Evan R. Welsh

Evan Randolph Welsh, born April 2, 1986 in Poughkeepsie, New York, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on December 14, 2025 in Rochester, New York.

Evan spent much of his life in and around Lima, New York. He graduated from Honeoye Falls-Lima High School and worked locally as a cook and landscaper. He loved his work, and the opportunities it afforded him to meet interesting people and to create beauty around him. He was passionate in his pursuits, excelling during his training in the U.S. Navy and also as a scuba diving instructor in Honduras.

From an early age, Evan engaged in various mediums of art, including drawing, painting, clay modeling, and woodblock prints. Over the years, he expressed himself through his artistic creations, which also brought joy and inspiration to friends and family. He was a lover of nature, which often took center stage in his art. Growing up, he appreciated sharing his time, attention, and affection with friends and family, particularly his family at Spencer Lake, where he spent time swimming, fishing, canoeing, and being fully present in his surroundings.

Evan is remembered as being kind and creative, charming and talented, warm-hearted and respectful. An encouraging word to another, an effort that made a difference, a smile that made someone's day, a helping hand — these small gestures were foundational to the way Evan conducted himself with strangers, neighbors, friends, and family alike.

He is survived by his parents, Edwin Welsh of Ukiah, California and Denise (Campbell) Welsh of Spencer, New York, by his sisters, Jessica (Tim Stay) and Maggie (Marcos Bastidas), by his niece, Olivia, and by his nephews, Ethan and Owen — all of whom witnessed and celebrated his kind heart and creative spirit.

A private service will be held in the spring to celebrate Evan and the light he brought to others. Memorial gifts can be made to Lollypop Farm in Rochester, New York, at lollypop.org. Evan’s family will also place a memorial bench along Honeoye Lake and the surrounding trails of Sandy Bottom Park, where Evan enjoyed spending time in nature – both in solitude and with loved ones. Contributions to the memorial bench, in any amount, can be sent to P.O. Box 1091, Fort Washington, PA 19034.