Gary Wayne Welch
October 31, 2021
“As long as we remember a person, they’re never really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us.”
Gary Wayne Welch of London, Ontario passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the age of 78, after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s. His beloved wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Sandy Welch (Watson) and his family were by his side.
He was a dear Dad to Todd Welch (Rose) and Tara McDonald (Gary). The role of Papa to his 6 grandchildren was his favourite and he made precious memories with Aria (Ryan), Darren (Bailey), Kayley, Damon, Taylor, and Jordan.
Gary was born in St. Thomas on July 26, 1943, to Bruce and Gladys (Paul) Welch (deceased). Brother of Carol Bazylinski and her spouse, Bill. Special friends to Ron and Jane Gordon for over 60 years. He was well loved by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as a group of amazing friends.
Gary worked in purchasing in areas of public service and volunteered at Glen Cairn P.S. where he was affectionately known as “Gramps”. Gary and Elizabeth spent many years of their retirement travelling to such places as, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Great Britain, Alaska, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. They loved cruising and spent many winters in Florida and Arizona.
Gary loved cars and enjoyed going for a drive. He always took pride in how his car looked and was forever washing it and cleaning it. He also loved working outside around the house and in the gardens.
Special thanks to Dr. Jessica McPherson, Dr. Mary Jenkins, Dr. Penny MacDonald, and the rest of his care team.
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery. Registration and proof of double vaccination will be required to attend the visitation and funeral service. There will also be a livestream available for those unable to attend.
To register for the visitation, please click here: Registration page for Gary’s visitation on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
To register for the service, please click here: Registration page for Gary’s service on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
To register for the livestream, please click here: Registration page for the livestream of the funeral service for Gary Welch on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gary are asked to consider the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
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Elizabeth ,children and grandchildren I send my sincere sympathy in your loss of husband Gary ,Dad,and Grandpa,such a kind and caring guy ,l was lucky enough to know at Holy Trinity church in Lucan .Sending prayers of comfort to you all in your loss .I will remember him fondly.??
Dear Elizabeth - such an interesting, caring and generally lovable guy. He made you feel like a friend from the first day of meeting. Take care of yourself, Elizabeth and know how much we miss you both. Betty Mc
A strong and loving man. Gary will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Condolences to the family. Rest In Peace.
Except our deepest regrets and sympathy to all of Gary's loving family and friends and please forgive us for not attending at this difficult time in all our lives. May God bless everyone.
Elizabeth and family, so sad to hear of Gary's passing. He certainly was a lovable kind of guy. Always caring and interested in what ever was going on. He will be missed by many. Take care and know that he leaves behind many happy memories.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. He was always friendly with a quick smile and a kind word. He will be missed.
So very sorry for your loss our deepest sympathy & condolences to you and your family, your dad will truly be missed by many who's life's he touch X
Heart felt thoughts & prayers to you Elizabeth and your family!
Elizabeth & Family, I am so sorry to heard of Gary’s passing. Whenever I saw him at Holy Trinity Lucan, he always had a smile on his face. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your Family at this difficult time. Keep your eye close to help you through the difficult times. ?
Dear Elizabeth and Family Our deepest condolences on your loss of Gary. He was such a kind and gentle man and a much loved member of our congregation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts are with you Elizabeth & family. We were always inspired by you as a couple at the PSSO meetings. Take care.
Elizabeth and family. Our deepest sympathy to you. We enjoyed the times we talked with both of you at Holy Trinity Church, Lucan. Gary was such a happy, pleasant man. We were very fortunate to have him amongst us. In our hearts - Murray & Gerry Merrett
We will miss his smiling face in church - sorry for your loss Joan and Gardner
Thinking of you, in this difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Elizabeth and family Thank you for opening up you home to all the PSW's. Gary was wonderful person and I always enjoyed my visit with him, and all the family He will be missed by all who knew him. Ruth Hannah PSW
Elizabeth and family - please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Gary. I was your letter carrier for ten years and Gary and yourself always made time for a visit and to share stories of your trips together-Dan Balcom and Mary Goss
I'm sad to hear about Gary's passing. I knew him from the Parkinson's exercise class at Parkwood Hospital. Over the years his kindness and sense of humour contributed to our group conversations. He spoke so lovingly of Elizabeth and their kids, and his extended family. My life has been enriched from knowing him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Elizabeth and family during this very difficult time. You and Gary were always an inspiration for us at the Support Group Meetings.
We are sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a kind and friendly man who was willing to help whenever he could, even helping to polish the brass. Our sympathy is extended to you, Elizabeth, and your family.
We are saddened by the news of Gary's passing. Gary was friendly and likeable, and despite the daily challenges he faced, he always greeted us with a smile. We are so fortunate to have had opportunities to chat when our paths crossed at Holy Trinity. Elizabeth, and family please know that you are in our thoughts during this sorrowful time.
Hugs to Elizabeth and family, so many years of memories. Gary will be leading the campfire sing songs in heaven, with my dad (2020) last time I talked to Gary. My mom (1991) and all the other camping buddies around the heavenly campfire.
Our condolences to Elizabeth, Todd, Tara and all the family. Gary was a great friend who never forgot birthdays and anniversaries. He was a gentle soul who loved his family and friends so much . We have so many wonderful memories of the great times we had together. He will be missed. Blanche & Hugh
To Todd and your family my deepest condolences. I feel the pain you are feeling right now and I know how tricky grief can be.. one moment you're fine and the next day you aren't. Hold tight, keep your heart strong. I know that there are no words that I could write or say to make things better but cherish all memories of your father as his spirit is still beside you with all his love. Violet
Dear Elisabeth and family. . I am sorry for your loss. . He will be missed.
My condolences to Elizabeth, Tara, and Todd and your families on the loss of Gary. Unfortunately, I didn't see his obituary until last evening - too late to attend his funeral. I have fond memories of Gary, an active member, along with Elizabeth, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. After his diagnosis of Parkinson's, mum and I would receive an annual visit from Gary, collecting donations on behalf of the Parkinson Society. He was always happy to see us, as we were to see him. He maintained a positive outlook on life, despite the limitations imposed by Parkinson's.
We were very saddened to hear of Gary's passing, It was a great joy to know him and he will be greatly missed.
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Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gary are asked to consider the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Condolences and prayers to the family. Gary will be missed by many. A gentle soul who loved everyone and everything. Never forgotten by myself and Bob, as we had many many good times together. Rest in Peace.
~ Donna Bruckbauer