I can't recall how I began receiving Weldon's wonderful and newsy letters, but I, as all who left tributes of him, enjoyed them so much. I would drop everything just to read them right then and there. There were several times when Weldon and I spoke on the phone, and I met him in person one time when my wife and I were in California. He truly was a loving, kind, and encouraging brother, like so many of our "old-timers" were. Weldon had friends literally all over the world.

I didn't know he had a Bakersfield connection. I had a long-time (50 years) friend, Doran Lilly, who moved to Bakersfield many moons ago. Doran died about 6 weeks ago. Doran and I used to work in service together when we both lived in Albuquerque. Doran went on to pioneer, then went to Gilead and was assigned to Peru. Upon his marriage to another missionary (Gloria), ended up in Bakersfield where he was a substitute circuit overseer in the Spanish field, and worked on the RBC. I can't imagine Doran not knowing our dear Brother Weldon. They were in many ways, "two of a kind."

We all will miss Weldon and his upbuilding letters, but we cherish the wonderful hope of the resurrection that Jehovah has given us.

Have known Weldon for over 40 years, always was a joy to be with and forever full of stories and encouraging words. He will truly be missed, but only for a short while. My consequences to family and friends.

I am very sad to hear of Weldon's passing but Happy at the same time.
Happy because our dear brother has left a record of faithfulness in Jehovah's service. He rests securely in Jehovah's memory. I never met him face to face but loved his letters. They were never too long for me-I wished they were longer. If Jehovah blesses me with life in his new world I look forward to meeting Weldon face to face and telling him how encouraging he has been to me and countless others.

We are Hans & Margit from Bavaria, Germany and loved Weldons letters like an eye to look round the international world of brothers and sisters. It made us feel a little like in the new system.......always uprighting positive and encouraging. Once we visited Weldon in his trailer and he encouraged us to do more .Now we serve in a foreign language.
We are very sad and miss his letters very much.

Lute was visiting Greg Lyon (see his tribute) when Weldon made a return visit (back call) on Greg. That was his first contact with Weldon. He gave Lute many things to think about. That was back in 1970 and we are still hanging in there due to his diligence his love for Jehovah and others. Weldon planted the seed, the Marshalls watered and Jehovah made it grow! Our appearance (especially Lutes) back in the 70's would have scared most people away, but not Weldon. He was so kind and not at all judgemental.  What a guy Weldon was.... always there when you needed him. It will be wonderful to give him a welcome back hug, won't it?

After reading every flower left, lighted candle and note on this page,
my tears are gone, as everyone felt just as I did with the loss of dear Weldon. What a dear friend through the years that I personally met many times at homes of my relatives sharing a meal. He will be so missed untill the New System. See you then......

Wally and Carole Gobitas studied with me in 1974 and then I moved back to the Midwest, they started sending me Weldon's letters, which were so encouraging to someone new in the truth, then his e-mails, I met Weldon when I moved back to CA, and then recently was on his list. As many have said about his love for Jehovah and his son showed through in Weldon's love for people, especially the brotherhood, even when he himself was down [ which you never knew most of the time] he was always encouraging someone else, and selfless. His qualities have made me think about myself in how to imitate his faith. His letters have gone beyond his e-mail list as I know how many I have shared and I am sure others have done the same. The resurrection is going to be wonderful indeed,as we will get to know him better, and others like him.

I have been a e mail friend of Bro Weldon's for several years now. We met him on two occasions. The first time, when he came to our RV Park at Carpintera CA about 2008. We had a good visit. Helen and I and Garcon Bichon Lacny. The last time was when we were on our way home after winter vacation at D H S, in Ca to Westbank B C Canada March 2012.. He gave us directions how to get to his place. As we neared, the unit, we were in constant phone discussion, as we were 50 feet long with truck and RV. He said he'd be waiting in his driveway, which he was, but I didn't notice. As we drove up the hill I said to Weldon" How do we find you" He said you just drove by." Well after finding a place to Park the Rig, he drove us to his unit, were we had a delightful time, with tea and cookies. He loved his flowers as did Helen. After a afternoon, we then left and he made sure we got back on the highway, off Old Mill Rd. I wonderful brother, one of a kind, who shared the joys of life with so many others, including us Western Canadians. I will greet you in the new world, Weldon, with a box of hard PURDY's chocolates, your favorite. Love you always. Bro Paul and Sister Helen Lacny

Mary Lou and I have known Weldon since our time in Gilead in 1966. We later served a circuit in Spanish in Santa Barbara in the 1990s where we saw him frequently. Weldon has no double in the world. He was a special brother and friend and we look forward to giving him a big bear hug in Paradise.

