It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our brother Michael John Welch on Monday, April 25th at the age of 60 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Rosemary and John, who he loved dearly and was extremely close to. Mike will be lovingly remembered by his Aunt Mary, his brothers Phil (Francine), Greg (Rhona), and his sister Cathy (Jerry), as well as his nieces and nephews Christina, Juliana, Nicholas, Brenna, Maddie, Sarah, and Ethan.
Mike was born in Vancouver on October 10, 1961. He attended Vancouver College, Langara, UBC, and BCIT, obtaining a degree in psychology and a diploma in computer science. Mike loved programming and regularly spent long days pursuing programming projects just for the fun of it.
Throughout Mike’s life, his struggle with mental illness was one of his biggest challenges, yet he faced this challenge with grace and dignity, never complaining but always trying to do whatever it took to get through each day.
Mike was a faithful Canuck fan who regularly watched the games on TV and attended several over the years with his family. Mike requested that his pallbearers wear Canucks jerseys so that his team could let him down one last time. He was also an avid CFL fan and enjoyed watching Lions games with his mother.
Mike was a kind soul and a supportive brother to his siblings. He was also a proud uncle to his five nieces and two nephews. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humour.
Mike liked to stay in close contact with regular calls to his Aunt Mary, Uncle Bill, and cousin Billy. He loved classic rock and dogs with equal measure.
Mike had many wonderful friends in his life, but one of his closest was his dear friend Martin Stastny, who he had known since high school. Martin was a special friend to Mike and helped Mike manage his daily life, especially in Mike’s later years.
The family wants to thank the staff at the Cottage Hospice in Vancouver for their compassionate care for Mike. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate the consideration of a donation to the BC Mental Health Association.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church 3776 W. 28th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. on Monday, May 9th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., everyone is welcome to attend. Anyone who is unable to attend in person is invited to the Church service virtually via Livestream at www.legacystreaming.com/kearney
Mike will be laid to rest near his parents at Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby.