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John Welch Obituary
John was born in New Haven, Conn., and grew up in Pembroke, Mass. John was the youngest son of Edward and Pearl Welch.
John's love of the wilderness started at age 10 when he crafted a pair of snowshoes out of white ash shoots and carefully selected leather strips from the Deerskin Trading Post. After a stint in the Marine Corps and a few years driving a cement mixer in the Boston area for the Big Dig, John decided he preferred solitude and a connection to the outdoors over city living and moved to Jackson Hole, Wyo. He parlayed his love of fly fishing into a career as professional fly fishing guide in Jackson Hole, and spent several years exploring the beauty of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and fly fishing along the Snake and Columbia rivers catching brown, brook, rainbow and lake trout. He spent his winters learning to love sled dogs and racing. This love eventually took him to Alaska.
John was a member of Teamsters Local 959, working on construction projects across Alaska, including above the Arctic Circle. The weekend before his death he competed in the Sheep Mountain 150, a qualifying race for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
John will be remembered for his thirst for adventure, his respect for and love of nature, his insatiable curiosity, and his countless friends who loved and respected him for his humor, intelligence and loyalty.
John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Robert and Barbara Welch and their children John, Brittany and Michael of Medfield, Mass., and Kenneth and Diane Welch and their daughter Lindsay, of San Francisco; and a host of relatives and friends from all over the world.
A private celebration of John's life will be held for family and friends at a later date. For those who would like to make a donation in John's name, please support Second Chance League (http://members.petfinder.org/~AK17/index.php), a group of Fairbanks mushers focused on finding permanent homes for sled dogs.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Welch
Sponsored by anonymous.
Jim Healey
December 26, 2023
When I think of my dear cousin, the first thing I think about was his ability to crack everyone up in the room with his humor, impersonations and such. I miss him a lot also, I am sad that he and I did not get to know each other as adults....but I am very proud of all that he accomplished in his short time here...I don't know much about how he followed his own road but it is obvious he did and that deserves so much credit...
On behalf of me, my wife, sisters and our side of the family we Love you cousin!
Jim Healey
Ed Bibaud
December 24, 2020
Merry Christmas Webber!
Dawn Lindsay
October 25, 2019
Our first date was a white water trip in your drift boat. Certainly Jackson Hole style! I trusted you but had to ask, Have you ever done that before? No. You taught me how to fly fish! Great teacher and the memories will last forever. Our lives led us in different directions. Me to the ocean in Maine. RIP.
Alejandro "Luke" Michel
August 15, 2014
Still missing you bud. I know you're riding that big ol sled in the sky!
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Tammy Davis
March 18, 2014
I'm so late to this board. As others have said, John made a days work more fun, especially when it was a long day, the temps were below zero, and it was dark. He was always quick to smile, quick to laugh, generous with himself to everyone. I clearly remember John's kindness pulling me out of a serious mental funk. His genuine caring and positive attitude were a reminder that a sense of humor can help get one through. Thank you, John, for sharing your bright and kind heart with those of us lucky to have met you. May you rest in peace, any may the souls of lost dogs, and the spirit of of nature comfort you.
Judi Judge(ferguson)
February 24, 2012
Hi kenny, sorry to hear about your bro. Never really knew him even though i spent a lot of time with you in jr /sr year of high school. Peace and love to you and your family.
Judi
Alejandro Michel
March 8, 2011
John Welch... the first time I met you was at HC in North Pole, AK. You always made work fun.. like how we spoke to each other in fake New Jersey accents over the radio. You're a stand up dude, and I'll miss you. Thinking about you just puts a smile on my face. If you knew all this, I'm sure you'd say one thing:
Fuhgeddabouddit!
Max Fucheck Jr.
January 13, 2011
Johnny, you will always be one of my cherished memories of Jackson, I am proud to have been your friend. The laughs we shared remind of the beauty that is life, you'll never be forgotten. Will see you again my friend.
Eddie Bibaud
January 7, 2011
Sure gonna miss you Weber
January 6, 2011
Johnnie... the fun, deep, sweet nephew I knew so well as a kid. I'm so touched as I learn more about the man he became.
Aunt Ev
Matt Sudmann
January 5, 2011
To our dear Johnny Boom Boom, you will be greatly missed. I will never forget the country western songs that you somehow turned into rap song. Myself and Susan will truely miss you.
Robyn Schmidt
January 3, 2011
Perhaps they are not stars,
But rather openings in Heaven
Where the Love of our lost ones
Pours through and shines down upon us
To let us know they are Happy.
Eskimo Proverb
Hey Boom Boom,
I will always cherish our friendship and our travels. You were full of character, humor, and life. You had many loves including: skiing, fly fishing, road trippin', dog mushing, and of course popcorn! It may have taken you time, but you did what you loved. You were a terrific companion to Buster, Huey, Jimmy B and Ginger to name a few. I was so happy to hear that you completed the Sheep Creek 150. Congrats, and I know you were smiling and loving every minute. You will always be in the hearts of your friends & family, and we will always carry your memories with us.
Love you Johnny,
Robyn & Pumba
Joel Chisholm
January 3, 2011
Johnny boy, I miss you brother. I often times think hiking the Teton Pass with you, stopping in the snow cave at the top to get warm before riding the sweet untouched powder lines down. Never forget you man...
Heather & Jason Falk
January 3, 2011
Boom Boom you will be missed...what an amazing sense of humor and good soul...thank you for the memories!
Charlie Hendessi
January 3, 2011
I will miss John's ability to tell a great story , we shared many over the years he was in Jackson and then from Alaska. Lots of good times in the mountains you were a very good friend who truly missed.
Charlie Hendessi
January 3, 2011
Thank you Johnny for the never ending laughs. You made all of my glacier days brighter! I love you!!
Kristen Andrews
January 3, 2011
Kenny, I am so sorry to hear about your lovely brother. I am thinking about you all at this time.
Karen Holt
January 2, 2011
Rip john...you were my first "boyfriend" and first heartbreak! You always had such a sense of adventure...you will be missed.
Andrew Sullivan
January 2, 2011
So many memories from 40 years of friendship with John. Many years of visits to JH w John as our private tour guide snowboarding, fishing, exploring and bonding w a true lifelong friend. Your incredible spirit will live through all of us that have been so lucky to know you and call you our friend. Tight lines buddy, Andrew Sullivan
James Healey
December 31, 2010
"I remember when John and his brother Ken and I would hit ground balls to each for hours back in Pembroke.....his service to his country and his dedication to doing the right thing is what makes our country great. Thanks John for everything you helped us aspire to be!" James Healey and family (Los Angeles, California)
Michael Coughlin
December 31, 2010
I hope you are mushing in Heaven, Mike Coughlin
Colleen Ingalls
December 31, 2010
John took me on my first Harley ride with flames shooting from the exhaust -not aniticpated but added to the ride. He found humor in everyday, showed others to do the same and shared himself generously. Because of him I appreciate the perfect imperfection of everyday. He will be remembered and missed daily.
Kim Brandenburg
December 30, 2010
I will sincerely miss John coming into the Teamsters Hall with all of his four legged friends, especially Ginger. They made my day! RIP John and Ginger.
December 30, 2010
RIP cousin
Steve Murphy
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