Celebrating the life of
George Martin Welch
July 11, 1920 - May 25, 2008
George Martin Welch, 87, died Sunday, May 25, 2008 at Azalealand Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.
George was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. His family moved to the United States and lived in Bemus Point, NY. George grew up on Chautauqua Lake where he enjoyed boating and fishing. At 10 years old, he learned to play clarinet and played regularly for the next 75 years of his life.
During World War II, he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force RCAF and played clarinet in the military band. After leaving the military, he worked for Bell Aircraft Corporation and later attended the C.G. Conn Band Instrument Repair School in Elkhart, Indiana. There he learned his life long trade of repairing woodwind and brass instruments.
In 1962, he moved to Savannah, GA to join the Savannah Symphony Orchestra and continued working as a band instrument repair technician. He later joined Builderama Corporation where he managed the lumber department until he retired in 1986. Following his retirement, he attended Armstrong State College and studied clarinet under the tutelage of master clarinetist John Warren. He was also a member of the Savannah Symphony Civic Orchestra and a charter member of the Armstrong Atlantic State University Savannah Winds Community Concert Band for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline M. Welch, and close brother, Howard Welch. He is survived by his son, Howard M. Welch Susan of Woodstock, GA; two daughters, Beverly Cotton Aubrey of Huntsville, Ontario Canada and Paula W. Reed Douglas of Savannah, GA; grandchildren, April Cotton, Stephen Cotton, and David Cotton of British Columbia; Stephen Welch of Atlanta, GA; Hannah M. Reed, Hollace M. Reed and Mary Lynne M. Reed of Savannah, GA; one brother, Robert S. Welch Nancy of Myrtle Beach, SC; and one sister, Jean Wible of Louisville, KY; and one nephew and several nieces.
Visitation: 6:00-8:00 PM Tuesday at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Wednesday at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with burial following at Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the George M. Welch music scholarship fund at Armstrong Atlantic State University, c/o Mark Johnson, Director of Bands, 11935 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA, 31419 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Paula, your father sounds like someone who truly made this world a better place with his love of music and the skills that he used to keep other's instruments in fine musical shape. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.
- Hope Herrmann, Des Moines, IA
Paula, your father sounds like someone who truly made this world a better place with his love of music and the skills that he used to keep other's instruments in fine musical shape. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.
- Hope Herrmann, Des Moines, IA
Paula, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Kathy
- Kathy Slorah, Des Moines, IA
May you find comfort in the Lord. You and your family will be in my prayers.
- Kathy Weaver, Des Moines, IA
George was the oldest member of Savannah Winds.He attended rehearsals and concerts as long as he was able. Geoge will be remembered by the group.
- Roger Roush, Pembroke, GA
Paula, your father sounds like someone who truly made this world a better place with his love of music and the skills that he used to keep other's instruments in fine musical shape. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.
- Hope Herrmann, Des Moines, IA
Paula, your father sounds like someone who truly made this world a better place with his love of music and the skills that he used to keep other's instruments in fine musical shape. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.
- Hope Herrmann, Des Moines, IA
Paula, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Kathy
- Kathy Slorah, Des Moines, IA
May you find comfort in the Lord. You and your family will be in my prayers.
- Kathy Weaver, Des Moines, IA
George was the oldest member of Savannah Winds.He attended rehearsals and concerts as long as he was able. Geoge will be remembered by the group.
- Roger Roush, Pembroke, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
