Derrin Watson -- Riding into the sunset

[S Derrin Watson]

In 1977, as I began law school, I started working as a law clerk and was quickly given responsibility for the firm’s qualified plan practice. When I passed the bar in 1980, I stepped fully into a career that has now spanned more than four decades. As I begin to slowly wind down those years as an ERISA attorney, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and for the encouragement and help of so many good men and women.

I never dreamed, in the ’70s and ’80s, where this practice would take me. As this year began, my ERISA work fell into six main roles:

1. I’m an author. I have written or co-authored five books dealing with retirement plans, and am nearly done with my sixth—the ERISA Fiduciary Navigator eSource—all published by ERISApedia.com.
2. I head the ERISApedia ASK service, where my protégé, Adriana Starr, and I answer questions from ERISA practitioners.
3. I present webcasts and live seminars on retirement topics.
4. I draft plan documents and interim amendments on behalf of the Relius division of FIS.
5. I serve as of counsel to the Ferenczy Benefit Law Center.
6. I assist some clients in a private practice.

One of the observations that has struck me over the years about the Employee Retirement Income Security Act is that it never defines “retirement.” My own working definition has been “separating from service once you’re old.” But the older I get, the older “old” gets. Still, as I near RMD age (even after SECURE 2.0), it's time to start thinking about saddling up and riding into the sunset.

I envision retirement as gradually dropping things out of the saddlebags. So, with mixed emotions, I announce that I will no longer be acting as of counsel to the Ferenczy Benefit Law Center or conducting a private practice. I will consult on special cases, but otherwise, for now, my professional endeavors will focus on writing, teaching, FIS, and the ASK service.

Planning for the financial side of retirement has been the easy part. The emotional and professional side is more challenging. My hope is that a slow and gentle ride toward tomorrow will make that transition easier. I am profoundly grateful to the colleagues, clients, and friends who have shared this journey with me—and I look forward to continuing to write, teach, and cheer you on from slightly lighter saddlebags.

[Ilene Ferenczy]

Hi, ho, Silver!  We all wish you the very best as you enter this new phase of your life.  We have valued having you as a resource, and we are glad that we will still be working together with ERISApedia.  Be well, my friend, enjoy your life and family, and know that you are always in our thoughts.  We love you - Ilene, Alison, and the rest of us at FBLC

[Belgarath]

It isn't really possible to adequately describe the profound impact (all good!) that you have had during my career in this business. Congratulations on the "slowdown" - and from a purely selfish standpoint, we are delighted to hear that the teaching and the ASK will still be on the table for now. Best wishes!

[CuseFan]

Echoing @Belgarath and wishing you the best on your gradual exit from the industry. Hopefully others will continue your legacy so the next generation of service providers will know "who's the employer?" After 40+ years in the industry myself, I must say that my fondest memories of your contributions to us all were your musical renditions that added spice to otherwise boring and mundane (to most) topics.

Enjoy life!

[ESOP Guy]

Darrin you are the one and only person who has ever done singing continuing education classes that I have been in.  You bring up your name in this industry and the conversation  turns to the signing instructor. 

You also taught all of us a lot in those classes. 

Enjoy retirement.

[Bri]

😮noooo!!!
Well, for the rest of us.  Thanks for everything over the years, Derrin, and enjoy the wind-down!

[RatherBeGolfing]

@S Derrin Watson, you have been a trusted advisor, teacher, lecturer, and author for my entire career in the industry.  I can easily say that you, @Ilene Ferenczy, and Sal have shaped me into the practitioner I am today.  I wish you the best as you start this new chapter of your life!

[david rigby]

Well done!  I can echo, after 40+ years as an actuary, it was difficult to "let go", so I endorse your gradual approach.  Retirement is great!

[Bill Presson]

Derrin, I’m so very grateful for everything you’ve done for the retirement community and, especially for me. 
 

Without you (and Doug Jolley), I can’t imagine having survived the early difficulties in what became my career. Starting my own business way before it was rational to do so, I leaned rather heavily on PIX just to keep my head above water. 
 

Thank you, though that is woefully inadequate. 

[Peter Gulia]

I hope your seventh book will be the music notation and lyrics of your songs about the law of retirement plans.

[BG5150]

I was straightening some things up around my house this weekend.  Part of it involved moving some books from one bookshelf to another.

I came across Who's the Employer:  A Guide to Employee and Aggregation Issues Affecting Qualified Plans by S. Derrin Watson.

I hadn't picked it up in a long while and I was wondering just how old that book is.

Turns out, it's a second printing from 1998.  My boss gave it to me in like 2000.  She had another copy.  Maybe the second ed.?

I'm wondering how much has changed from 1998 to the current 8th Edition...

[BG5150]

In that book, in the bio, it mentions some all stars (Mike Preston, Larry Starr, et al).  And also the PIX message board.

Good times, indeed!