Sir John Reader Welch, 2nd Baronet 1933-2023

 Sir John Welch, 2nd Baronet, died 5 September, 2023. He was 90.

He was a partner in Wedlake Bell 1972-1996; Chairman, John Fairfax (UK) Ltd 1977-1990.

He was born 26 July, 1933, son of Sir George James Cullum Welch, 1st Baronet (1895-1980), who was created a baronet in 1957, by his wife the former Gertrude Evelyn Sladin Harrison (1896-1966); and succeeded to the baronetcy on his father's death, 28 July, 1980.

The 1st Baronet served as Lord Mayor of London 1956-57, and in those days the retiring Lord Mayor was always awarded a baronetcy at the end of his year of office.

John Reader Welch did his national service with the Royal Signals 1952-54, and with the TA 1954-62; was admitted a solicitor in 1960, Partner, Bell, Brodrick & Gray 1961-71; Ward Clark of Walbrook Ward, City of London, 1961-74; Registrar of Archdeaconry of London, 1964-99; Gov of City of London School for Girls 1977-82; Governor: Haberdashers' Aske's School, Elstree 1981-85, and 1990-91; Chairman, Committee of Management, London Homes for the Elderly 1980-90, President, Grand Charity of Freemasons, 1985-95; Senior Grand Warden, United Grand Lodge of England, 1998-2000; CStJ 1981, &c. 

He married 25 September, 1962, Margaret Kerry Douglass, daughter of Kenneth Victor Douglass, of Sydney, Australia, by whom he had issue, one son, James, and twin daughters, Margaret and Jane (born 17 January, 1965). The son, James Douglass Cullum Welch, who was born 10 November, 1973, succeeds to the baronetcy.

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