Craig George Welsh

Craig was a gentle, humble man. He was playful, caring, and sensitive with a quick wit and never-ending supply of jokes and lines from movies or songs. He had natural musical talent early on. When he was 13, Santa brought him a guitar, which became his passion for the rest of his life and brought him some of his best moments. 

Craig was born in Santa Barbara at Cottage Hospital on October 3, 1951 to Jack and Rosemarie Welsh. He was the third child of four, growing up in Mission Canyon for his early years. He attended Dolores Catholic Elementary School and Bishop Garcia High School. In 1966, the family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. Craig graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1969. He was the first generation in his family to graduate college, attending St. Johns College in Santa Fe, then transferring to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, earning his degree in English with a minor in Anthropology, in 1973.

 He remained in New Mexico until 1976 when he moved back to Santa Barbara. He worked at the University of California, Santa Barbara for over 30 years. It was during this time he met his true love, Mary (Gish) Ballew through their love for music. They married on April 24, 1999 and blended their two families. Craig & Mary loved to play music together. They performed with several bands playing many venues and events in Santa Barbara County; Craig played bass guitar and Mary was the vocalist.

 They relocated to Buellton, CA and after retirement, Craig started driving vintage cars for weddings and special events. 

 In 2011 they relocated to Idaho, where they eventually built their cozy home in Rathdrum, fondly known as the “Welsh Woods”. They made friends easily and became active in St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church. Both sang in the choir and served on the parish council for several years.

 Craig was diagnosed with a rare liver disease in 2018. He slowly stopped working his retirement jobs and enjoyed his time at home in the Welsh Woods. In May of 2024, after a wonderful trip to Italy with Mary to celebrate their 25th anniversary, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. He fought courageously for 7 months until God called him “home”.

 Craig is survived by his wife Mary, children Heather Caldon, Joshua Welsh, Steven Ballew and Jessica Freeborn, plus 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; also his brother Jack Welsh and sisters, Joan Stenson and Lisa Thompson.

 The family would like to thank the staff and Beacon Cancer Care and Hospice of North Idaho for the tender care they gave him at the end of his life on earth. Craig will be missed but never forgotten and always in our hearts.