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Thomas Welp Obituary
1962 ~ 2015
Thomas Paul Welp, 52, of Boise, Idaho, died Sunday, March 8, 2015, unexpectedly and tragically in his home. Tom was born September 21, 1962, in San Jose, California. He lived in California, Arizona and Idaho.
Even though Tom was deaf, he was the leader of mischief in our home. He short-sheeted beds, put kool-aid in the shower heads, and had a love for the fireworks on 4th of July. He consumed massive amounts of grilled cheese sandwiches and cherry cokes, much to our dad's dismay. He grew up swimming on the swim team, playing football, and basketball. He attended NTID, studying computer science and worked for IBM.
His greatest joy was his horses, Frosty and Monsoon, they were his eyes and ears as he pursued his passion for the outdoors. He ran cattle in Stanley, loved fixing fences, and pulling calves out of the bogs. None of his family could keep up with him when he was on his ATV. He had a thirst for life, adventure, and physical work, even though he was losing his eyesight. Tom taught us to live life with courage, tenacity, laughter, and acceptance.
He was an amazing son, an attentive uncle, and fun brother and awesome brother-in-law. He is survived by his two sisters, Katherine (Jim) Nesci and Lori (Guy) Hudson, and his brother, George (Tiffany Roberts) Welp. In addition he is survived by his nieces and nephews who he dearly loved: Katie, Clay, Lily, Evy, Alexandra, Victoria, Ean, Dylan and Jace.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Martin and Paula Welp and George and Miriam Bruno; and his brother, Martin Theodore Welp. Tom died at the same time of his beloved parents, Ted and Elaine.
Vigil services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Summers Funeral Home, Boise Chapel, on Bannock St. Funeral Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at St Paul's Catholic Church on University Drive, Boise, officiated by Father Jack Bentz, S.J.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Casey Eye Institute Usher Syndrome Research associated with Oregon Health Science University in Portland, Oregon.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Tom's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Welp
Alison Anderson
June 29, 2015
I am sorry for your tragic losses and wish you peace, and comfort from loving people around you.
(The photo captured of Tom Welps is a wonderful one.)
Alison Anderson
Michael Newton
April 10, 2015
You were in my classmate during mid '70. I really enjoy your comments and very respondsible. I never did get a chance to know you more. Last time I met you at the Movies during 80's
March 31, 2015
Beloved family and friends,
You are surely missed by me and the Deaf community. You have shown us your beautiful personality. I am glad that I have known you during our HS years at ASDB and leaders at YLC. I will always cherish our good times in Tucson, at basketball tourneys, and camping trips.
Love you with bearly hugs, Lisa (Keast) Kingsley
March 26, 2015
To The Welp Family,
Our condolences to family and our prayers to you all during this difficulty times.
I have known Tom since Jr. High and graduated the same year from ASDB.
Tom is one of the nicest guy I have ever met and stayed humbled throughout the years.
Rest in peace dear friend.
M.Brogdon(Morales)
March 26, 2015
Dear George, Kathy and Lori. I am very sorry about Tom and your parent. I know Tom when I was his dorm supervisor at ASDB. I know his family well because I always come to his house and visited his family. I know his sisters and brother. I sure missed him and his parent. Let you know that I live at Portland, OR. I usually visit go to Boise to visit my brother in law and his wife. Lee Ellis
Bev Kennedy
March 25, 2015
I met him in college at NTID, He was a very sweet guy, always smile!! Love to joke alot to make us laugh alot. Hes very awesome guy to be around.. Now gonna miss him.. He and his parents also his family will be in my prayers and thoughts.. Fly free Tom, Ted and Elaine!! youre Free and become our angels watching over everyone and helping everyone who need you!!! R.I.P Tom, Ted and Elaine Welp!! You will be sorely missed by everyone who knows you!!
Salpointe Catholic High School
March 23, 2015
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the Welp family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
John Stubbs
March 20, 2015
Dear Welp Family and Friends,
When I first heard the news, my heart sank. I have fond memories of Tom.
We met when we were residing on the same floor at Gallaudet in the fall of 1984. His sense of pride, humble, laid back dude.. and, of course his mischiefs (you can't deny this one!) earned many new friends. He taught us about Usher Syndrome and he gained a lot of respects and admires. He was the one who never afraid to ask for helps whenever he needs it.
I was fortunate when we became roommates during the second year. To my amusements, he did many mischiefs and pranks on me! He short-sheeted my bed, misplaced my items to tricks me, horsing around, and many more! I couldn't ask for a better fun roommate than Tom. He was my stress reliever!
There were times he shared his thoughts with me about his struggles, his accomplishments, his love for outdoor activities, his family and friends. He taught me that we should enjoy our time and embrace it. We should have more laughs - not sorrows.
When he left Gallaudet, I helped and packed his belongings. He left one last prank that gave me good chuckles. I have been thinking of him since he returned home and I was hoping that we will be reunited again.
Love you Tom!
P.S. I still owe you one!
