William Harlen Welsh, born August 25, 1954, passed away in his home in Salem, MA, on June 11, 2014. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Cynthia Doyle-Welsh, whose life was celebrated this past November after her passing. They are together now and for that their friends and family must all be grateful.
Born in Oregon, Harlen grew up in the Pacific Northwest and California. Ever anxious to broaden his horizons and see the sunrise over distant shores, he joined his sister in Europe following graduation from High School, where he spent time in France and Italy. Following a period of time abroad, Harlen returned to California completing his formal education at Santa Monica City College. In his ongoing quest for knowledge, he also spent time at Maharishi International University in the mid-70's.
An avid lifelong traveller, he would eventually visit Greece, Italy, Switzerland, England, Mexico and travel extensively across the USA. On one famous road trip across the country he was subjected to radio disco music by his companion, an experience he still shuddered over years later. He once sailed up the Intra-coastal Waterway with a friend on what can only be described as an eventful trip survived by one and all (barely). After Harlen met and married Cynthia, they continued to vacation in warm climates, falling in love with Rome and its antiquities.
Harlen read broadly and searched unceasingly for knowledge. He delved into ancient world history and maps and yearned to write the ultimate history of the ancient world, showing how myth, cultures, religion and peoples grew from one another. He saw patterns in belief systems and wanted to share this with others.
Harlen loved music - good, hard rock 'n roll was his choice but also loved Leonard Cohen and the poetry of his music. He lost himself (happily) whether at a stadium concert, the many great venues in Salem or in his i-phone play lists. He was the kind of friend who could put together a CD for a birthday or holiday that perfectly captured the essence of the person he gifted. He could see that person so well.
Harlen was a story-teller in the finest sense of that word. He was a gifted poet and writer whose work captures the poignancy of what it means to be alive in this world. He spun tales of adventure and laughter for his friends, sharing the events of his life and bringing joy and tears in his telling. He was a raconteur, a bon-vivant, a vibrant soul and a loving husband and friend to so many.
Harlen worked in the IT field in various businesses, but spent the greater part of his career with the MA Office of the State Comptroller, where he has many long-time friends who cared for him greatly. He sailed back home each night on the Salem Ferry with another group of friends who shared his love for the water and Salem.
Harlen's mother, Beverly, and sister, Stephanie, mourn his passing. Virginia and Joshua, his niece and nephew, will always remember how much he loved them.
In a small private service, Harlen and Cynthia's ashes were scattered at sea in the waters off Salem on Saturday, October 4th, 2014. At this time, his friends and family take comfort in knowing that Harlen loved and was loved and brought laughter and joy when he was among us. We will continue to tell his story.
