Mikell R Welsh

On Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, the world lost a wonderful man. Mikell R. Welsh passed away peacefully, at the age of 64, at his Wasilla, Alaska, home. Mikell was born in Coalville, Utah, on Feb. 2, 1954, to Don and Lona Welsh. Mikell was preceded in death by both parents; his wife, Laurie; and grandson, Chase. He leaves behind his sister, Deeana (Doug) Rader; brother, Robert Welsh; and sister, Shanna (Ross) Bailey; his children, Deeana Welsh, Michele Flanders-Knowles and Stephanie Flanders; as well as grandchildren, Derek Welsh, Dustie Flanders and Willow Janulek; and great-grandchildren, Anastasia and Chase Jr. He is also survived by his loving nieces: Jennifer, April, Amber and Melanie. Mikell moved with his family to Alaska in 1969. Mikell graduated from Dimond High School in 1972, and he earned an Associates of Applied Science in Automotive Technology from UAA. He shared his life with wife Laurie Flanders (deceased) and current partner Cathleen Koning. Mikell was a great father to Deanna, Michele and Stephanie, and an especially proud grandfather to Derek, Chase, Dustie and Willow and great-grandfather to Anastasia and Chase Jr. He was a fabulous friend to Skip, Ron, Spike, Tim, Lil Dexter, Jack, Fred and so many others. He was an amazing drag racing mentor to Jennifer, Devin and Allison. Renowned far and wide for his love of the outdoors, drag racing, darts and the game of pool, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who would not call him a friend. His knowledge as an ace mechanic and the ability to drive anything with wheels is known to all who knew him. His love of fishing and hunting the Little Susitna and Maclaren Rivers, and his cabin on Lake Susitna along with drag racing at Alaska Raceway Park Hawaii Raceway Park was shared with many friends and family. The Doo Dah is loved and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Please join us for a Celebration of His Life on Dec. 8, 2018, at the American Legion, Post 35, 5050 Tweed Court, Wasilla, AK 99654, from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.