Weldon was a lighthouse in this dark world. Thought I never have met him, he was my warmhearted and dear brother.

Well, it was a beautiful early summers day in 1992 when I first met Weldon at a train station. I still remember vividly this kind and warm gentleman approaching me talking about Jehovah (he was informel witnessing as he does so very well) before my mind could move my mouth to say "I'm one of Jehovah's witnesses also" I became amazed at how eloquent he spoke, and before I knew it I found myself just listening. Then finally I had to tell him I was a JW also then he said "why didn't you tell me?" Then I said "I was learning from you!!" We both broke into laughter!! And then had some lunch... As the decades passed I still remember the times we traveled together, we talked together, we ate together, we laughed together, we cried together, we prayed together. You see Weldon was more then a friend he was like a father to me (since I never knew my paternal father) Weldon always had great advice from the bible and keen insight that I appreciated very much, listening to his experiences from bethel to his new Chinese bible study's progress was wonderful indeed. It's clear weldons "life is wrapped securely in the bag of life with Jehovah"
1samuel 25:29 and until resurrection time Weldon...
Andrew & Raquel Gris

7 AM this morning, I opened my E-Mail account. Two mails from Weldon. Fantastic! Then I saw the title of one: 'My Final Letter'. ..... "Oh.... Oh nooo.... Why?", I thought and read the mails and started crying.... Just some days ago Weldon asked me for more experiences in the Chinese field....
Already as teenager I received some experiences that Weldon shared, one lovely day I dared to write and E-Mail to him personally - and he really replied. For that very day we've been good friends and Weldon helped me meeting brothers all around the globe. Some years ago, I think it was in 2008 Weldon invited me for staying at his house for a week. We had a fantastic time together in the preaching work, especially I remember the the great time on the UCSB campus. And I saw the first free hummingbirds in my life on Weldon's balcony! Ah, what nice memories..... I'll miss his brotherly advice, his excellent example in preaching the good news and also his big help in meeting brothers on my journeys around the globe. I always said that Weldon was the only person I know who knew more people than me or let's say whose E-Mail list was bigger than mine! Ha ha ha ha ha.... ;-) Well, now we all have to be strong and stick close to Jehovah so that we'll see our dear dear friend again soon in paradise! :-)

I was raised in Santa Paula not far from Santa Barbara. My family legally disinherited me on becoming one of JWS .I came "home " a few times hoping that they would see me...but no. I visited Santa Barbara for a meeting and met our Brother Weldon...he was so kind! I have loved his letters from "home" for all these years and he became another member of my "family" ...I so love hearing from him and all of my family around the world.I have with Jehovah's help raised my family in the truth...and have for 47 years watched them reach out to others in Bethel, other countries, and states and become loyal lovers of Jehovah.Weldon was so encouraging to me as I had low periods but another letter from home would arrive and I was strengthened. I look forward to seeing him again soon...with a very great ful heart❤️

My husband and I have never met Weldon, but love him anyway. His letters were always full of encouraging experiences that we shared with many of our friends in the Hockinson Congregation. He was always so upbeat ...a ray of sunshine. We will miss him, but look forward to meeting him personally when he wakes up.

Ed & Chris Cavaness
Vancouver, Washington

You have all shared wonder thoughts. For those of you that did not meet him face to face as I have, you knew him for he was just what he appeared to be. It was a blessing to know him and share with him. I look forward to seeing his kind face and heariing his loving voice in paradise.