Jane Freeman
March 20, 2015
R.I.P. <3
Jane Guertler
March 19, 2015
Tom... My heartbreak. I still crying and when I hear news it not pretty news... Tom I have a lot memory of you we meet in AADB and we not know we there in HKNC and we had wonderful time with you Tom your parents too. I m glad met you and your parents in HKNC We were togethere a year we had a wonderful time together you always said to me "adventure" your favortie words I enjoyed eat with you and your parents together I can tell a lot but too painful talk I will never forget you. My love I still have pictures of us. One day I will look up pictures when I m ready. My heart break. It take time I pray The Welp family my heart will never fade away Jane (chandler) Guertler
Herb and Victoria Mumford
March 19, 2015
We will dearly miss Tom. He made the best of life and embraced humor and love. Victoria liked to joke with him or tell him stories that would bring out his beautiful smile. The precious moments that we shared will live long in our memories.
March 19, 2015
Family and friends,
Please accept our heartfelt
sympathies . Tom will always be remembered as a gentleman, someone with a kind heart and a great sense of humor. Its been many years since he has been at HKNC , but he and you are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. Sincerely,
Sue Ruzenski and all of us at Helen Keller National Center
Dorothy Walt
March 19, 2015
To the Welp family:
My heartfelt condolences for your losses. Tom and I go way back, many years, and he was such a sweet and kind man. He really enjoyed attending HKNC and then living in Seattle briefly. Tom often teased me and I, him. Such a loving and caring man. I had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful parents. May the three of them rest in peace. I am comforted that they are together.
Dorothy Walt, NW regional representative for HKNC
Anna Sparks
March 19, 2015
Very sorry for your losses. I had known Tom for years. He was very nice and loved sense of humor. I will always miss him and cherish in my heart and remember him forever.
Allison Woods
March 18, 2015
To the family of Tom and parents. My heart goes out to you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Tom is very sweet and humble guy I ever met at Gallaudet. He'll be greatly missed! I know Tom and parents are in the presence of the Lord! And they are dancing in the street of gold!
Tom, You go fly free like an eagle and I know you'd be dancing and praising! Your smile shines!! See you in heaven soon! And also to add that you'll be greatly missed by the family of Gallaudet class of 88! We all love you!
Scarlet Byers
March 18, 2015
I know I hadn't seen you since 1983. I know you will always in my heart.
Miss you and love you xoxo
donna neri
March 18, 2015
hi tom
I am sad that you had to go too soon! you were the first reason I work in Deaf-Blind field as a SSP. RIP tom~ you are now at peace and having fun somewhere in the universe!! sending positive hug vibes to you ((())) you will never be forgotten and will always be on the bottom of my heart :)
Olivia Tiznado (Duarte)
March 18, 2015
It was fun having you as my classmate at ASDB, you ll be sorely miss by us , RIP Tom Welp, Olivia Tiznado (Duarte)
James Feldmann
March 18, 2015
You have been a great student, teacher, and most of all, a friend. I will cherish the time we had and most of all your sense of humor and how we always counter-attack with our non-stop teasing until one of us couldn't think of something fast to re counter-attack right after repeated counter-attack every time!
Rest in Peace, my friend, and you will always be in my mind/heart. You have been a great role model who love life, easy going, humble, and your sense of humor.
Debra Lowery
March 18, 2015
Truly very sorry for your losses. I have known Tom and he was a very well liked person. A Facebook page was created in honor of Tom. "In Memory of Thomas Welp" opened to public.
mark sykowski
March 18, 2015
Im gonna miss u... u been an inspiration to me when we were roommates at gallaudet in our first year... u will be deeply missed... love u brother...rest now
donna neri
March 18, 2015
hey tom! you are the first reason that I started to work in Deaf Blind area as a SSP in Tucson and continue currently. I will miss you and we will cross path again next time somewhere in the universe! :) you are free and peace. sending you a positive hug vibes (((()))) love donna
Jane Lowerhouse
March 18, 2015
The Welp Family,
I am very sorry for your loss and have compassion for all of you-nicest people. You are much loved and in my thoughts and prayers. My big comfy hugs with love to you in my spirit. Deaf ILY sign.
Jane Lowerhouse (NTID) [email protected]
Darron Crouse
March 18, 2015
You are always good guy to help me at school days. miss you always.
Mocha and me.
Kathryn E (Kate) Hale
March 17, 2015
I'm heartbroken by the tragedy of Tom and his parents' death. I knew Tom 30 years ago at Gallaudet, we went out 2 or 3 times and I really liked him very much, I had high respect for him. Tom had the most kindest soul I've ever known. There was a Sadie Hawkins Dance at Gallaudet, I asked Tom to be my date, which he gladly accepted and we had a fake wedding, I still have the fake marriage certificate, that night was the first time Tom and I kissed. Tom was a wonderful person to be around, no one could hate him. I had thought about Tom over the years and now I wish I'd gotten in touch with him if I knew how to find him.
I work with the DeafBlind in Minnesota, after knowing Tom I have a big heart for the DeafBlind.
I shall never forget Tom.
If the Welp family would like to get in touch with me, I'd love that and someday meet them, get to know who Tom really was.
Tom's death left a little hole in my heart.
Lord, please comfort this family over this sad tragedy and let Tom and his parents know that they're all LOVED.
Kate
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