I just  found this page, 12 years later. John and I lived in the same neighborhood in the early 70's. We played music together back in the day. I always wondered about him and his life, so I am very glad to hear he was successful in many ways. Most of all, he was happy and loved. Peace, Johnny and my condolences to his family and friends.

I was very sad to hear the news that John had passed. I studied ear-training and composition with him at UMBC - he was an excellent teacher and my experiences in his classes had a huge impact on me as an educator and a composer. He once took over for Stuart Smith's composition class -  I learned SO much in that semester, a set of experiences that continue to influence me to this day. I was additionally privileged to see John perform koto at an UMBC event a number of years ago. He was a consummate artist and scholar, embracing a dizzying variety of genres, excelling at all of them. His theoretical writings on the music of composers such as Morton Feldman and Stuart Smith are extremely important contributions to musical scholarship.  I was privileged to have known and studied with him, and he will be greatly missed.

Dr. Welsh was the best theory teacher I have ever had. But more than that he was a kind soul and I have always been amazed at his versatility. Simply put, the man could do anything! He will truly be missed.

Anne, I felt heartbroken when I knew John passed away on January 10, 2012. A week has passed, but I still see his face, his smile … I am fortunate to have known John who was a very kind person and a very talented man. May all the wonderful memories of John help comfort you and Alex, and get you through this difficult time. John will be greatly missed.

Way back in 2003, when I just became the principal of the Howard County Chinese School, I noticed a good looking couple with a little boy were always invited to our parties. I was told they were invited because they have helped our community way before I did. Their contributions are  always appreciated so we invited them back to have some Chinese food. Through the very first conversation I started to like this older man (older, not old). He was kind, humble, bright, good sense of humor. Spoke pretty good English. 

It was exactly one week ago, Monday morning last week, I made a call to John's Amtrack work phone, spoke to him. He sounded as usually, gentle, well organized. I also met him the night before, on Sunday. As usual, he was smiling, spoke softly. Busy running back and forth did what he supposed to do. That day looked just like any other day of his life. 

But Tuesday afternoon at the hospital, life was forever different. I was unable to hold back my tears when I saw Alexandria and granny.  It was a moment that the word sadness cannot describe, or any word; I stood there, stared into the walls. my mind went total blank. For moments I forgot why I was standing there.  The sound and the views around me broke down into pieces and I could not connect one moment to another. I wanted to ask why. However I was speechless and I knew none there would have an answer or any answers. I just prayed it was a bad dream, and I hoped when I woke up, Alex was still the technology guru at home, helping to print files for the parents who adore him. The Welsh residence looks just like in any other day of the year. Cars pull out the drive way in the morning, and pull in the driveway in the evenings almost the same time every day. On the sunny Saturday afternoons, friends and Alex are in the yard and John stands by the door telling them you guys got be careful and the swings are not designed to go any higher. The sun is setting, and the willow tree sweet smell floats in the spring breeze.

I know today whatever I feel cannot ever be compared to a bit of your feel. However what I am about to say next is important to us, esp to you Alex.  I remembered there was a proverb I learned somewhere sometime ago, is that “it is no longer important what happened, it is important that how you react to it”. I know you can argue against these tens of thousands of times. However, whatever happened, no matter how important, or unimportant, already happened. How do we react to it? We need to be strong, to be tough. We need continue to do whatever we need to do because none of us will have the luxury to stop. Do the right thing, do it better. And make him proud. Along the way if there is anything you need from me, or us. We will be always there to lend my hands, without any hesitation.

I want to thank John. We admire you, and we will always love you. Yes I agree that (someone said) the world is a better place because of you. Knowing an outstanding man like you, is a blessing for people like me, I sincerely thank you for that. I know I will never have another friend like you again, but I will always remember you as my inspiration, be kind, humble, and enjoy life to its fullest.

Alex was in my math class in Chinese School.  I've always seen the picture of a loving family -both John and Anne walk together with Alex in Chinese school at the end of school day.  It was so hard to believe that picture became history.  Take care, Anne, take care, Alex.

I had the pleasure of working with John at Amtrak. He was a sweet spirit and he will be missed. My prayers are with his wife and his sons.

I am grateful to have known John, who was a very talented man.  He was a great support to Anne, a wonderful husband and a loving father.  He will certainly be missed by his family and friends, but his kindness and wisdom has forever left a lasting mark on many.  Anne, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I feel so fortunate to have known John for the past 25 years, during which time we both taught at the University, strategized together for a new career, and encouraged each other when obstacles were in the way.  His persistence in pursuing his passion has always been my inspiration.  
John, you will truly be missed!

I have been knowing Linping Anne Welsh (Anne) for more than 30 years and both of us were the members of the so-called Class of 1977 in China. We studied in the Department of Music, Hebei Teachers University for 4 years. I majored in piano while Anne majored in violin. In additional to attending the classes together, we also lived in the same dormitory and ate in the same dinning hall for 4 years. She was the youngest student of our class and the best violin player in the history of the university (and perhaps the city and province). After we graduated in early 1981, I became a piano teacher at Beijing Dance Academy and Anne was retained as a violin teacher by Hebei Teachers University.