I never met Weldon, but I did receive his wonderful e-mail with all sorts of goodies in it to enjoy. I always loved the way he would start his letters, it was as if he was in the living room with you having a cup of coffee. I will miss his wonderful letter writing, but hope to meat him in Paradise on earth. 

Vancouver, Wa

Leslie & Jeannie Conn
Some say that actions speak louder then words. Weldon was a balance of both actions and words. A balance that he used for many years to build up and show love for all of us. We served together at Bethel for several years and even after not seeing each other for years, when we were able to visit, we just picked up where we had left off. You deserve some rest, and soon you will be very busy again!

I had the pleasure of knowing Weldon since our days at Bethel in the 1950s. I was shocked to learn of his death this morning; it took my breath away. He was so upbuilding, we hoped he could go on forever into the new world. We look forward to seeing him then.

From Mexico my wife and I send our deepest sympathies to the family of Weldon. We have enjoyed and found the information in his letters to be up building and strengthening. We will certainly miss all the wonderful experiences of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. How absolutely wonderful a hope we have because of Jehovah's love for his creation. Until the new world-See you soon, Weldon.

Jay Good

I appreciate all that Weldon did for me through his encouraging e-mails. I know he up built so many. He was a faithful brother and I look forward to meeting and talking with him in paradise.

I knew Weldon only via e-mail and the telephone. But like so many others, enjoyed and shared the wonderful experiences that he shared to encourage plus build and strengthen our faith. Our worldwide brotherhood is definitely a miracle in progress and I am so very thankful to be a part of it.

I had the privilege of meeting sweet Brother Weldon in Mexico in the mid-2000's. He was heading back to Mexico City a few days after the District Convention which we both attended. I met him at a couple's home & found out that he intended to go by himself back to Mexico City. I thought 'this sweet older brother shouldn't travel by himself!' I was a female, in my late 20's, so I wouldn't have been much defense for him either! I enlisted the help of a young brother, Jarrod Pearson, that I heard was also traveling back to the city. We changed our travel plans so that we could accompany dear Brother Weldon. What a treasure & good portion we chose in doing that! I've kept in touch with both brothers through the years, mostly with Weldon through his emails. Sometimes I would send him a note or a thank you for a particularly encouraging experience. I was so sad when I read the email today. My husband & I are serving at Warwick & I cried in the bathroom. As I walked through the halls & thought of the years Weldon served at Bethel, and observed older ones coming as temporary workers & giving their best, I felt better. I know Jehovah has every memory of Weldon stored up & can't wait to see him again.

Weldon walked into my life at 124 Columbia Hts. bklyn.n.y. in the mid 1950's a skinny kid just like me. He was happy, friendly and gregarious
and he never changed! He was at his best at approaching strangers and
starting conversations that many times put them on the road to everlast-
ing life! You know who you are out there. Weldon, I will see you again on
the other side when we both will be young and skinny again.

I will miss his letters and words of love for Jehovah, I always felt so uplifted after reading his emails. Hope to see you in the new world Weldon.

Our dear Weldon is now in excellent hands. We met Weldon in 1965 at Bethel and have kept in touch over the years thanks primarily due to Weldon’s diligence and always thinking of everyone else. We have met many of Weldon’s friends that have become our friends as well. If we were travelling somewhere we would call Weldon and ask “Who should we look up when we go to…..and there would always be names he would give us of folks to try and meet. Usually they were one of the first ones we would come across and everyone had the same love and affection for this kind, loving man.
My favorite communication with Weldon would be when I would call for him to give me tips for informal witnessing. One time when we picked him up from the airport, I took a minute to go to the bathroom and when I came out he was in a very in depth conversation with an airline employee, but it was like that everywhere we went. It was his genuine love for people and his desire for them to get to know Jehovah. Until we see him again I only pray that I can work hard at putting into practice his kind manner and love for our neighbors.
From Mike: I met Weldon exactly 50 years ago and we have been good friends ever since! I have a way of keeping my dear friends alive in my mind. It is my prayer that we see Weldon in the New World before I mentally process his death in the Old. Being somewhat of a talkative person – it is amazing that this is all I have to say! We love Weldon – and in the New World we will love him for the rest of forever!
Mike and Susan

Weldon just always seemed to understand and make you feel like a welcomed friend. For 40+ years he has been such a joy to know. Such a warm loving brother he will be missed until we welcome him back to us. He holds a special place in my heart.

