Tom Welch passed away suddenly on June 22. He leaves his wife of 38 years, Judi, four children and eight grandchildren, including Erik Welch (Sharon), Isabella and Colin; Eric Davis (Rachel), Serene Lopez-Davis; Jill McArthur (Patrick), Cole and Noah; Holly Parker (Blaine) Hudson, Duke, and Caroline.
Tom was a native of Santa Monica, attending John Thomas Dye (then called Brentwood Country Day School), Emerson and Paul Revere, and Unihi, where he met his wife Judi.
Tom went on to Cal Poly where he was a Phi Delt. Tom joined the Air Force Reserves, which kept him in the States during Vietnam. It was at this time that he began his long career as a stockbroker. He became one of the youngest young brokers to land a spot on the Pacific Stock Exchange in 1970.
He married and had a son, Erik, in 1971. Tom moved on to the Jeffries and Co firm, a boutique brokerage house, prior to moving to Merrill Lynch, Drexel Burnham Lambert, Shearson Lehman Bros, Smith Barney and finally Morgan Stanley.
He was a broker for 48 years prior to retiring just after the disaster of 2008. The family encouraged him to get out as he had suffered a heart bypass in 2001.
Tom had a fulfilling life after his heart surgery. He was a scout leader for Troop 400, enjoying seeing his son Erik earn his Eagle. Erik’s son, Colin, made Tom very proud by earning his Eagle this year up in San Jose.
Tom was an active member of Palisades Rotary, serving as president. He also enjoyed becoming a docent this year at Will Rogers, as well as playing golf with his Rotary buddies and learning Tai Chi.
Tom dearly loved sports, attending most home SC games with Judi and the grandkids. He was a Dodger fan from early children when they played in the Coliseum. He loved watching his granddaughters love of dance and his grandsons play baseball, soccer and surf. He also enjoyed many camping trips with Erik and his family in the Sierras.
Judi and Tom enjoyed travel over the years following the children’s sports teams all over the Western U.S. and then to Europe, Canada and much of the East Coast.
They enjoyed several Viking Cruises in recent years, as well as their last trip to Spain and Portugal to celebrate Judi’s retirement from LAUSD.
Tom’s many friends will remember his generosity of spirit, his kindness to others and his love of life. We will miss him each and every day.
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