| Sources |
- [S927] Obituary.
WELSCH, Richard Daniel 64, passed away at home in Glen Ellen, CA on April 15, 2016. Richard was born in Billings, Montana to Robert John and Ruth Louise Welsch on December 15, 1951. He enlisted in the Army after graduating high school and served in Vietnam for four years. After his service years, he entered Sonoma State University, graduating with a BA in Business and Psychology. Richard began his working career at Friends House when it opened as Business Manager, where he remained for 32 years until his retirement March 2016. He cherished his time working with awesome people making long standing friendships with residents and staff. He met Dora Hopper at Friends House, and they were married in 2002. Dora Welsch says: "I wish to thank Susan Beer for all Richard's head rubs. Thank you, Elizabeth Boardman for your Thursday chats. Beverly O'Dell for hours spent with Richard in the hospital and at home coloring and discussing life events. She was one of a few who could match his quick wit. Thank you, Chong and Wayne Gillardoni, for sharing your new cat family and delightful stories. My heartfelt thanks to Jack Rupple and Shirley Pierce for Reiki sessions that gave Richard hours of peace and comfort. Dogs4Diabetics gave Richard Cassidy, his service dog, making life easier. Richard had many long-standing friends, Alan Meltzer, Miguel Giron, Soonamai and JR Dessai, multiple residents and staff at Friends House, thank you for your caring and prayers during his illness. Richard loved Ping Pong. He spent Wednesday afternoons with a great group of folks who shared his passion; thanks to all of you. Richard and I were members of Friendship force Napa/Sonoma, a great group. We travelled to Costa Rica as ambassador of the United States." Richard is survived by his wife, Dora, and extended family, William Hopper (Sidney), Jennifer Dawson and her son, Nolan. He leaves three brothers, Michael Welsch (Christine), D.R. "Red" Welsch (Gail), and Scott Welsch (Deb); niece, Brittney Savage (Josh); daughter, Leila; and nephew, Brandon Welsch. A celebration of Richard's live will be at Friends House for Elders on Sunday, May 22 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to charity of choice, Dogs4Diabetics (1400 Willow Pass Ct., Ste. 200, Concord, CA 94520), or Friends House (684 Benicia Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 95409).
Published Online in the Press Democrat from May 7 to May 10, 2016
|
1951 - 2016 (64 years)