John Francis Welch

John was born to Frank Henry and Hildegard Taylor Welch in Denver.

He had an overwhelming love for his wife, Carol, who he nicknamed “Smiley” while dating, and the name stuck through their 58 years of marriage. At their 50th wedding anniversary, he was asked about the secrets to a good marriage and he said, “Treat her like your best friend and your only friend, which she is. Show her you love her. Wash the toilets.”

Everyone will remember the jokes he loved to tell. Some were off color, but he reveled in wisecracks as much as his audiences, and his infectious laugh would always energize the people he was with.

He was proud of his sons, Thomas (Cara) and Daniel (Cathy) and was blessed even further when they started their own families including the four best Grandchildren ever - Zoe, Gunther, Kate and Ellie. Sister-in-law, Kathy Grauerholz and nieces, Lisa Bailey and Shelly Jelmberg.

Not only was John a great husband, father and grandfather he was a great friend.

He made lifelong friends with the people he worked with for 38 years at Public Service Company.

And there were the hobbies he loved and loved to share.

Chess was a game he enjoyed throughout his life: from early chess tournaments, and the ever present “Chess Life” magazines, to trying to teach his sons, daughters-in-law and even grandkids how to play, and later as an avid internet chess player, he was never far from a chess board.

He was always trying to teach and share, giving his sons the love of the outdoors through camping, hiking and fishing trips. Every vacation was an adventure and created lasting memories. Leading by example, he inspired others to "give it your all" to every task. Although, this had consequences, “One day you’re teaching them to ride a bicycle and the next day they’re waiting for you at the top of the hill’, he said.

Of course there was always music.

He loved listening to music, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Peter, Paul and Mary to Jackson Browne to Brahms. And he loved to play and sing. The indents from his fingers can still be seen on the fretboard of his old Gibson guitar -- the one he would play, often until the wee hours of the morning, while sharing music with family and friends. He delighted in performing with the Denver Mile High and the Sound of the Rockies Barbershop choruses. For 32 years he practiced weekly, and traveled with his wife around the country to Barbershop competitions.

After retirement there was also his avid golf hobby. He was motivated by the challenge of the game and he devoured every golf book, video and TV show to try to improve. He and Smiley enjoyed the friendships in their long membership in the Southglenn Country Club.

John always showed his family and his work and hobby “families” how much he cared through his humor, his honesty and generosity. He brought a happiness and a warmth to the world that we will all miss.

The most beautiful things in life are not material things.

They are people and places, memories and pictures.

They are feelings and moments, tight hugs, smiles and laughter.

Treasure these things!

A Life Celebration will take place when this “craziness” passes.

The family kindly requests no flowers.

If you would like to, a Donation to your local food bank or

to the Porter Hospice Foundation

https://www.rmahf.org/porter-hospice-foundation.html

Rocky Mountain Adventist Healthcare Foundation

950 E Harvard Ave | Suite 230 | Denver, CO 80210