Hilery Louis Welch

Hilery Louis Welch was born to Almo Welch and Willa Hardeman on March 18, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the only son of six children, including sisters Lenora, Sandra, Wynell, Marsha, and Joyce Ann. The family eventually moved to California where Hilery grew up in the high desert city of Victorville. He excelled in sports there, winning statewide titles in wrestling. He returned to Detroit in his late teens.

Soon after returning to Detroit, Hilery  married Karen Tucker of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their daughter Michele and, later, granddaughter, Aleshia were the joy of Hilery’s life. Though the marriage ended, Hilery went on to meet and wed Patricia Hill of Baltimore, Maryland. This union lasted for more than 30 years.

Hilery worked in auto factories for several years. In 1973 he joined the military, serving as an Army Specialist E-4. Soon after returning to civilian life in Detroit, he entered a plumbing apprenticeship program. After completing his apprenticeship, he went on to earn his Journeyman’s license. Not satisfied, he studied for and achieved the highest certification: a Master Plumber license. He worked for various plumbing contractors, the City of Detroit and the Detroit Board of Education where he rose to Director of the Plumbing Department. After moving to Portland, he served as a City of Portland Building Inspector for 17 years before retiring in 2016.

A great cook, Hilery owned two restaurants: Yohimbe, a vegetarian eatery in Detroit, and First Harvest & Almo’s Cosina in Portland. A master gardener, he generously shared his fruit and vegetable harvests with anyone who asked. A music lover - especially reggae! - he taught himself to play the guitar, built a home music studio and frequently hosted jam sessions.

Hilery was a lifelong learner; his curiosity was broad and deep. He loved to read, especially the novels of Walter Mosley. He was a great photographer and a computer geek who embraced every technological advancement as soon as it debuted. An avid traveler, during his last decade he explored China and Southeast Asia. He enjoyed life fully.

Hilery was preceded in death by his parents, Almo Welch and Willa Hardeman Webber, and his sisters, Joy Ann, Wynell, and  Marsha.  He is survived by his daughter Michele M. Cruse, granddaughter Aleshia S. King; sisters Leonora Choonarong, Marilyn Williams, Sandra White, niece Angela Lundy and a host of other loving family members and friends.

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