Obituary of Thomas Welp

Thomas Paul Welp, 52, Boise, Idaho, died Sunday, March 8, 2015, unexpectedly and tragically in his home. Tom was born September 21, 1962, in San Jose, California. He lived in California, Arizona and Idaho. Even though Tom was deaf, he was the leader of mischief in our home. He short-sheeted beds, put kool-aid in the shower heads, and had a love for the fireworks on 4th of July. He consumed massive amounts of grilled cheese sandwiches and cherry cokes, much to our dad's dismay. He grew up swimming on the swim team, playing football, and basketball. He attended NTID, studying computer science and worked for IBM. His greatest joy was his horses, Frosty and Monsoon, they were his eyes and ears as he pursued his passion for the outdoors. He ran cattle in Stanley, loved fixing fences, and pulling calves out of the bogs. None of his family could keep up with him when he was on his ATV. He had a thirst for life, adventure, and physical work, even though he was losing his eyesight. Tom taught us to live life with courage, tenacity, laughter and acceptance. He was an amazing son, an attentive uncle and fun brother and awesome brother-in-law. He is survived by his two sisters, Katherine (Jim) Nesci and Lori (Guy) Hudson and his brother, George (Tiffany Roberts) Welp. In addition he is survived by his nieces and nephews who he dearly loved: Katie, Clay, Lily, Evy, Alexandra, Victoria, Ean, Dylan and Jace. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Martin and Paula Welp and George and Miriam Bruno; and his brother, Martin Theodore Welp. Tom died at the same time of his beloved parents, Ted and Elaine. Vigil services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Summers Funeral Home, Boise Chapel, on Bannock St. Funeral Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at St Paul's Catholic Church on University Drive, Boise, officiated by Father Jack Bentz, S.J. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Casey Eye Institute Usher Syndrome Research associated with Oregon Health Science University in Portland, Oregon. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Tom's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.