Barney "Cap" Welch

Barney "Cap" WELCH Barney was born on July 19, 1917, but his life truly began in the spring of 1983 when he met Margaret Oty, the love of his life. They had a happy, fulfilling, adventuresome and caring marriage. Barney was a feisty, tenacious man with an incredible will to win. And win he did in his many endeavors. In 1980 his dahlia, Nimrod, won the Best of Show at the National Dahlia Convention. He excelled at golfing, having shot 2 hole-in-ones. At 68 years old, as a pitcher in the Senior World Series held in the King Dome, he hit the only over the fence home run. Bowling in a wheelchair with one leg amputated, at 83 years old, Barney had a 524 series. He was a card shark and loved dancing with Margaret. Barney played football at Gonzaga University and was a lifelong Notre Dame football fan. At the time of his death Cap Welch was the oldest living retired fireman, having served 30 years in the Seattle Fire Department. Our dad had 9 children and a large extended family with numerous grand and great grand children. He peacefully fell asleep on February 9, 2011, when hopefully he got his wish to 'wake up and be with Margaret'. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Gonzaga University or the Retired Seattle Fire Fighters' Pension Fund.