Justin Welch, 70, Forged Career in Law Enforcement

Justin Welch, a fourth-generation Vineyard resident, died Feb. 2 after open heart surgery. He was 70.

Justin was born in Oak Bluffs on Feb. 26, 1935, and was the youngest of his four brothers and dearest friend and sister, Marijane Poole, who sadly died just last July. May they comfort each other in their recent reunion.

Justin, affectionately called Judd or JW, grew up in Vineyard Haven and was the son of Milton and Rose Welch. His successes and accomplishments over a lifelong career in law enforcement were numerous.

At the age of 18 he joined the Air Force and served from 1953 to 1957. He received a National Defense Service Medal after serving in the Korean War, and in 1964 and 1965 worked under the command of Leonard Martin in the Panama Canal Zone. Mr. Martin was a former Massachusetts state police officer who, like Justin, served and retired on Martha's Vineyard.

Upon Justin's return from the canal zone he worked in numerous police and security capacities at Boeing Aircraft and Lear Jet. In 1972 he attended the Massachusetts State Police Academy and was graduated number one in his class. In 1974 the Oak Bluffs police department recommended and sponsored Justin to the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy at Quantico, where he successfully completed special agent training.

After years spent in the service honoring his country, Justin returned to the Vineyard, his beloved place of birth, where he lived for the rest of his life. He raised a daughter and son, Blyth and Michael, with Marilyn (who predeceased him) in Oak Bluffs.

Justin was fortunate to have been a motorcycle officer, as both riding and police work were his passions. He was a devoted sergeant, first in Oak Bluffs and later in Tisbury, until his retirement in 1995. Known for a diplomatic approach to work, Justin had little regard for politics when it came to the management of the police department. He has been described as cleverly tenacious when preparing a case for trial; he would spend endless hours discovering and detailing all the evidence necessary to reveal justice. He used his intelligence to resolve matters and was never one to use brute force.

Shortly after Justin retired in 1995 he was introduced to Violet. Their courtship did not end when they married in 1999, as one could always see a true essence of contentment and happiness blended with a great friendship that would forever change them both. All of this was enhanced by Justin's relentless sense of humor and quick wit. Those who loved him will always remember laughing with him.

Both Justin and Violet believed in supporting the community. He was passionate about his volunteer work for the MSPCA, so much so that on separate occasions he came home with yet another canine addition to the family: Mr. Whipple, Mitzy, Minnie (previously given to his sister Marijane) and Jumper, his walking buddy. Justin was also a member of the Holy Ghost Association, the American Legion and the Martha's Vineyard Harley Rider's Association.

In retirement Justin always had a project going, whether it was building a cradle boat for his grandchild, fixing a faucet, meticulously maintaining his yard and gardens or preparing something delicious in the crock pot. His entire focus was the home and his family. The holidays were something he prepared for and anticipated. He believed in letter writing and always staying in touch with family and friends. His grandchildren completed the picture.

Justin is survived by his wife, Violet; son Michael Fuller Welch, daughter in law Denise and their children, Michael, Nicole, Emily and Adrianna, of Tewksbury; daughter Blyth Justine Saye, son in law Robert Saye and their children, Jared and Justin of Fitchburg; stepchildren Lisa, Michelle and Robert, and grandchildren Brenna, Robert and Nikki. Justin is also survived by siblings, Malcolm and wife Emily, Basil and Coco, and sister in law Gladys with children Darren, Neil and Diane; a nephew, Matthew Poole, his wife Patty and children; and a niece, Jennifer Sausville, her husband David and children.

A celebration of Justin's life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to the MSPCA, 276 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Edgartown, MA 02539 or to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, 1 Hospital Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.