James P. Welch, Colonel USAF, Retired
5309 Locust
Carmichael, CA 95608
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Subject:
Condolences for Mother Thank You
Dear Uncle Jim and Aunt Barbara,
Thanks very much for your letter on February 15th, with warm and generous
thoughts for mother. She always loved and respected you and and Aunt Barbara.
A few years ago, you came up in the conversation when Millie and I were in
Nipomo visiting, and so I called your home. After some pleasantries, I handed
the phone to Mother. She and Aunt Barbara started visiting again by telephone,
as mentioned in your letter.
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You are certainly correct that I have been blessed to have mother. Of course,
Lillian, was "mom" during the teenage years coming to manhood, and remains so.
In adult life until 1993, Lucille Johnston, became a big force, just because
she would listen for hours, and read my writing, and then help refine my ideas
into something useful, if they could be salvaged at all. Mother, mom Lil, and
Lucille all welcomed Millie. I have been greatly blessed.
..
Millie and I were pleased for Bob that so many family and friends attended the
service on February 16th. Understandably, many could not attend. Your
presence, however, is always felt at family occassions, and we carried on as
you would have wished, as best we could.
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I called Rita a few days ago. She has been having trouble with email, but
finally got the letter I sent on February 7th notifying of mother's passing,
and the letter on February 16th that explains memorial services.
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There is a record on remembrances of mother, focusing in part on her last day,
and thoughts of her husband Bob, and Millie and I, who were with mother, and
also presenting fragmentary memory of those early years when she was our mom
from 1943 when Kath was born until about 1953 or so. Rita planned to print the
record so you can comment, if you wish, on the account of the world war II
period. (went ahead and attached a copy)
.. As well, if you have access to a computer, you can open the record directly
at...
http://www.welchco.com/sd/08/00101/02/07/02/05/053706.HTM ..
Reading online provides a richer experience by providing links to related
context, noted by
Reverend Boyd,
who presided over services for mother.
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There is another bit of writing I thought you might enjoy glancing through, if
time permits. It relates to the war years, and the contract the Army let to
construct the first digital computer, ENIAC, in about 1943. I mentioned to
Rita in our call that, in writing about that period, I was struck by Lieutenant
Goldstein's role, and that his story reminded me your career, but more
importantly your strong character. This is part of a larger story, maybe 300 -
400 pages, so I cautioned Rita about not copying the whole thing. It is easy
to read online using precision access...
.. http://www.welchco.com/03/00050/01/09/03/02/03/0309.HTM#GF5H ..
Thanks again for a wonderful letter. I treasure all your writings, and wish we
could have worked together on shaping ideas over the years. You remain a
continuing inspiration.
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Millie sends love to you and Aunt Barbara.
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Very sincerely yours,