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GILBERT JOHN CLEMENT WELCH, MD, CCFP
Born: Aug 19, 1937
Date of Passing: May 17, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGILBERT JOHN CLEMENT WELCH, MD, CCFP August 19, 1937 - May 17, 2014 It is with sorrow in our hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Gilbert at the age of 76. Predeceased by his beloved daughter Lisa, Dr. Welch leaves to mourn his loving wife of 49 years, Irene, his children Michael, Stephen (Vanessa) and Nicole (Ben), grandchildren Thomas, Maya, Sarah, and Elizabeth, siblings Hilda, Venice, Petrona, and Michael, nieces, nephews, and countless devoted patients, colleagues and friends. The truly remarkable life of Gilbert Welch began in Castries, Saint Lucia on August 19, 1937. His childhood was one of poverty few can comprehend. At the age of nine, he moved with his mother and sister, Hilda, to Trinidad. There, he pursued his education against all odds and excelled in his studies. The happiest day of his life was winning "Exhibition", earning him free entry into high school, a privilege he otherwise would not have been able to afford. He graduated with honours from St. Mary's College in Trinidad in 1956. In 1958, Gilbert made the brave decision to move to Canada, choosing the University of Manitoba to pursue studies in Science. He worked summers, taking on a number of jobs including work as a porter with CN Rail alongside many other young men from the West Indies trying to make their way in Canada. Gilbert rose above many challenges, achieving his goal of acceptance into medical school at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1964. As an intern at the St. Boniface Hospital, he met the woman he would spend the next fifty years with, a young nurse named Irene Boulanger. The beautiful young couple spent their first year together in Swan River. They then moved to Morris, where they raised their four children. During the nine years spent there, he developed such a devoted following that many of his patients would eventually follow him to his new practice in Winnipeg. The Welch Family moved to North Kildonan in 1976. Gilbert established his private medical practice at the Munroe Medical Centre. He was a stalwart figure at the Concordia Hospital for 30 years, where he served on the Standards Committee. He was the last general practitioner to hold operating privileges at the Concordia Hospital. His jovial personality and "cheeky" sense of humour endeared him to all who worked there. Gilbert was a passionate sports fan and a proud season-ticket holder of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers since 1967. He was a regular at the Rossmere Golf and Country Club for decades, where he was affectionately called, "Doc". Gilbert touched the lives of so many people. He treated his patients like friends and family. He was a one-of-a-kind physician who managed to use both his keen intellect to diagnose and treat, as well as his empathy and kindness to ensure the comfort and well-being of people from all walks of life. Above all, his family meant everything to him. Summer road trips, time around the dinner table, and his relentless teasing have given his family a stockpile of enduring memories. He had a nickname for everyone that he loved. His larger-than-life persona and devilish grin will be so deeply missed by so many. A funeral mass in celebration of Gilbert's life will be held at Holy Redeemer Parish, 264 Donwood Drive on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2014
Condolences & Memories (21 entries)
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Dr. Welch treated me and my whole family from the time we were tykes. He helped me through a difficult time when I was a pre-teen and he became a dear friend to me. I have yet to find a Dr who can compare. God bless you Dr Welch and I'm sure you're playing 2$bill poker with my dad again. To his family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. He was a special person. God bless you and comfort you.❤ - Posted by: M. Hudson (Patient/friend) on: Feb 03, 2018
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Dr. Welch was my Dr. for 30 years and who to this day..i found irreplaceable. yes I too was given a nick name "Mrs. Light" and he would sing to me when he walked into the room"you light up my life....",(he had a very good singing voice!) the funny thing I wasn't married(my last name wasn't even light) but he always made me forget why I was there, put a smile in my heart and was I sick? The Greatest... my sincere condolences to all who loved him and are missing him. - Posted by: jocelyn karan (patient) on: Sep 19, 2014
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My heart is saddened to learn this world has lost an amazing man Condolences to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you! A kind heart stopped beating. Rest In peace Gil - Posted by: Jill Dowson (Friend(Munroe Pharmacy)& past neighbour) on: May 30, 2014
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OMGosh - I am sooo sorry for your loss - Man i loved Dr G so much - he was the only doctor my dad Clair would see. Now they are up in heaven sharing a few scotch for sure. I remeber Gil coming to the house when I was expeciting my first born and he immediately told me to go to bed because my feet were so swollen you could barely make out toes. I of course fought with him and would not take his advice which in turn ended me up in the hospital. You will be missed by the whole family - your sense of humor was so amazing - Rossmere will never be the same or the legion. HUGS to all the family - our thoughts are with you while you grieve. Heaven has another angel! RIP Dr Welch! - Posted by: Erin Connelly (Long time friend) on: May 30, 2014
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sorry that I could not attend Dr. Welch's. funeral. As I was out of town. I really enjoyed working with him and will miss him a lot. My condolences to his family. I am going to miss him calling me misses belly. He always teased me, he had a name for everyone. He was a kind man and he cared for everyone. God Bless - Posted by: Carrol Bell (friend) on: May 27, 2014
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Gil was an intelligent, friendly, funny, and very caring person. He was the only doctor that I've ever known that would treat his patients and then socialize with them. If we weren't enjoying Chinese food at the Empress of China restaurant, we could be sitting in his rec room watching a football game over a scotch on a Sunday afternoon. His warm personality and valued friendship will always be cherished and he will be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to Irene and the family. May you rest in peace in God's care, Good Friend. - Posted by: Mike Mayer (Friend/Patient) on: May 27, 2014
