David K. Welles Sr.

WELLES David K. Sr. Due to complications from cancer, Dave Welles entered the homecare program of Hospice of Northwest Ohio in October. He died peacefully in his Bowling Green home on December 31, 2007. Dave was born in Lake Forest, IL on April 12, 1929. He is survived by his wife, Georgia, with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage. He is survived by his children, Deke (Hopie), Ginny, Jeff (Maud), Peter and Chris (Rene) as well. He leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Dave also is survived by his sister, Emilie. His brothers, Ken and Scott, preceded him in death. A graduate of the St. Paul's School and the Lawrenceville School, Dave received his degree from Yale in 1952. He joined Owens Corning Fiberglas upon graduation and was transferred to the Toledo area in 1955. He subsequently left the firm and founded Maumee-based Therma-Tru Corp in 1962. His entrepreneurial spirit and hard work, combined with his ability to empower others, led to the company's success "beyond my imagination". Today Therma-Tru, now owned by Fortune Brands, employs more than 1700 associates and is recognized as the world leader in fiberglass and steel entry doors. Even during his busier years at Therma-Tru, Dave was ever-mindful of the balance necessary between work, family, recreation and community. He traveled to many parts of the world, often with Georgia, children - and subsequently, grandchildren - in tow. There was one annual destination which he never missed since early boyhood: a summer home on the Canadian side of the North Channel of Lake Huron. Today it remains the central gathering place and "hearth" of the extended Welles family. Dave had a passion for all aspects of the outdoors and loved fly fishing, bird hunting . . . and bird dogs. During his life he was never without the company of a golden retriever, labrador, beagle or spaniel. It has been observed by more than a few that, if there is such a thing as reincarnation, it couldn't be much better than to come back as one of Dave Welles' dogs. Dave also had a great passion for art and he and Georgia have collected numerous paintings, prints and sculptures. He was a long time patron of the Toledo Museum of Art and was chairman of the museum's board of directors from 1991 to 1995. He and Georgia established the museum's Georgia and David K Welles Sculpture Garden in 2001, a fitting combination of love of outdoors and love of art. They co-chaired the museum's most recent capital campaign which successfully funded the new Glass Pavilion which was opened in 2006. Other endeavors also held Dave's interest. True to his care for his family and community, he and Georgia founded the Cricket Island Foundation, a multi-generation family philanthropic entity. He was a significant supporter of Assistance Dogs of America, the Ability Center of Greater Toledo, the Victory Center and the United Way. He served on the boards of the Toledo Hospital, the former Ohio Citizens Bank, the former ToledoTrustcorp and the KeyCorp Northwest Ohio Advisory Board. He was a president of the Maumee Valley Chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization and former Senior Warden of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. Dave lived his life with dignity, good humor and extraordinary generosity. Many will miss his dedication to family, the twinkle in his eye and his ever upbeat approach to life. He truly was a gentleman in all senses of the word. Memorials may be sent to The Toledo Museum of Art, P.O. Box 1013, Toledo, OH 43697, Assistance Dogs of America Inc. (ADAI) 8806 State Rte 64, Swanton, OH 43558, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551. A service in Dave's memory will be held at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 871 East Boundary St, Perrysburg at 11:30 a.m. on January 10, 2008. A luncheon reception will follow at the Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, 502 East Second St, Perrysburg.