Patrick Brian Welsh

Patrick Brian Welsh, 72, of Alanson traveled home to be with the Lord on May 12 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital.

Patrick was born on March 17, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois to James Welsh and Anneliese Welsh (Gerbstedt). While growing up in Harbor Springs, Patrick attended Holy Childhood Catholic School during his early years and would later graduate from Harbor Springs High School. Shortly thereafter, Patrick married Princess (Christine) Luesing in Epsilon on February 24, 1973. Patrick and Christine built a home, raised a wonderful family together, and would be married for 35 years. Early in his adult life, Patrick discovered his interest in landscaping and founded Country Gardens and Landscaping. For more than three decades, Patrick stewarded his artistic talents as a local landscape architect and expert horticulturist. He was known for building meaningful relationships with his clients while employing his creative genius on their lawns and in their flower gardens. Patrick’s wide-brimmed straw hat and recognizable green truck became his signature trademarks.

Patrick’s love for the earth was also evident at his home near Oden. He specialized in growing a wide variety of plants and vegetables in his sprawling gardens. Patrick found his ultimate passion, however, when he began planting and harvesting “winter carrots”. These “winter carrots” became a local favorite, and Patrick took great pride in their cultivation. As both a landscape architect and yeoman farmer, Patrick’s interest in cultivating the soil is perhaps best defined by the words of Thomas Jefferson, “Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God.” 

Patrick loved spending time with family and good friends. He displayed a gentle demeanor and exuded a genuine reverence for others. Memorable nicknames such as “Ed”, “Patty”, “PW”, and “Doo Dah” gravitated toward this man and his warm personality. Faith in the Lord Jesus was evident in the attention that he shared with those who crossed his path. When his children were still at home, Patrick’s competitive spirit would surface while participating in a wide array of activities such as basketball, ping-pong, and other yard games. Notably, this competitor would begin popularizing pickle ball long before the sport became the obsession that it is today. Patrick loved a good meal especially when the menu consisted of homegrown items from his garden.

During his later years, Patrick would continue to invest his time and talents in Country Gardens and Landscaping with his wingman, Chief, at his right hand. 

Patrick is survived by his children Jasmine Welsh of Grand Rapids, Ike (Stephanie) Welsh of Summit, New Jersey; three grandchildren, Mackenna, Madison, and Violet; brothers Kevin (Linda) Welsh of Green Valley, Arizona, Brian Welsh of Harbor Springs; and sisters Michelle Welsh Forrest and Sharon Welsh Falor of Green Valley, Arizona.

He is preceded in death by parents James and Annaliese Welsh (Gerbstedt); sisters Susan Anne and Lynn Anne; and brothers Joseph and Alfred. Patrick is also preceded by his beloved dog, “Fritz”, who could often be seen excitedly trailing him without a leash.

In Patrick's honor, there will be a "Celebration of Life" service and luncheon hosted at the Epsilon Community Church on Saturday, July 19.  The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the fellowship hall.  All who knew and loved Patrick are invited to join in this very special celebration.