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Dr. Welch exemplified the true meaning of a medical physician and a friend. He had cared for generations of our family with his compassionate, empathetic nature and his brilliant knowledge of medicine. He was passionate about his work and was an obvious humanitarian. There will never be another like him and our family feels truly blessed for having been cared for by such an individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family during this very difficult time. - Posted by: Grace Hamm & Family (Patient & Friend) on: May 27, 2014
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I met Michael's dad around Christmas along with his family. His dad was an amazing story teller who kept me intrigued and in suspense with his sense of humor and stories of the past. The little time I knew him he was an incredible human being with passion. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. He will be truly missed by all. He is resting in peace. He made a difference in the world and many people miss him. Thank you for letting me listen to the stories.....marie l - Posted by: marie (friend of family) on: May 26, 2014
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Dr. Welch took care of my whole family...from my Grandmother to my children. Four generations and many cousins, aunties, uncles, etc. I will miss him. I have never found a doctor since he retired that cared as much about making my family his family. He cared for each and every one of us from birth to death. He never shushed us out the door and he always wanted to know "the family gossip". Truly an exceptional doctor. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Take heart in knowing that he touched the lives of so many that will never forget him. - Posted by: Alice Klumper (Patient) on: May 26, 2014
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We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Gil's passing. He was one of our doctors in Morris and our standby second opinion after he moved to Wpg. His wife Irene and his children were also our family friends in Morris. We have fond memories of his sense of fun and jokes and his true caring for everyone he met. He also threw really great parties and loved dancing. Their family was much loved in Morris and had many friends. His jovial nature endeared him to friends and colleagues alike and he had true community spirit. Although we saw little of them for the last few years he will be missed with great fondness and our hearts go out to his family. - Posted by: Linda and Bob Swain (Friends ) on: May 26, 2014
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Dr. Welch was a very unique and valuable Doctor/human being. He was my fathers doctor for many years and had a relaxed way about him that I am sure made all of his patients get a break from the reality of life. My condolences to all of the family members. - Posted by: Bill Zonneveld (Acquaintance/admire rear) on: May 25, 2014
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Dr. Welch was an awesome person. He was so down to earth and he always made you feel important. Two of my sons where delivered by him and my first was around Super Bowl and he said I hope that baby waits until after the game. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. Tara & Rob Lancaster & Iris Moorhouse - Posted by: Tara Lancaster ( Moorhouse ) (Patient and family friend) on: May 25, 2014
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I have only fond memories of Gilbert. He was at my house visiting while I was growing up. We would chat well into the night and play chess. He was a great friend of my family. I also remember one dinner and one party at his residence where I had the pleasure of meeting his family. - Posted by: Jim Weidman (Old acquaintance) on: May 25, 2014
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What a Doc should be. He treated my twins as new borns while they were not well. On our chit chat we found out that he and my uncle had attended college in Port Of Spain and shared a few private moments. - Posted by: Balkissoon (Patient) on: May 25, 2014
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I knew Dr. Welch during his first years in Morris. He was our family doctor and a friend whom we socialized with frequently. He knew how to mix anything with orange juice and cook corn on the cob in the back yard without a barbeque! My condolences to Irene and the children! Dave Sloane - Posted by: Dave Sloane (Dr. and Family friend) on: May 25, 2014
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I worked with Gilbert when he worked in Morris Hospital. I also knew him from our training days at St. Boniface Hospital. We had a great trip together when we took the train to the Grey Cup in the early seventies. My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Dr. V.C. Jacob. - Posted by: Dr. Chandy Jacob (Former Colleague ) on: May 25, 2014
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Doc and I worked at Concordia hospital together. Thanks for the memories Dr. Welch, love and miss you. - Posted by: Nancy Fulton (Co worker) on: May 25, 2014
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Gilbert was a wonderful man whom I knew through work and socially. Condolences to the family, Irene, Michael, Stephen and Nicole. Gilbert will be sadly missed by all. He has left behind some wonderful memories. God Bless! - Posted by: Pat Bucholz (Friend ) on: May 24, 2014
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We were unable to attend the service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. - Posted by: jan and Greg Bizruchak (Friend of the family) on: May 24, 2014
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Oh how we loved this man. Dr. Welch took care of our whole family, including my parents. When Mom and Dad weren't able to venture out, he would stop by their home for a visit and a little schnapps. The most loving, caring and fabulous doctor we have ever known. He always had time to spend with you, always asked about the family, always had a hug when you left his office. Rest in peace Dr. Welch, you deserve the very best. - Posted by: Dave and Marlene Kerr and Family (Former patient and hopefully friend) on: May 24, 2014
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I am so saddened to see the passing of a great person. Gilbert was one of the first people I met when I first came to Canada. I played golf with him on a regular basis and enjoyed his banter on the golf course. He was truly a remarkable man and my condolences goes out to his family. May God bless you and rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Tony Holder (Friend/Patient) on: May 24, 2014
