In Loving Memory of Richard Francis Welsh
Rick (Richard) Welsh died suddenly April 30 of a massive heart attack. He was at his home with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Tracy Welsh of 50 years and 4 children, Rick (Cari) Welsh, Brandon (Sadie) Welsh, Ryan (Rachel) Welsh, Melinda (Geoff Clark) and 7 grandchildren, Austin, Avery, Lilly, Piper, Luke, Remington, and Darcy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert (1996), mother, Mary (2012) and twin brother Robert (2012).
Rick and his brother Bob were born December 30, 1945 in Denver, Colorado to Robert and Mary (Kruplak) Welsh. They were premature and their total weight was 5 pounds, which caused them to stay an extra month in the hospital.
His father was in the Air Force, so they were stationed in Kansas, Texas, California and returned to Colorado Springs where he went to St. Mary’s High School graduating in 1964. His mother’s family had a farm in eastern Colorado where he spent every summer on the farm with his uncles that he was very close to because his father was gone a lot. After high school he went to a seminary to become a priest but found it didn’t suit him, so he joined the navy.
Rick was in the Navy submarine service for four years, 1967-1971. After getting out of the navy he and his wife and son moved to Colorado where he was raised. He worked for the city of Colorado Springs as the supervisor of the Gas Department where he retired after a 32 year career. He then worked for Sports Authority for ten years.
Rick and his wife Tracy were married July 5, 1969 in Pacifica, California. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last year.
He and his wife were baptized in the Worldwide Church of God December 25, 1971 and he was faithful until he died. He was loved by all he met. He was a volunteer at Penrose Hospital for many years and loved all his duties. He helped all who started working there teaching them the various duties. He had a ready smile that exuded joy and care for others.
He loved to tinker on projects and learned very quickly. He would ask carpenters how to do something and would come home and do it. More recently he would go on YouTube to figure something out and was always successful working on vehicles, chain saws, and around the house. He loved problem solving.
A celebration of life will be in Colorado Springs on July 10 at 11 am starting with the honor guard followed by a message by Marshall Stiver at 11:30. It will be at Bear Creek Regional Park Pavilion #4, on the southeast corner of S 21st St and W Rio Grande.