JULY 3, 1927- JUNE 14, 2013

Thomas James Welch peacefully passed away on the morning of June 14, 2013, at ‘By the Lake’, an assisted living facility in Hayden, Idaho where he was a resident for nearly three years. Tom was born on July 3, 1927, to Angela and Philip Welch, in Detroit, Michigan.

The family moved to Chicago, Illinois, and later to Southern California. After graduating from Eagle Rock High School in 1945, Tom went into the Army for 17 months and was stationed in Korea, being discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1947, earning the World War II Victory Medal. Upon his return from the service, he obtained a job with the City of Glendale Public Utilities Plant and later with the Glendale Steam Plant, where he worked for the next 22 years.

Tom married Lorraine Fortman in 1949 and they had a daughter, Denise. After their divorce, Tom met Jean Heckingbottom (on a blind date) and after dating for two and a half years, they married on June 20, 1953 at St. Basil Catholic Church, in Los Angeles, California. Their first born was Linda, followed three years later with the birth of another daughter, Carol. Tom and Jean purchased their first house in 1955 on Glenwood Place, in Burbank, California and lived there until 1996, making many great and lasting memories in that home.

Tom decided that it was time for a career change in 1969, after working 22 years for the City of Glendale, and accepted a job as the manager for one of the largest building supply companies in the area…Glendale Builder’s Supply; where he worked until his retirement in 1992. In 1996 Tom and Jean followed their daughter, Linda and her family, up to Hayden Lake, Idaho, where they purchased the home of their dreams and spent their retirement years enjoying more open space, and four seasons.

Tom’s hobbies included his love of “tinkering” in his shop on almost a daily basis. He also owned an Arab/Mustang horse, named ‘Smokey’ that he adored and he was a member of the Sheriff’s Reserve Mounted Search and Rescue Team while living in California. He also belonged to a local riding club, called the Cal-Aeros, where he made many lasting friendships. Tom became active in the Valley V-8’s after his horse days were over and purchased a 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe, which he totally rebuilt and restored over the years. He also belonged to the WRA (Western Racing Association) and owned and rebuilt two, 1940-era midgets, which he not only showed, but raced in events. While still residing in California, Tom was known as one of the ”Bunker Boys” a very close knit group of friends that all had a love of cars, working on their cars and sharing knowledge, stories, and many laughs together; these may have been Tom’s favorite years.

Tom leaves behind his wife, Jean; (they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage together on June 20th) his daughters; Denise Van Eps (Sunland, California), Linda Smith and husband Bill (Hayden Lake, Idaho), Carol Garcia and husband Ed (Granada Hills, California), brother; James Welch (Yorba Linda, California). Tom had seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Yates Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Private family services will be held at a later date. Deep appreciation is extended to both ‘By the Lake’ Assisted Living and also to Auburn Crest Hospice of Post Falls for their compassionate care.

May you now spread your wings and soar…...You will forever be in our hearts; thank you for being the most wonderful man to us all.

If desired, donations may be made to Auburn Crest Hospice-Post Falls, Idaho or to the Hayden Humane Society. Please visit Tom’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.