Thomas Bradbury Welch

09/08/1972 - 01/26/2026

Thomas Bradbury Welch – Our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend – known to many as "Brado"-- passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, surrounded by family and friends after a valiant battle with cancer.  Brad was born on September 8, 1972, in Dallas, Texas.    He had a sharp wit, an incredible sense of humor, and deep loyalty to everyone he loved.
Brad loved and appreciated the Thornapple River and the woodland creatures that visited him often.  He had a strong connection to Lake Michigan and spent many memorable summers at the family cottage.   It was at "the cottage" that he felt pure joy.   Brad loved to travel and, as a "foodie," his palate was extensive. Pouring through cookbooks, he was continuously perfecting the art of cooking.  He was a creative and perceived life through the lens of curiosity, recounting his perceptions in a way others had not considered.  He loved strumming a guitar, playing with the latest gadgets, and dreaming of remodeling homes in a mid-century design.  He enjoyed his partnership with Rock Kauffman in ReInvent.
He is predeceased by his father, James Welch, and grandparents, Tom and Elaine Mitchell and Bonnie and Craig Welch. Brad is lovingly remembered by his mother, Virginia Welch; sister Elizabeth Welch (Brian Schwartz); niece and nephew Katherine and James Lykins (and their father Jerry Lykins); step-mother, Jane Welch; brothers John (Kendra) Welch, Charles (Katie) Welch, and nieces Charlee, Ellie, and Charlotte.  He also leaves behind his best friend, Samantha Mehney along with her children (Will, Charlie, Mary, and Elizabeth), and his companion and extraordinary caregiver Karen Parks.
The family thanks Ana Endres for all her love and support.  We are filled with great sadness but take solace in the countless stories that have been told of Brad's phone calls and enduring friendship to so many.  A celebration of life will be held in Grand Rapids at a later date in the summer.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology.