Obituary for John Welch
Welch, John:
Passed away peacefully at Innisfree House on Friday, June 17, 2022, in his 73rd year. Best friend to wife Gloria Jean for 52 years. Loving father to Julie Anne (Jake), Roseanne (John), Adam and Athena (Hakem).
Proud Grandpa of Autumn, Dylan, Courtney, Libby, Sam, Anna and Lucas.
Brother to Rick (Ann), Donna (Rick), Glenn and Sister in law Debbie. Will be missed by extended family and friends.
Predeceased by his parents Earl and Geraldine and brother Gary.
John will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather with a playful sense of humor, solid work ethic, and an immense knowledge and respect for all things nature and the outdoors. You knew he was in a playful mood when he affectionately teased Gloria or answered the phone by saying, “Hello there, this is Johnny bear,” or when he prayerfully asked God to bless his family and the gophers. His grandkids would often come home regaling funny stories from time spent at Grandma and Grandpa's and they would end the story by saying hash tag #couplesgoals. On a rainy day he was known to lead a conversation with, “Do you think the rain will hurt the rhubarb?” or “Good day if you are a duck”. He would often take a grandchild’s hand and say, “Hold my hand so I don’t get lost.” Humor aside he approached life with a down to earth practicality, didn’t sugar coat anything and seldom complained. He approached problems as challenges and the trials and tribulations of this life as adventures. He enjoyed telling long winded stories and never missed a “teachable moment” that included wisdom, guidance and advice. John worked for over 40 years as skilled Electrician with meaningful work that took him all over Ontario. It was not uncommon for him to be contacted for an emergency call during the evening, weekend, or just as we were to sit down for a holiday meal. For each call, he was happy to help solve the electrical problem and never complained. As an avid outdoorsman he was an accomplished competitive skeet shooter, impressive and patient nature photographer, and he thoroughly enjoyed camping, portaging Algonquin park, fishing with his grandchildren at the cottage, bird watching, and stargazing. He instilled a deep love and respect of all of creation to his family while teaching the importance of discerning what really matters in this life.
Nothing made John prouder than the close relationship he had with his family and he loved and supported them always. Over the years he and Gloria enjoyed the opportunity to explore each coast of Canada, Greece, Hawaii, and many trips to the Caribbean and Southern United States. He was quick to share an exciting tale from these adventures, life lessons, and the importance of lending a helping hand when people are in need.
John had a heart of love, loyalty, honesty and kindness. He will be missed beyond measure but his legacy lives on through his family and thankfully through many stunning photographs. Please take a minute to click on 'Photos & Videos' on this page which leads to a beautiful tribute video. You will see a life well lived and hopefully it puts a simile on your face.
A special thank you to the staff of Grand River Cancer Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, ParaMed Home Health, and Innisfree House for the quality care, compassion, and support they provided our family around the clock.
In keeping with John’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be a private interment at Williamsburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone today in John’s memory.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for John's memorial.
Passed away peacefully at Innisfree House on Friday, June 17, 2022, in his 73rd year. Best friend to wife Gloria Jean for 52 years. Loving father to Julie Anne (Jake), Roseanne (John), Adam and Athena (Hakem).
Proud Grandpa of Autumn, Dylan, Courtney, Libby, Sam, Anna and Lucas.
Brother to Rick (Ann), Donna (Rick), Glenn and Sister in law Debbie. Will be missed by extended family and friends.
Predeceased by his parents Earl and Geraldine and brother Gary.
John will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather with a playful sense of humor, solid work ethic, and an immense knowledge and respect for all things nature and the outdoors. You knew he was in a playful mood when he affectionately teased Gloria or answered the phone by saying, “Hello there, this is Johnny bear,” or when he prayerfully asked God to bless his family and the gophers. His grandkids would often come home regaling funny stories from time spent at Grandma and Grandpa's and they would end the story by saying hash tag #couplesgoals. On a rainy day he was known to lead a conversation with, “Do you think the rain will hurt the rhubarb?” or “Good day if you are a duck”. He would often take a grandchild’s hand and say, “Hold my hand so I don’t get lost.” Humor aside he approached life with a down to earth practicality, didn’t sugar coat anything and seldom complained. He approached problems as challenges and the trials and tribulations of this life as adventures. He enjoyed telling long winded stories and never missed a “teachable moment” that included wisdom, guidance and advice. John worked for over 40 years as skilled Electrician with meaningful work that took him all over Ontario. It was not uncommon for him to be contacted for an emergency call during the evening, weekend, or just as we were to sit down for a holiday meal. For each call, he was happy to help solve the electrical problem and never complained. As an avid outdoorsman he was an accomplished competitive skeet shooter, impressive and patient nature photographer, and he thoroughly enjoyed camping, portaging Algonquin park, fishing with his grandchildren at the cottage, bird watching, and stargazing. He instilled a deep love and respect of all of creation to his family while teaching the importance of discerning what really matters in this life.
Nothing made John prouder than the close relationship he had with his family and he loved and supported them always. Over the years he and Gloria enjoyed the opportunity to explore each coast of Canada, Greece, Hawaii, and many trips to the Caribbean and Southern United States. He was quick to share an exciting tale from these adventures, life lessons, and the importance of lending a helping hand when people are in need.
John had a heart of love, loyalty, honesty and kindness. He will be missed beyond measure but his legacy lives on through his family and thankfully through many stunning photographs. Please take a minute to click on 'Photos & Videos' on this page which leads to a beautiful tribute video. You will see a life well lived and hopefully it puts a simile on your face.
A special thank you to the staff of Grand River Cancer Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, ParaMed Home Health, and Innisfree House for the quality care, compassion, and support they provided our family around the clock.
In keeping with John’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be a private interment at Williamsburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone today in John’s memory.
Visit www.henrywalser.com