WELSH, George W.

Kingman Daily Miner, Kingman, Arizona Wednesday, December 23, 2009 George W. Welsh of Kingman passed away at home on Thursday, December, 17, 2009, after a long illness. He was born to William Wilson and Harriet Howel Welsh on Aug. 30, 1925, in Chicago. He graduated from Hinsdale Township High School in 1944. In 1949, he married Amalia Martinez, who died soon after the birth of their son, William Wilson Welsh II. George graduated from Colorado A and M, now Colorado State University, in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in Game Management. He worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department as a wildlife manager from 1957 to 1983. He came to Kingman in 1960 and was active in many local organizations, including Elks, Toastmasters, Colorado River Council of Boy Scouts and Rotary in his early years here. He was active in several wildlife-related organizations throughout his life. He was a charter member and life member of both the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society and the Arizona Antelope Foundation. He was on the technical staff of the Desert Bighorn Council for many years. George was recognized for his work with wildlife, especially bighorn sheep. Among his many awards are the Bighorn Council's outstanding contributions trophy for "24 years of dedicated service, intensive studies, published papers and pioneering helicopter census techniques for the Desert Bighorn of Arizona"; the Health of the Land award from the BLM for his work on the Black Mountain Ecosystem Management Team; and the Sheep Society's John Russo award for his lifetime of work with bighorn sheep. George is survived by Margaret, his wife of nearly 30 years; his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Ellen Welsh of Kanab, Utah; his brother-in-law, Neill Emmons of Plano, Ill.; three nieces and their families; Margaret's family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and in 2007, his sister, Parkie Emmons. For those wishing to send memorials, the family suggests KRMC Hospice, Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society or the Desert Bighorn Council. There will be a celebration of George's life for family and friends at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at the Kingman Elks Lodge, 900 Gates Ave.