- Date Of Birth: December 4, 1925
- Date Of Death: March 25, 2022
- State: Massachusetts
Although he fought the ravages of old age like a trooper, Hillard Walmer Welch of Newburyport, MA passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the lofty age of 96. He was born in Cambridge on December 4th, 1925 to Robert H. W. and Marian (Probert) Welch, Jr., the younger brother of the late Robert H. W. Welch III, and he also lived in Belmont, Weston, Centerville, and Groveland. Known by friends and family as “Hid: H-I-D”, he was a lifelong learner with a passion for this great country and its Constitution. He enthusiastically discussed its merits with everyone he met, offering them a pocket Constitution of their own.
The only thing greater than his patriotism was Hid’s love for his family. He was a devoted husband and father, the consummate family man. On June 30th, 1956, he married the love of his life, Joyce K. Tyler, a mere three months after their first date. Their almost sixty-six years of marriage is a testament to his commitment, honor and love for Joycie and their family. Together they raised three daughters, Hollis (Holly) Sullivan of Natick, MA (children Daniel, James, Bridget and Nora), Sherrill (Sherry) Roach of Topsfield, MA (Roger Roach, sons Paul and Charles), and Wendell (Wendy) Orlando of Boulder, CO (John Orlando, children Marcus and Mary) and delighted in the activities and accomplishments of all.
Because he was interested in everything, Hid held many different positions through the years. A graduate of Belmont High, he spent a PG year at Belmont Hill School and then enrolled at Yale University. Due to WWII, he interrupted his studies to enlist in the Signal Corps and was stationed in Italy. Upon his return, he completed his B.A. in U.S. History, claiming he graduated “fully equipped to do absolutely nothing.” He first worked for The James O. Welch candy company and later joined the advertising firm of Chirurg & Cairns, where he rose to the position of Vice President. He also held senior positions at Provandie & Chirurg and Suburban Welders Supply Co.
There was almost nothing Hid couldn’t conquer once he set his mind to it. During his early work years, Hid competed as an amateur pair figure skater for the Skating Club of Boston, winning the 1953 New England Regional Championships. He also could play tennis, ice hockey, ping-pong, pitch a baseball, ski on snow or water, ballroom- or tap-dance, sing, tell a joke, play or teach the piano, cook, wire a house, design and construct a puppet theater, knit, build a deck, repair any appliance… His list of accomplishments was wide and endless. His daughters and grandchildren benefited greatly from his can-do approach and boundless energy and enthusiasm for both his interests and theirs. He took great delight in hearing about their pursuits and helping to brainstorm how to make them even better. He also enjoyed playing host to family and friends, and his trash-can clambakes were legendary!
