On August 29, 2018, our precious Gary Dean Welch, AKA "Click," observed his last sunrise before entering through the gates of heaven in a pain free body.

Born on August 7, 1961, Gary was able to spend all 57 years of his life in the small town of Crisfield enjoying the beauty that it had to offer if you were just willing to look for it.

Gary was a simple, practical man which was often confused for "being tight." It was important to Gary to only get what he needed, understand how things worked so he could put them back together again and to always be an independent person that didn't need to depend on others.

He loved his family, but the depth of his existence was his daughter, Molly Alyssa Welch. Gary surrounded Molly with his love by talking and texting with her many, many times per day. It was a nightly ritual to end the day with a "good night love you" text to Molly. Although not always appreciated, especially in the teenage years, Gary was relentless at offering Molly advice for how things should be done. It's these words of advice that will echo in her ear from this point forward in order to continue to allow her dad to guide her through life.

Gary is survived by his wife, Lilly Jean (McCready) Welch, of 19 years. She spent more than half her life loving him and then being his wife. They enjoyed just spending time with one another, taking rides "around town," and going to out to eat. She loved him no less through his battle with lung cancer even though his needs (and wants) were great. They were afforded the luxury of checking off a few more items on their bucket list after his cancer diagnosis on Christmas Day 2017.

Gary's mother, Nancy Welch McCready, has the task of carrying on without her second born son. She admired his ability to fix anything and build beautiful lighthouses. Nancy had the privilege of watching Gary for just 57 short years to grow into a fine role model for Molly. The two of them together made her heart smile. Gaylord Welch, Gary's father, passed away in August 1995. He, too, shared a love for the water that was bestowed upon Gary.

Gary is also leaving behind his three brothers who shared a special bond due to the commonalities in age, humor, occupation and perspectives on society. Billy Welch (Monique), Kenny Welch (Denise), and Gerald "Hot Rod" Welch (Jen) could be found on the water together on a daily basis comparing notes on where the best catch was, who could get to the dock first and, of course, who caught the most crabs. They had the typical brotherly relationship-torment each other as kids but love each other as adults.

When one thinks about Gary, visions of boats, water and crabbing come to mind. One of his many mottos was, "I don't live to work, but work to live." If he were here to offer advice to others carrying on, he would tell you to make sure you appreciate the small things as there's no guarantee of a "next time."

All that knew Gary are feeling a sense of emptiness as they move through this difficult time. Family and friends are invited to grieve but also laugh through storytelling on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Bradshaw and Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. A public viewing will occur from 1-2pm, followed by a 2pm service.  Interment will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, Gary wanted people to commit to quitting smoking or encouraging others to do the same in order to spare their families the pain he endured. A tribute gift can also be made in Gary's honor to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore, MD or at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/support/