John Randolph Welland
July 1932 - February 2018
John was born in Wenatchee Washington, the first of two sons, to John Schleunes and Mary Hurd Welland. His father was a career store manager for Montgomery Ward and as a result, had to move the family frequently. They settled in suburban Chicago before John entered high school and he graduated as the Valedictorian from Evanston Township High in 1950. John attended Princeton University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He then spent two years as an artillery officer in the United States Army stationed mostly in West Germany. Upon discharge and seeking a warmer climate after many frigid Mid West and German winters, John entered graduate school at Stanford University in 1956 and earned his MBA in 1958. He went on to complete a successful career as a Human Resources executive, working for several companies including Shell Oil and Clorox.
John met the love of his life, Marilyn Sicotte, at a cocktail party in Palo Alto and after a short courtship the couple married in 1961. They were devoted to each other for nearly 57 years. Their marriage led to three children; Margie Brown (Keith), Kathleen Welland (Larry) and Bryan Welland (Sharon). After short stints living in Orinda and Modesto, John settled his family in Lafayette in 1969 and lived there happily until his passing.
John loved his family. He coached his children’s LMYA softball and soccer teams, helped with the kids’ homework, taught them how to snow ski and shared his love of travel by taking them on many wonderful family vacations. He provided a happy and stable home which allowed his wife and children to thrive. John relished the outdoors and spent summers in his youth as a counselor at Camp Silver Creek in Oregon, and canoed in Minnesota as well as Canada. In addition, he backpacked with family and friends in the Sierra Nevada mountains after moving to California. He was a passionate lover of the symphony at an early age and later he and Marilyn were season ticket holders of the San Francisco Symphony for many years. John was also devoted to his community and served nearly 20 years on the Lafayette Parks and Recreation Commission. He was an active member at Orinda Community Church, serving in multiple ways such as leading the ushering team, distributing communion and participating on various committees.
John enjoyed a busy retirement with Marilyn. They traveled extensively to many places in the US, Europe and Asia. He dearly loved and doted on his four grandchildren (John, Marissa, Jacqueline and Josiah). He also served as a docent on the USS Potomac.
John was preceded in death by his brother Frederick and is survived by his loving wife and children. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known him. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of John’s life Saturday, March 3, 2:00pm at the Orinda Community Church 10 Irwin Way, Orinda with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the USS Potomac or the Orinda Community Church.