Michael William Welch, 67, of Center Sandwich, died with his two sisters by his side after a lifelong battle with many illnesses.
Michael “Mike” was born to John and Charlotte Welch of Center Sandwich in 1956. He attended Interlakes School and graduated in 1975. Shortly after graduating, he decided to enroll in the Air Force but didn’t feel like it was the right path for him, so he started working for Lyle Thompson Sr., where he was subcontracted to the town of Holderness, doing maintenance work and plowing snow. He worked for Atlas Trucking as a long-haul trucker for some time, but found his passion working for the Sandwich Transfer Station. Many Sandwich residents found Mike to be very pleasant and helpful by taking their trash without them even having to get out of their vehicles. Mike worked at the Transfer Station for many years until he involuntarily retired due to a heart condition.
Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially loved fly fishing in the Sandwich Notch. He loved spending time with his son, Chris, at Hermit Island in Maine, where he felt like it was his “home away from home."
Mike was predeceased by his parents, John and Charlotte Welch. He is survived by his sisters, who took care of him when he needed someone most. Susan Welch, of Sandwich, who spent nights with Mike, and Marion Shaw, of Moultonborough, who spent days with him.
Mike is also survived by his daughter, Amy Muscavitz of somewhere in Georgia, and his son, Christopher Welch of Rumney. And many nieces and nephews.
Mike would like to give thanks to Doug Scott, of Holderness for the many years of friendship and all the help around the house. To Chief Shawn Varney and Sargent Karl Koch for stopping by and checking on him. And to Tara Shaw, of Moultonborough for helping take care of him and just spending time with him.
Per Mike's request, there will not be calling hours, but a cookout/celebration of life this summer. A funeral with immediate family will be held at a later date.
“IT’S FUNNY HOW SOMETIMES THE PEOPLE YOU’D TAKE A BULLET FOR ARE THE ONE’S BEHIND THE TRIGGER.”