John E. Wells

John E. Wells, 81, beloved golf professional, prolific teacher, and eternal optimist died unexpectedly on July 25th. He was adored by his family and was well-respected and admired in the community. He shared his passion for golf with thousands of people, many of whom sought him out for help in refining their game. His patient, calm and measured approach to teaching golf was appreciated by many as he eased and commiserated with their frustrations and helped them improve their play.

John was a dominant golfer at Lee High School in the late 1950s and early 1960s, winning every single match in his four years of play and winning five consecutive Allied Junior titles. Wells turned pro in 1964 and joined the PGA tour in 1970. In 1972, he returned to the Berkshires and turned his attention to teaching the game he loved, sharing his talents with children at camps and assuming the role of Professional at Cranwell Golf Club from 1975 to 1989. While there, he employed many young folks in Berkshire County, introducing them to the great game and shepherding their introduction to the workforce. In 1980, John was still competing, and he took home the top prize in the NENY Stroke Play Championship, the Vardon Trophy (lowest scoring average) and NENY Player of the Year honors. He also opened a golf store in the late 80s in Lanesboro and used Baker's Golf Center as his home base for instructing players of all ages.

When John lost his sight, the result of advanced glaucoma, he continued to play golf, relishing his time on courses around Berkshire County. He was often accompanied by his cousin and beloved friend, Dean Wells, who made sure that John was able to get out on the fairways as much as possible. John treasured his time with Dean and John's family is immensely grateful for his dedication and friendship.

John was inducted into the Northeast New York PGA section of the Hall of Fame in November 2023 and enjoyed an intimate celebration with his family. Stories and precious memories were shared as he was lauded by those who loved him so dearly. John was also inducted into the Berkshire County Hall of Fame a few months ago. He was delighted to be recognized in this way by the community. Special thanks to Mark Levesque who spoke so eloquently about John's impact on the sport of golf.

John was an extraordinary father, son, brother, cousin and uncle. Always supportive, he was delighted with their achievements, and appreciated sharing in the lives of dear friends and family. John always looked on the bright side of things. He shared his hearty laugh and inspiring optimism with everyone he came across. He enjoyed walking around the block in Lenox, chatting with neighbors and conversing about the daily news. He never felt sorry for himself, but instead was committed to living each day with joy and appreciation. He greeted friends with a hearty, "Howdy, Partner!" and left everyone with whom he came into contact feeling a little better. John's family is grateful for his many friends who stayed in touch, calling often with a bit of news or just to check-in.

John was predeceased by his son, Keith Shaefer Wells, brothers Robert A. Wells, and G. David Wells and his parents, Alton and Helen Wells. He leaves his sister-in-law, Claudia Wells, nephews, Daren, (Maureen), Peter (Shelie) and Todd (Jonene) Wells and his nieces Heidi Wells and Heather Wells Heim (Matt) as well as cousins, great nephews and nieces. John counted on Peter over the years to take care of everything that was especially important and his family is extraordinarily grateful to him.

The family will have a private remembrance ceremony when they will each hit a few drives down the fairway as John wished. John's family is also establishing a golf scholarship in his honor in partnership with the Berkshire Allied Golf Organization which will benefit local high school golfers. If you wish to make a donation to the John Wells Berkshire County Golf Scholarship, gifts may be made to the Berkshire County Allied Association HOF - John Wells and mailed to Willowbrook, John Wells Golf Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1884, Lenox, MA 01240 or visit www.berkshiretaconic.org/wellsfamilyfund to make an online donation.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 E Main Street, in West Brookfield assisted John's family with arrangements.

An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com.