Michael Thomas Welch

12/4/1979 - 11/28/2025

Michael Thomas Welch, age 45, of Austin, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Born on December 4, 1979, in Grand Junction, Colorado, Michael brought light, laughter, and love into the world from the moment he arrived. 
Michael was the beloved son of Del "Spike" Howard and Lori D. Howard. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1998, where he was known for his sharp mind and quick wit. A lifelong lover of sports, he played on the high school tennis team, enjoyed golf throughout his life, and, most recently, found both joy and challenge in boxing. He attended Colorado State University and Mesa State College, continuing to grow, learn, and explore his many interests. Michael was brilliant, funny, and endlessly generous. He had a heart that instinctively reached out to others to offer a helping hand or listening ear. His warmth was felt by everyone fortunate enough to be in his life. 
Michael married the love of his life, Kate Botthof. Together they built a beautiful family, anchored by devotion and joy. Michael cherished his two children, Jack (9) and Ruby (6). He was a proud, devoted father who delighted in every moment spent with them. He loved family vacations in Hawaii, hikes on the weekends, and preparing Jack and Ruby's favorite breakfast requests. 
During his life, Michael served as a proud member of the board for The Alcott Center in Los Angeles, CA. Additionally, his charitable contributions to Magellan International school in Austin, TX were a testament to his generosity and willingness to help others. 
Michael is survived by his wife, Kate; his children, Jack and Ruby; his parents, Del {Spike) and Lori Howard; his brother, Chad Howard; his sister, Jennifer Henson; and his three half-sisters, Danielle, Heather, and Rachel. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him deeply and will forever feel the space he leaves behind. Michael lived a life defined by loyalty, humor, kindness, and a fearless willingness to be himself. His absence will be profoundly felt, but his memory will be carried forward in the stories told, the laughter remembered, and the love he instilled in all who knew him. 
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Westwood United Methodist Church, 10497 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, with a reception immediately following in The Loft upstairs. 
All who knew and loved Michael are welcome as we come together to honor, remember, and celebrate the life of a truly extraordinary man.