I came to the U.S. several years later and we did not have much contact for a while. I went back to Beijing in 1994 and was re-connected with my classmates and friends. Each time when I went back to China, Anne, then working and residing in Shijiazhuang City of Hebei Province, always came to Beijing to see me. We had good time together, chatting, laughing, and eating real Chinese food. She was still a young, pretty, and energetic professional who was teaching violin, managing a fashion franchise, and taking English classes at the same time. 

I was obtaining my doctoral degree in Ethnomusicology during that period of time. Ethnomusicology is the only graduate program in the Department of Music, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Dr. John Welsh (John) was teaching music courses at UMBC. Eventually we spoke to each other when he came to the Record and Tape division of UMBC library where I was working part-time. John came to borrow a record and I assisted him. We became friends after that.

John obtained his doctoral degree in Composition from the University of Maryland College Park. He studied the piano from the young age, and was interested in music from different periods and cultures. Particularly, he was a member of Washington Toho Koto Society, composing and performing with the ensemble frequently. John later obtained his degree in computer science and started working for Amtrak in Washington DC.

I graduated from UMBC in 1996 and went to study at the University of Maryland School of Law. Due to the intensive reading and studying schedule, I had little contact with my friends for a while.

I was working as an Intern at the International Environmental Law division of EPA during the summer of 1997. John and I met again on Marc train returning to Baltimore from Washington DC. We talked about each other's life and work, as well as common friends. 

Marc train was where we started talking about Anne. We met on the train from time to time, and our conversation gradually were focused on Anne. As a very brave and devoted person, John decided to visit Anne in China. I helped him to  buy an international air ticket from a Chinese travel agency, so the proposed airfare of more than $3,000 was reduced by 50%. 

John went to China. 

John told me later that Anne went to Beijing airport to meet him holding a huge bouquet of flowers... 

The rest is history. 

John will be remembered by all of us for his integrity, generosity, creativity, compassion, sense of humor, and passion for life.

Mi Puyang in Millersville

John is a great son,husband and father.
So pleased to know him,so painful to lose him.
What we are feeling now is hard to put in words.
Ann,our love and support will be with you and kids forever.

I am deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of John Welsh. He was a good friend and colleague with whom I had some great times. He will be dearly missed.

John was one of the brightest and most dedicated individuals I've ever had the privilege of working with.  He had such a positive approach, did not shrink from a challenge, and was a truly gifted person.  His sudden passing has left a hold in our team and in our hearts.  Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family and all who knew him.

John was a highly valuable and respected member of our team and the effect of his loss are already being felt. I am glad I had the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Whenever I think of John, I see his face,energized and smiling.He was a light in our everyday world. And just as no amount of darkness can cover light, so nothing ever seemed to dampen John's enthusiasm for learning, nor impeded him from sharing that joy with all of us. May the memories of John's life continue to help his dear mother Marian and his loving wife Anne and family, to weather this sudden and overwhelming loss. Love and prayers,

I had the pleasure of working with John at Amtrak and am so very sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Anne,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope the memories that you have shared with John & your family will help bring comfort during these times.

Anne, I am deeply saddened by your loss. I hope that you will be comforted by your memories and your love which is very much alive.

John was a great example of what a loving husband and father should be. He was always supportive of his wife and family, happy, and encouraging for them to reach their potential. While he will be missed greatly by his family, he left a lasting impression on us of what goodness is! I only hope I can live to follow his example with my wife and family!

What an inspirational legacy left for all to remember and enjoy!  His life is one to celebrate and his contributions ones to commemorate.  What a great lesson in life to know that we don't know when we'll be called home, but we do know what we can do right now to live our lives to the fullest and touch those around us.

John's life will be celebrated but the loss is deep. My deepest sympathy to his wife Ann, his sons and family. You will be in our prayers.

I'm glad I got to know John and had the opportunity to work with him.  Always friendly, always pleasant, and always reliable.  He will be missed.

I am heartbroken to witness John's passing.  I valued his friendship and collaboration at Amtrak, as we worked closely together, and I will miss him.  My heartfelt wishes to his family for their loss and grief.

ann, 
I just now heard this sad sad news. I have worked with john for 14 years. this is really hard for me to believe. jay corcoran

John will be greatly missed. Keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers. Cheryl Sappington (Amtrak).

John will all ways live in our hearts, but I truly believe he will live in our memories for all eternity. To tell someone how great he was, could never be covered in this note or in a passing conversation. Just saying that we miss him is a tremendous understandment. 
Like John and I have said before, "see you on the other side", because Heaven all ways gets the best.

John was the best. I feel fortunate to have known him. He has certainly contributed to make this world a better place. I will miss him.

                                                               Jean Wong (Amtrak)

John will be greatly missed at Amtrak by all of his co-workers, management team, and business users. We are all keeping his wife Ann and family in our prayers.

OBITUARY

John Patrick Welsh

March 24, 1955 – January 10, 2012

Witzke Funeral Homes Inc.

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