March 12, 1952 – January 5, 2026
Brian Bruce Welch passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 5, 2026. His loss is felt by all who knew him, and he will be remembered for his dedication to career, family, and friends.
Brian worked for years as a commercial fisherman, proudly operating his own boat, embracing a demanding life at sea, developing resilience and qualities which would be life hallmarks.
When terra firma called, Brian was welcomed by father Bruce E. Welch to formally join the family business, thus becoming the fourth generation to help carry forward the legacy of Olympic Forest Products Ltd, which operated continuously between 1932 and 2026 and was at one point amongst the top BC coastal forestry industry operators.
Brian’s long career in the forest industry reflected both pride in family history and commitment to strengthening business for the future, often despite significant industry wide challenges and hurdles. Brian took great satisfaction in working alongside his (proud) father, being part of something that spanned generations, honoring the work of those who came before him while contributing his own energy and dedication. In 1988 Bruce Welch appointed Brian President of Olympic Forest Products Ltd, Bruce assuming the role of Chair for what had become a group of companies.
Following family tradition, Brian served on the TLA board in 2002 and 2003, chairing the Industrial Committee and serving on the Worker Health & Safety Committee.
Brian will be remembered for his professional self, quiet strength, reliability, and the loyalty he showed to those around him. He will also be remembered because of a lifelong passion for water skiing and the impact of that at the Sakinaw Lake ski community.
Wife Julie, daughter Chelsea, father Bruce Welch, all other family members and lifelong friends feel a profound, permanent void but Brian endures through the family heritage he helped uphold and the many lives he touched along the way. Joyously, Brian also lives on through his just born grandson, Grayson Brian.
Celebrating a life well lived: Julie, Chelsea (husband Ryan) and baby Grayson are hosting a Celebration of Life at Terminal City Club in Vancouver, on June 16 from 1300 to 1600. They welcome you! Julie asks that you RSVP to her cell 778-868-3599 so that food and beverage can be planned accordingly.
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The Truck Loggers Association
Suite 267, 186-8120 No 2 Road,
Richmond, BC, Canada
604-684-4291
contact@tla.ca