In June last year, Watson abseiled 50m (160ft) down the tower of the cathedral, in aid of the Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund.
Speaking in the cathedral on Wednesday, mourner Angeline Lee said: “He was so kind and had such a big remit, but whenever you spent time with him it was like you were the most important person there.”
Rachel Johnson, who works in the diocese, said: “I’m quite tearful – we heard the news last night and it still comes as a shock, even though we knew this was coming.
“He ordained me and he was so lovely and easy to talk to.”
The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, also paid tribute to Watson, adding he “demonstrated a calm reassurance of God’s saving grace”.
Watson is survived by his wife, Beverley, their four children and three grandchildren, as well as his mother and three siblings. Funeral arrangements are to be announced in due course.