On Saturday, surrounded by his mates, his last wish was granted.
Mr Welsh, who was known in various guises by his birth name John and nickname Taffy, was a member of the club for 71 years, was a life member, and had been the patron of the club since 2000.
He died on May 21.
He was 86.
Mr Welsh lived in the streets surrounding the ground for much of his life, before a move to Pine Hill in later years.
The funeral service at the All Saints Church, on Cumberland St, ended with the pallbearers carrying his coffin across State Highway 1 and the North Ground, through a guard of honour formed by young members of the club, and into the clubrooms.
Life member Adrian Read said Mr Welsh, originally from Waimate, joined the Union club as a player in 1937 at the age of 16 and went through the grades.
He coached for 22 years, including nine years in charge of the seniors, was a former president, club captain and a well known face to every member of the club.
Mr Welsh was buried in the St Johns Church cemetery, in Waikouaiti.
