Obituary

On August 8, 2022, David James Welch, age 77, left this realm to reunite with his mother and family in the great beyond. He was at home on the family farm in Sumas, WA, surrounded by love, family, and friends when he made his exit. David entered this world on December 14, 1944, in Bellingham, WA, born to David J. and Sadie E. Welch. Growing up, he and his sisters, Marilyn and Carol Ann had the run of the town. David graduated from Bellingham High School in 1963.

In 1980, at the Chitina Folk Festival in Alaska, David met the love of his life, Linda Simmons. Whole new vistas of possibility and adventure opened up for them. Five months later they started a family. Both sons, J. Isaac, and Jason R. were born in Wasilla Alaska. In 1985, their young family headed south and settled in Bellingham, eventually moving to what is now the family farm in the foothills of the North Cascades.

David had helpful, calloused hands that could (and did) fix anything, a deeply tender heart, a patient soul, and a curious, creative mind. He loved a challenge. Especially a challenge that could be met tinkering in his shop. A journeyman plumber and certified welder, there was little that David couldn’t fix, and his tool collection was up to just about any job. Combine this with his thrifty nature, and nothing was thrown away until it had proved that it was beyond repair.

David was content with a cat in his lap, a glass of homemade apple wine, and a cribbage board in front of him. He patiently pruned the 400 apple trees in their orchard and turned the flowerbeds – pushing daisies and gazing at buttercups. He was at home in the mountains, hiking, cross-country skiing, and fishing with the boys. He loved driving the tractor and was proud to be behind the wheel of Old Blue, his 58 Ford panel truck.

David leaves behind: his loving wife, Linda Welch; devoted sons, J. Isaac and Jason R. Welch; sisters Marilyn Welch and Carol Ann (Joseph) Shannon; nephews Nathan Welch, Anthony Shannon and Jonathan Shannon; and one smoke-filled shop with sawdust floating in the air and the fading scent of a hardworking man.

If you find yourself looking into soulful blue eyes, enjoying blackberry pancakes, or standing around a monstrous bonfire gazing up at the stars wondering who else is out there, maybe, just maybe David is right there with you.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, 3:00pm at Nooksack Cemetery, 3200 Breckenridge Rd, Everson, WA. Reception to follow at the Glen Echo Community Center, 7694 Goodwin Rd, Everson, WA.