Jacob Keith Welch

Jacob Keith Welch, 89, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at home in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He was the third child of Orpha Johnston Welch and Stanley Harrison Welch born in Teton, Idaho on December 8, 1933, in the house where he grew up.

Keith loved his family’s horses, helped on the family farm and was driving potato trucks at age six. He was active in scouting and attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia in 1950.  Keith earned the nick name of “Brick” as a football player at South Fremont High School where he played football and baseball.  He continued to follow high school, college, and professional sports for the rest of his life, along with coaching his boys in Grid Kid Football.

Keith joined the Army and entered boot camp in July of 1953.  He was stationed in Germany. When asked what his assignment was, he would reply, “I drove a Jeep”.  When we got more information from him, we learned he drove the top brass. They appreciated his driving style and would not allow him to be transferred to any other unit. 

Returning home to Idaho, Keith met Claire Carter from Sugar City.  They were married January 11,1957 and moved to Idaho Falls. This is where their four children were born: Phil (Anita) Welch, Julie (Morgan) Andersen, Andrea (Brad) Mortensen, and Winston (Cate) Welch.   

Keith started his career as a glazier and continued in the commercial glass business until he retired.  Business opportunities took the family to Medford, Oregon and then to Salt Lake City, Utah.  Keith and Claire had a side hustle working evenings as ushers at the Delta Center.  This is when they became big fans of the Utah Jazz and were fast friends with their co-workers and many of the players’ families. 

Keith was a believer and follower of Christ as an active member of The Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He enjoyed learning and serving in many positions over the

years.  Keith and Claire served a mission at the London Temple where their love for the

temple grew.  Their favorite calling was as ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple

where they were well recognized for the service they rendered.  

You will never find a more courteous, kind gentleman in the world.  Keith was quiet,

friendly, and welcoming.  Precision was the hallmark of every job he did. He brought fun to playing games and riding rollercoasters and was the kind of guy people liked to be around.  He was deeply loved and respected.  His gentle influence will be remembered by all who knew him. 

Keith is survived by his youngest sister, Elizabeth Case, and his devoted wife, children,

grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 42 altogether.  

A celebration of life will be held in Keith’s honor April 7, 2023 at the Ensign Stake Center, 135 A Street, Salt Lake City. Greeting and visiting with the family will be from 10:00 - 10:45 with the service starting at 11:00. His remains will be interred at Camp Williams Veterans Cemetery, Bluffdale, Utah.