education around:
• What assisted living actually provides
• What to ask when exploring senior living
• How memory care works
• Understanding hospice and end-of-life support
And you don’t need to be considering Aegis Living to reach out. If you live in the neighborhood and have questions about senior living or care options, I’m here. Call me, stop by, or just ask—I’m happy to help.
Three Questions I Think Every Family Should Ask
When families begin exploring assisted living or memory care, I always encourage them to start with these three questions:
• What kind of support does your loved one need today—and what might they need a year from now?
• How does the community keep residents socially connected?
• What training do team members receive around memory loss, safety, and whole-person care?
Asking these questions can ease a lot of uncertainty and help families feel more confident as they plan.
After decades in hospitality and senior living, I’m grateful to be back in the neighborhood that shaped me. My story is rooted in the same values that Phinney and Greenwood residents know well: connection, care, and community. Today, I’m using everything I’ve learned to support my neighbors—and the place I’ve always called home.