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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
RUTHERFORD, John Welsh (Doc) - died in the evening of April 15, 2012 in his 94th year surrounded by his five surviving children. His early years were not easy but subsequently he had a long and rewarding life. He married Lillian Rose Rivers in October 1939. Their union produced six children, Peter (Judy A' Court), Rutherford James (died in 1966 on duty as a pilot in Vietnam), Anne (Peter Dubas), Catharine (Gord Wenzel), John and Patricia. There are seven grandchildren, Laura, Michael, Adam, Elizabeth, Jeffrey, Robin and James. Doc was particularly fortunate to have enjoyed in recent years the happy company of several great- grandchildren, Mia, Andrew, Zachary, Jacob, Emma, Alexander, Georgia and Walker. Doc was born in Calgary in 1918, the tenth of fourteen children of Peter Welsh, a major player in the Alberta horse and rodeo business in the 1920s. The Welsh family came to Toronto in the 1930s where life was not always easy. His father died after an operation in July 1936. In the following years Doc worked to support his mother and young sisters and could not pursue a university career. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in World War II and spent three years based in Halifax and Newfoundland. After the war he rejoined Christie's Biscuits (Nabisco) retiring in 1983. He was a founder of the Christie's Credit Union. Doc worked very hard. He was a good provider. For many years he was a world traveller with his wife. After his retirement, he was very generous with his time. He was a former Etobicoke Volunteer of the Year. Doc devoted much time to supporting many charitable activities such as Meals on Wheels. He was the founder of the Canadian Polar Chili Open. Doc was an accomplished athlete throughout his life. He was a great swimmer. Softball and bowling were a passion well into his 30s. For many years he coordinated the Industrial Hockey League in New Toronto and wrote a Sports column for the Advertiser, a local newspaper. During the 1980s he was a Marshall at the Firestone Open in Akron, Ohio, the Canadian Open and other large golfing events. Starting golf at close to 40 years of age and getting quickly to a single digit handicap is as all golfers know deserves kudos. Doc was well looked after in his final years at West Park Healthcare Centre. His passing was a surprise, almost a shock to his family - they were sure he had many relatively healthy years ahead of him. The family will be getting together to honour his memory in the first week of October, 2012. We will advise those who knew Doc and wish to attend of the exact date, time and place. (Legacy Remembers 21 Apr 2012)
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