Mark Randolph Welch

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Randolph Welch of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on March 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Mark's adventurous life of living on six continents began when he was born on March 23, 1939 in Chuquicamata, Chile, South America to John Robert and Aileen Doris (Russell) Welch, where his father was a mining engineer, and his sister, Barby, was also born.

After a few years in Chile, the family moved around the U.S., and in 1945 landed in East Wenatchee, WA, where they started an apple orchard called Longview Orchards, fondly referred to as "the ranch." This home served as a U.S. base for the family as they moved and lived around the world. Mark learned to hunt on the ranch, a skill and passion that he carried throughout his life.

In 1950, his family moved to Tanganika in East Africa and stayed until 1952. As a young boy, he loved reading about Tarzan, and was thrilled to be in Africa, where he developed a deep appreciation for the land, the people and the wildlife. His childhood dream of going on safaris and honing his hunting skills became a reality.

The family moved to Israel from 1953 to 1955, where Mark attended a Scottish Presbyterian prep school. In 1955 the family moved to Nepal, and Mark went to Woodstock boarding high school in India where he made lifelong friends.

Returning to the US in 1957, Mark went to college at Washington State University majoring in Mining Engineering and ROTC. While at college, he met Barbara Lee, and they were married in 1961.

Mark entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, and he and Barbara moved to Germany in 1962, welcoming daughter, Kristina in 1963, and son, Winston in 1965. Mark was the Post Engineer when President Kennedy came to inspect the troops in Hanau and gave his famous speech "Ich bin ein Berliner," and was the Duty Officer when JFK was assassinated. In the 3-½ years they were stationed in Germany, Mark and family had the opportunity to experience Europe and all of its splendors.

In 1966, his tour in Germany ended when he got orders go to Thailand, and they temporarily landed at Ft. Lewis in Washington State, welcoming daughter Kimberly on Mark's birthday in 1967. After one year in Thailand, Mark left active duty, transitioning to the Army Reserves. Mark was very proud of his service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1999.

In 1968, the family moved to Marquette, Michigan for Mark's work as a Project Engineer for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. After a couple of freezing winters, the family moved to Sutter Creek, California, where Mark worked as the Mine Manager at Interpace Mining Corporation.

Mark then moved his family to Albuquerque, NM in 1974, where he worked as the Chief Mining Engineer for Rancher's Exploration, overseeing mining projects throughout the West. After Mark and Barbara's marriage ended, and work at Rancher's concluded, Mark and colleagues formed their own mining company, Western Resources in 1984.

In 1985, Mark was working in the Panhandle of Texas, when he met Sharon Evans, and knew instantly she was the one for him. They married in 1987, and he welcomed step-daughter, Jennifer, into the family.

Mark and Sharon made their home in Albuquerque for several years, and in 1991 moved to the Sydney, Australia area, where Mark eventually became the President of Nord Pacific Mining Company, which included work in the remote regions of Papua New Guinea. Mark and Sharon traveled all around the South Pacific and loved every minute of doing so. They lived in Australia until 1999, made great friends, and welcomed many family and friends for visits during that time.

During Mark's storied and respected mining career, Mark mentored young engineers, was respected by his colleagues, left a lasting impression of professionalism, and was an all-around wonderful and funny friend.

In 1999, Mark and Sharon moved back to Albuquerque, where they joined Sandia Baptist Church. They were active church members, where Mark served as head of the Door Keepers, and both established many long-lasting Christian friendships.

Mark and Sharon had a beautiful marriage and were wonderful companions. They remained inseparable, passing away within months of each other, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.

Mark had many passions, including family, church, our military, politics gardening, hunting, traveling, cooking (with him trying different cuisines from around the world -- he won a local chili cook-off, made smoked turkeys, and outstanding brisket), and his adored Shih Tzus, especially the last one, Piper Grace.

He lived a full and exciting life, and he was so very grateful for the experiences he had, people he met along his life journey, and he never took anything for granted. Words cannot convey how much he will be profoundly missed by those who loved him.

Mark was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon Evans Welch, and his parents, John and Aileen Welch. He is survived by his children, Kristina Welch Armstrong, Winston Welch (Richard), and Kimberly Welch; step-daughter, Jennifer Evans Gandy (Brent); grandchildren, Shelby Welch (Ryan) and Amanda Bradley (Kyle); step-grandchildren, Greyson Gandy and Allie Gandy; great-grandchildren, Everson Welch, Rainy Welch, and Aphrodite Bradley; sister, Barbara Sillasen (Gary); brother, Jim Welch (Pamela); nieces and nephews; and other family members, neighbors, and wonderful, dear friends.

Mark's celebration of life will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Sandia Baptist Church, 9429 Constitution Ave. NE in Albuquerque, NM. The celebration will be streamed, as well as recorded, for those unable to attend at www.sandiabaptist.org. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Animal Humane New Mexico.