John J. “Jack” Welsh, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at the age of 95. He was born April 30, 1920 in Manhattan, New York to Peter and Kathleen “Kate” Welsh. He married Marie R. MacArthur in Vallejo, California, September 10, 1950. Marie preceded him in death, but not before they had 64 wonderful years and three children together. Jack enlisted into the U.S. Army just prior to WWII and served his country for 5 ½ years, in which he obtained the rank of Captain. Afterwards he remained in Vallejo, California, met his loving wife and worked at Benicia Arsenal as a Civil Engineer. He was also very involved in the operation of the Benicia Arsenal Federal Credit Union as Chairman of the Board. When Benicia closed in 1961 Jack was transferred to the Tooele Ordinance Depot as Director of Services. At that time, he and Phil Miller, then credit union president, relocated the Benicia Arsenal Credit Union to the Tooele Ordinance Depot, where he was involved with the credit union for over 50 years. He was inducted into the Credit Union Hall of Fame on March 15, 2003. He retired from the Tooele Ordinance Depot in 1981 and continued as a consultant for various subcontractor s until 1985, at which time he retired for good. Jack served as a Tooele City Councilman, and held a position on the board of directors of both the Tooele Hospital and the Tooele Nursing Home. He held a seat on the Tooele Planning and Zoning Commission. He also was very active in the Catholic Church. He served 20 years alternating as area Chairman or Area Vice Chairman on the State Diocese and Development Drive and one term as the State Chairman. Jack could always be found working as a volunteer at various community events such as the Tooele Arts Festival and St. Marguerites Fall Festival. Jack and Marie loved to spend their summers in Clearlake, California with the kids, grandkids and friends who all visited as often as they could. Boating was a big part of all of our lives. He is survived by three children; Mark Welsh, Suzanne (Tom) Rainwater and Bob (Jackie) Welsh, who all loved him dearly; seven grandchildren - Stephanie Welsh; Tiffany (Jed Matthews) Rainwater, Joe (Lindsey) Rainwater and Jonathan Rainwater; Michael, Alec and Rafe Welsh and four beautiful great grandchildren. A special thank you to Home Instead, Right At Home and Harmony for making it possible for Dad to remain at home as he transitioned into the last stage of his life. A visitation will be held Thursday, February 11th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. All will be held at Saint Marguerite Catholic Church, 15 South 7th Street, Tooele, Utah with Interment at Tooele City Cemetery. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050. Jack led an extraordinary life. He always approached it with joy, humor and optimism. We have so many fond memories, too many to mention, that we’ll hold close to our hearts. He is once again with our Mother and we know both are now watching over us. Know that you will be dearly missed Dad. You and Mom will be forever in our hearts! May Perpetual Light Shine Upon You.
