Scott Jeffrey Welcher

Scott Jeffrey Welcher

Templeton, CA

Scott Welcher, 56, died Tuesday, January 15, 2019, in San Luis Obispo, CA of complications related to Sepsis. He was born in Santa Monica, CA to Wayne Welcher and Dorothy Welcher Reid. Scott was a graduate of Ventura High School, Ventura and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

While at Cal Poly, he met the love of his life, Karen Kaiser. Although both Karen and Scott grew up in Ventura, they had never met prior to Cal Poly. It was love at first sight for both of them. After meeting in August 1985, Scott convinced Karen to come to a Halloween party with him, and they were inseparable after that. Karen and Scott were promised on New Year's Eve 1985, engaged May 1986 and married on August 9, 1986. They would have celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary this coming summer.

After graduating from Cal Poly, Scott spent his career in the wine industry. He started out working at Edna Valley and Los Alamos Vineyards. Over the next 18 years, he helped bring Wild Horse Winery in Templeton to the forefront of the Central Coast wine industry. He then spent almost 14 years as General Manager of Opolo Winery in Paso Robles. During his career, Scott's impact reached far and wide throughout the California wine industry.

Scott's family and friends were by far the most important thing in his life. The love that he shared with Karen was like no other. After 32 years of marriage, Karen and Scotty could still be caught sneaking a kiss or dancing in the kitchen. Scott was also a loving father who always made time for his four children. He was never too busy for a hug or one of his classic 'dad' jokes. Scott was a loving uncle to all of his nieces and nephews, and was lucky to have many close friends with whom he shared many passions. Scott shared his great knowledge with all and his warm sense of humor could light up a room. With an ever-present smile, Scotty showed all who knew him how to live life to the fullest.

Scott is survived by his beloved wife Karen and his four children: Chase Welcher and his fiance Laura Raubinger of Los Angeles, Kayla Welcher of Sonora, and Gillian and Jessica Welcher of Templeton. Scott is also survived by his mother and stepfather Dorothy and Lary Reid of Ventura, and his brothers and their spouses, Blake and Caroline Welcher of Camarillo, Jud Welcher and Jennifer Taggart of Rancho Palos Verdes, Zachary Welcher of Ojai, and William Welcher of Washington, D.C.

A private memorial service will be held on March 23, 2019 at Opolo Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA. In the meantime, Scotty will be in Long Beach where he will be helping others by donating his body to science. Should you wish to remember Scott, a contribution in his honor to Woods Humane Society, San Luis Obispo or your favorite charity would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.

We will miss you always Scotty and cherish our time together.