Michael Robert Wellish

Mike is survived by his wife of 18 years, Karen Duke Wellish. Mike was dedicated to Karen and their children; daughter, Sarah, and twin sons Daniel and Nathan. Mike is also survived by his three sisters and their husbands; Richelle and David Sommer of Annandale NJ, Meredith and Alan Cook of Nazareth PA, and Nancy and Robert Boyd of Jim Thorpe PA, his in-laws, Richard and Joyce Curlee of Cary NC and brother-in-law Gregg Duke of Cary NC. Nieces and nephews are: Brett and Ryan Sommer; Justin and Jake Cook; Sean, Chris, David, and Jennifer Boyd; Allison Duke Brown and Amanda Duke. Mike’s extended family, friends, co-workers, former teammates and classmates will always cherish the memory of his loving kindness, humility, humor, patience, and quiet strength of character.

As a youth Mike’s athletic and academic strengths were recognized and encouraged by his parents. He was active in local area team and individual swimming and diving competitions. His parents, especially his mother, facilitated travel to countless events allowing Mike to hone his aquatic skills and solidify his love of and commitment to his sport. All of this early athletic training was accomplished while Mike continued to maintain exceptional academic performance throughout his early education. He graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1983 as a two time High School All American. Upon graduation Mike received a four-year athletic scholarship to The University of Virginia in Charlottesville. While attending UVA he received the following recognitions: ACC academic honor roll (4 years); varsity letter recipient (4 years); UVA outstanding diver award; ACC diving finalist (multiple times); and was a proud member of the 1984 UVA ACC Championship Swimming and Diving Team. Mike spent countless happy hours with his family boating, swimming, fishing, camping, skiing, and being on and near the water.

Mike received his Economics degree, with honors, from UVA in 1987 and quickly commenced his professional career by joining Morgan Stanley in New York City, where he met his wife, Karen. They were married in October 1993 and lived for a short time in Winston Salem, NC where Mike was employed by R.J. Reynolds. They relocated to Apex and Mike joined Glaxo Smith Klein at Research Triangle Park in Dec. 1995. He thoroughly enjoyed and was gratified by the professional challenges and special friendships formed throughout his tenure at GSK.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at Apex United Methodist Church, 100 S. Hughes St., Apex, NC. Family will receive friends in the church parlor from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service, which will be held in the Christian Life Center at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Rev. Powell Osteen and Rev. Owen Barrow. Interment will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Michael Wellish Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Gregg Duke, P.O. Box 552, Cary, NC 27512.

Arrangements are being handled by Apex Funeral Home, S. Williams St., Apex NC.