John Welty Obituary

John Welty, born December 16, 1946, brought with him to Colorado a lifelong love of mountains, rivers, and community. After many years in California, John and his wife Susan settled in Durango, where the landscape of the Rocky Mountains felt like home.

In Durango, John served as a lecturer in mathematics at Fort Lewis College, where he was respected for his thoughtful teaching and steady presence. Outside the classroom he embraced everything the Colorado mountains offered-skiing, hiking, golfing, and especially fly fishing.

Fly fishing was one of John's greatest passions. He spent many happy hours on the rivers of Colorado, particularly the San Juan River, where the landscape and water left a lasting imprint on him. There he found not only the quiet rhythm of the river but also a community of fellow fishermen who shared his love and respect for the sport. John cared deeply about the traditions and ethics of fly fishing, especially the practice of catch and release.

Durango was also a place of deep friendship, service, and community for John and Susan. John volunteered with the Adaptive Sports programs at Durango Mountain Resort, supporting individuals with disabilities to experience skiing in the mountains he loved. He served as a board member for Mountain Middle School and remained committed to education both inside and outside the classroom. He was also a familiar presence on local soccer fields, refereeing youth games and tournaments with the same fairness and steadiness that defined all aspects of his life.

They built lasting relationships and delighted in the vibrant cultural life of the town, enjoying gatherings with friends, evenings of live music, and the bluegrass scene that brought the mountain community together.

John is survived by his wife Susan Welty, his daughters Elizabeth Welty and Anne Welty Schulz, and his grandchildren Emilia Schulz and Carter John Schulz.

Those who knew him remember a man who loved mountains, rivers, music, and friendship, and whose quiet steadiness and kindness left a lasting mark on the community he cherished.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Whidbey Island, Washington June 25, 2026 at the Freeland Hall Community Center.