Author, Hall of Famer, and inspiration to so many

David C. Welch during his Hall of Fame Induction. (Courtesy of Kelly Wolner)

When David C. Welch marched onto the field with the 2007 Cadets during their finals performance in Pasadena, Calif., he stopped mid-way on the 50-yard line to kiss the turf. Nothing mattered much at that moment to the mellophone player nicknamed by his peers as “Primo.” Simply having the opportunity to enter the field with the Maroon and Gold prayer block meant the world. Those smiles, tears, embraces of gratitude and admiration bestowed by Welch that mid-August night said it all - the Cadets will always live within his soul.

David, 42, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7th at his parent’s home in Northern Virginia. After a five-year battle with brain cancer, the Cadet hornplayer who became an icon of inspiration for generations of corps members, died with his family at his side.

Inducted into the 2008 Class of the Cadets Hall of Fame last July, David carried his Cadet teachings learned as a member from 1984 through 1987 into adulthood. They were instrumental in his professional life when launching Rivermine Software with longtime friends and fellow Cadets, Doug Rutherford and Kevin Dunetz. But it was in December 2004 when the philosophies and disciplines of perfecting a World Championship field program would become even more prevalent. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, David dug in for a battle he fully intended to win.

Defying the prognosis of doctors, David underwent surgeries and intense chemotherapy through the years to bring the tumors under control. During this time, not only did he lean on family and close friends for support, but his near-blood family of Cadets and the music they made on the field always helped carry him through the toughest of times.

It wasn’t only the bonds of Maroon and Gold that connected David to countless admirers. His strength and gracious manner always amazed and inspired, and it was through his work launching 38Lemon that David set out to make a difference in brain cancer awareness and research funding.

David’s love of writing and his determination to find a cure to the disease that altered his life at 38, prompted him to chronicle his experience. Now, 38Lemon is a 501(c)(3) that promotes brain cancer awareness by sharing a patient’s perspective. With an active board, 38Lemon has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in research funding for brain cancer while also providing assistance and support to victims and loved ones touched by the disease. The non-profit also commissioned art by Rosemary Feit Covey on the topic of brain tumors, a piece that later won a juried international award.

David’s connection to the Cadets of current years remained steadfast and always poignant. And through his book, The Middle Horn Leader 1994, his experiences as a Cadet during his rookie year in 1984 has been passed down a quarter of a century as a testament to the corps’ tradition and spirit. In 2006, he updated the book, adding content and illustrations.

Saying goodbye

In recent months, with word of David’s worsening condition, Cadets have pulled together to pray and visit with their friend of so many years. This Fall, a group of more than 25 alumni and current members made the trip to sing “Holy Name” with David, while other alumni  hosted a benefit which he attended in Upstate New York. In Clifton, N.J., last summer, the entire 2008 corps and staff were presented “Primo” shirts, a fundraiser initiated by alumni, all to benefit 38Lemon.

Today, David’s 38Lemon and Facebook site is filled with words of love by friends from around the world, including those from his brother, Mike Welch, who shared with readers those last moments before he passed away.

“We held him and told him that it was okay to go now. That we would be OK and that he had fought long and hard and, most importantly, that he had many, many people on this earth that were glad he had been here and that he had helped since his diagnosis through his work and his Web site.

We stayed with David and talked to him and were amazed at how peaceful he looked. He had the little grin that we saw from him in recent weeks and just looked totally at peace. As the evening progressed, Mom, Dad and I talked about David and what he had brought into our lives and the lives of so many others and were all struck by the sense of relief we shared that David didn’t have to struggle or fight any longer.”

Arrangements for David are currently being planned and will be made available as soon as possible.