GRANT RUFUS WELTY
Chicago, Dec. 8, 1943 — Arcata, Dec. 26, 2022

On December 26, 2022, in the arms of his sons Luke and Nate, with the love and thoughts from the panoply of those he touched, Grant Rufus Welty departed this mortal coil to join the countless friends already waiting to welcome him to his next home..

Grant was preceded in passing by his father, Leamon “T. Texas Tom” Welty. His mother, Selma “Sally” Welty and his brother James “Jimmy” Welty. He is survived by his daughter, Christina Lynn Welty, stepdaughter Michelle Welty, granddaughter Lauren Styffe and great-grandson Jordan, as well as his son Luke A. Welty and stepson Nathaniel “Nate” Irvine.

Although Grant was born in Chicago, he was raised primarily in St. Louis MO and traveled extensively in his youth & throughout his life with many ribald & sketchy adventures to relate he lived the majority of his last 45 years, here in Humboldt County, which he dearly loved.

Every person who met Grant will have a special story about the time they shared.

Grant naturally made everyone feel recognized, respected, welcome and special. That was his gift.

One of the most caring and humble people you could hope to meet and those who did understand the gravity of the loss of Grant Welty.

His presence caused intoxication
Passion so fierce, a conflagration
This king who never sought a throne.
Often his enlightened conversation
Brought clouded minds to elevation
An angel, no longer shackled to this stone
His boundless heart a celebration
Endless cause for jubilation
When near his sphere, you never felt alone
Selflessness, knew only caring
Give you the shirt that he was wearing
Unhesitant to share his home
Blessed by the virtues he was bearing
Love for all kind was he declaring
Now high above hear trumpets blaring
Earned Heaven’s comfort, path’s been shown…

He created art that will last generations, and so he will live eternally through his images.

He made music that brought harmony in so many ways.

He taught me and so many others, in ways great and small.

The man was a giant and will be dearly missed.

A Remembrance/Memorial gathering will be held 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Samoa Women’s Club, 115 Rideout Ave. Samoa on Sunday, February 26th, 2023. Doors open at 12 noon, close at 8 p.m. Informal refreshments / potluck. (Taco Bar plus any refreshments you choose to bring.) For more information or to volunteer your help please text Michelle (707-223-3322) or Kelly (575-202-2169).