We appreciated Weldon's energy for the truth and desire to encourage others. We know how hard it is for older ones to use the internet but he definitely succeeded in using it! I think I took his letters for granted, like they would go on indefinitely. But now he is no more, we will deeply deeply miss his letters. What a gem of a brother he was! We hope that in the resurrection, his letters will continue where they left off. Love, The Ramirez family

he will be missed by many

Weldon was more then a friend to me, he was a brother who was always there, I am so happy my dear wife Pam and I were able to visit him a few months ago. Now it will be a extra special time for us that can never be repeated now that he is gone. Patience now waiting for that wonderful day and I hope we can be there to welcome him back feeling good and youthful. John 5:29. We love you our dear brother and friend.

There are no words; just tears right now. The words will come when the mist leaves.

From Ron & Dolly in O'side. We came up there to visit Weldon we have seen him many times with the friends here, he had many. We worked the "table" with him for an afternoon and I really got the "bug" have had a great time with the cart work here in O'side. We look forward to seeing him real soon. Agape to all Ron & Dolly

I never got to formally meet Weldon..and I feel a great loss as I LOVED receiving his GREAT letters! I am so glad I saved every one of them...
Rest well, my brother..until our Father awakens you and once more we can share the joys of serving our Great God, Jehovah.....

I will miss all the encouraging letters. Look forward to seeing him well in the New World.

I and my family will miss him and his encouraging letters. I have had the pleasure of forwarding his letters to many people whom I have never met, but who read his letters through a friend. He was so humble, so giving of his time, and so zealous to share the good news with others! He is only sleeping as our Lord explained, waiting for the resurrection of the faithful, righteous ones. I can't wait to see his smiling face again. May Jehovah comfort those who love him.

I am saddened by the loss of our dear brother Weldon. I have been corresponding with Weldon for many years. He often told me of his ills and knowing I had studied health and nutrition I would suggest what he might do for his health. When my husband was alive we got to visit with Weldon. What a kind and loving brother he was. His zeal and love for Jehovah really showed through....I remember one cold Christmas morning in British Columbia Canada we were writing back and forth. I had mentioned to Weldon no one was out in the service because it had snowed heavily the night before but felt I still wanted to do something. He suggested I head out in my car and see if anyone was walking the streets. There was hardly a car on the road but I did just that and would roll down my window and speak briefly to the few people who were out and about and leave a magazine or two. Wrote Weldon back and told him what a nice morning I had. That experience delighted him like it did me!...I recently received a letter in the mail from him and will always treasure that letter....I have to dig up the picture taken with Weldon outside of his mobile home. We will see him back in the resurrection!

Weldon was an amazing friend to my mother Sheren Ceylon. I know she looked forward to seeing him again in the New System under the rule of our Heavenly Father and his son. Many were the days that Weldons letters seemed to come at just the right moment when mom was down, he made the caring of her so much easier on those days. I can't wait to meet him after he spends some time with Jehovah at the spa and awakens feeling and refreshed.

This dear brother has encouraged so many with his uplifting letters. He will be missed. A dear sweet brother I hope to see in the near future.

I am sitting here with tears running down my cheeks. I never met Weldon, but did talk to him on the phone. He will be missed so much, I loved his letters.

I never met Weldon personally, but enjoyed his letters so very much. Always so positive and so loving. It truly was as if he knew brothers and sisters in every corner of the earth. I am waiting anxiously for the time when I will see and greet each and every one of my loved ones back to a beautiful earth. Romans 14:8,9 "For if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. So both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah.  For to this end Christ died and came to life again, so that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living."
Stay strong, stay faithful dear brothers and sisters we only have a short time to wait.
In Christian love,
Susan

When I heard that Weldon had fallen asleep in death I was appalled at the thought that I would never hear from him again in this system. Silly me. What made me think he would leave us all hanging? I just finished reading his "sleeper car letter" and now feel that I'm able to say good-bye (briefly, I hope) to this man who so unselfishly shared his time, his resources, and his energy with so many for the sole purpose of "inciting to love and fine works" and reminding us, by sharing so many experiences, just how far-reaching Jehovah's love is. I look forward to the day we can all once again join Weldon in a "cup of tea" ... in person and in perfection.

