Obituary of Dennis Albert Welham

Dennis Albert Welham of Cochrane passed away suddenly at home on Friday, February 11, 2005. Dennis was born on May 18, 1933 in Calgary. His first job was working for Clem Gardner Ranching when he was fourteen. At age seventeen, he began his work career building roads in the mountains, then building rural telephone lines. From 1961 to 1976, Dennis worked on and was Manager of Two Rivers Ranch, just west of Cochrane. He then went to work for Plains Engineering, then m.e.p., which became Fairbanks Morse. Dennis was the Canadian Operations Manager of Fairbanks for twenty years and retired in May of 2000. Dennis loved the high country and any chance to ride, drive, picnic, or hike there was where he liked to be. He was very active in, and Past President of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies. Dennis lived his life full of energy, enjoyed what he was doing and believed that nothing was impossible if it was done right. He was a true cowboy from start to finish, whether he was building roads, fixing engines or doing what he loved best which was anything on horseback. Dennis and Kathleen made their home in the Cochrane area where they raised their daughters, spoiled their grandchildren and had a lot of fun together. His love and strength will forever live in our hearts. Dennis will be deeply missed and always loved by his best friend and wife of forty-seven years Kathleen; his daughters Bev Welsh and Trish Young (Jim); granddaughters, Pamela and Kayla; grandsons, Jordan, Mason, and Alex; sisters Joan Powell (Ed), Kathleen Hatfield (Bruce), Audrey Paice, Daphne Elliott (Nick); aunt Ruth Welham; nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada and England; as well as all those who called him friend. Funeral Services will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church (128 First Street E., Cochrane, AB) on Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca. In living memory of Dennis Welham, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.