Ryan Edward Joseph Welch, 41, originally of Sedro-Woolley,  Washington passed away peacefully January 2, 2022 at his home in Ballard, Washington (Seattle).

Ryan was born February 28, 1980 in Mount Vernon, Washington to Rebecca Collins Welch and David Welch.

Ryan was raised in Sedro-Woolley attending Mary Purcell Elementary, Cascade Middle, and Sedro-Woolley High School, graduating with the class of 1998.  He was active in sports achieving letters in Cross-Country, Track and Wrestling.  He was involved in school leadership and participated in Scouting earning his Eagle Scout Rank.

Ryan drew people to him with his sharp wit and endless humor and was known for his big heart.  He was frequently the center of attention even as a toddler and continued entertaining his family as he grew. The ability to create laughter was honed further and became more public during his senior year when it found him as one of the "Boys on the Couch" adding additional entertainment at SWHS  football games.  He kept people laughing all of his life.

Born and raised a COUG, Ryan attended and graduated from Washington State University in 2003.  While  there, he worked at the University Recreation Center where his circle of friends grew, and he continued his passion for fitness.  His dream job was to join a fire department.  He trained, tested and placed high, but at the time jobs were going to returning veterans, which he understood.  He went into the world of sales working for several companies and managed regions across the western US.  Being on the road, traveling, and away from home lost its charm and so he started working for Amazon, just a 15-minute commute.  He enjoyed the challenges of his jobs, but always wished he could have worked helping people directly.

Ryan's biggest joys were his family, friends, and his beloved dog. He had the greatest friends a man could ever want who loved him as much as he loved them. Ryan considered his family his anchor, but his friends were the links in the chain that helped him stay grounded. So many wonderful times together.  We know we will be hearing stories for years to come that will lighten our hearts.

Before Ryan was born his paternal grandmother predicted that he was being placed on this earth to do great things.  She was right.  He was here to help, protect, stand up for, and love the people he met and the folks he shared his life with.  The legacy he leaves behind is the example of love and kindness he showered on others.

He is survived by his parents; sister, Megan Welch Hershaw; brother-in-law, Trevor Hershaw; Scottish sister, Angela Bayne (Iain); nieces, Kaili Hershaw and Josie Hershaw; nephew, Oliver Hershaw; grandmothers, Barbara Collins, Dorothy Welch; uncles Michael Collins (Joan), James Collins (Rene), Robert Collins (Jiranan), Robert Welch (Alma), Joseph Welch (Judith); aunt Patty Welch Farris (Paul); cousins, Casey Collins (Ana), Brian Collins, Eamonn Collins (Madeline), Bryn and Ailish Collins, Lisa Welch and Michelle Livengood (Andrew), Taylor Peterson (Matthew), Mariah, Rachel and Amanda Farris and Blake Welch (Ava); his dear friends who were like brothers from childhood, Joe Jones, Christopher Dickman,  Scott Jefvert and so, so many  others.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Frank Collins and Joseph Welch, Sr., Tank Williams, Jr., his beloved English bulldog.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Summer 2022. We hope you will join us in remembering this fine man.

If so inclined, donations can be made in Ryan's name to the Helping Hands Food Bank by check or online.  The Food Bank benefitted from his Eagle Scout project and continues to be a family commitment.  Share your memories of Ryan and sign the online guest register.

Helping Hands Food Bank

PO Box 632

Sedro-Woolley , WA 98284

Please add "In Memory of Ryan Welch" on the memo line.