When I saw I'd received a mail from Weldon tonight, I smiled, then I saw the subject line. My heart sank, only because I thought he was letting us know he wasn't going to send his encouraging his letters anymore....then I read it, I haven' received a letter like this before.I couldn't help welling up... I never met Weldon, but felt like I knew him from his wonderful letters, although I never picked up on his being ill. Such a wonderful brother, now I can only look forward to the day I can meet him on the other side. THAT will be a happy day!!

Weldon has been a part of my life since 1971 when he first came to my door in Ventura and introduced me to the truth. In 1973 he married Patricia and I in Carpinteria, Calif. I'm proud to be considered as one of his sons and anxiously await our next visit. Rest well Weldon, you have many waiting to great you in Jehovah's new world. Until then, you will be missed. Greg and Patricia Lyon Chico, Calif.

I have never had the pleasure of meeting Weldon. I have been reading emails for many years. He has encouraged me when I was down and out. He was such an an amazing person. I am so very sad in my heart. But I know very soon he will awaken with a smile. We will all miss him and his wondeful loving words that really meant so much to all of us. We all love you, see you soon my brother.

My heart is so heavy at this news. Perhaps Jehovah knew that the Great Tribulation would be too much for him, as we seem to have lost so many of our frail and elderly dear ones this past year. I never got to meet Weldon, but got on his mailing list through a dear friend and former pioneer partner. She has passed away a few months ago, as well. 'Til we meet in the New World, my dear brother.

...for God is not unrighteousness so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name...well done Weldon...till Paradise, when we will have the opportunity to further thank you for the following wonderful advice sent to us back in September 2011, when Earl and I were reassigned to the field from bethel...advice that is so "Weldon":

    "May Jehovah bless you as you make each day one filled with joy. Be sure to do some informal witnessing as you walk on the beach without any shoes, carrying a little plastic bag with some surprises in there for those you meet on the beach. If it is appropriate—no, then find out where they live and deliver the gifts later. If you have to wear a straw hat because of the sun then tuck 2 magazines in the hat (folded) and then when you talk you can doff your hat and surprise!! You have a gift for them!  May Jehovah bless your active imagination as you look for new ways to talk to new people. Pray that Jehovah open doors you had never seen there before."

Wow I live all the way in Hawaii and I knew Weldon when I was younger. I used to live in Ventura. I took him forgranted. I cannot wait to tell him that in the hew order of things.

I cried when I  read Weldon has died.  He will be missed by so many.  I LOVED all of Weldon's letters of encouragement and never felt they were too long.   In fact, I have an email folder called Weldon and have kept every one of them for years.

My daughter and son-in-law worked with Weldon's nephew and niece in New Orleans after Katrina...so we shared some stories after.  My ex-husband, now deceased, served at Bethel during Weldon's time there so I came in contact with Weldon through him.  He called Weldon at times and tried to keep in touch.  I very much enjoyed sharing the experiences Weldon sent with others...I am so sorry to hear he will not be here to send more.

Rest in peace, dear Weldon...you certainly were a wonderful source of encouragement for so many of us.  You brought smiles and tears of joy with each shared experience...a real light in this dark, discouraging world.  Sending love to Weldon's family and friends and look so forward to giving him a big, thankful sisterly hug one day.  Sniff


Gayle Dingman, Oregon

I have never met Bro. Weldon and hoped to meet him on my next visit to US...(I live in Mumbai, India)...but now I look forward to meeting him in Paradise. 
His mails were just the right connect to the distant lands and experiences were truly like a glass of cold water on a very hot day. Will miss his encouraging mails....but I shall reread all his mails. See you soon Bro. Weldon under the rulership of the Best King.

He was always encouraging even after he passed. Look forward to meet him again.

Always smiling, even when he didn't feel like it.