AUBURN — Richard L. “Pa” Welch, 72, of Virgin Street, Rumford, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, at the Hospice House with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Rumford, Sept. 7, 1939, a son of Robert A. and Christeen P. (Howard) Welch.

Richard was educated in Rumford schools and was a graduate of Stephens High School, Class of 1958.

He was employed for several years with Rumford Steam Laundry. Richard was a member of the Rumford Fire Department for 37 years. He was also employed at Breau’s Dairy for many years and later the town of Rumford, retiring due to ill health.

Richard was a life-member of the Le Paresseux Snowshoe Club, where he served as trustee and second vice for many years. During his time there, he worked beano, ran the 150 Club, bartended, was a doorman and helped with suppers. He was an honorary member of the International Snowshoe Presidents Club and for many years drove Santa on his visits around town.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a member and past exalted ruler and State and Lodge Trustee of the Rumford Lodge of Elks, BPOE 862. He was the first male to receive the State Spouse of the Year Award at the State Convention in 2012.

Richard volunteered many hours for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, doing the pie booth at the Farmington Fair, the MCCP Walk, and sold raffle tickets at various state fairs each year.

Richard was active in scouting for many years, serving as committee member and an assistant Scoutmaster. He received the “District Merit Award” and did the “Order of the Arrow” with his grandson Jhustin Welch.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A favorite time in his life was when he and his brother Randy and their father owned and raced horses.

His family remembers that he was always willing to lend a helping hand doing carpentry, roofing and tinkering to everyone in need.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Sandra “Sandee” J. (Quimby) Welch of Rumford; two daughters, Deborah A. Briggs and husband, David, of Byron and Denise L. Welch and fiancé, Steven Letarte, of Rumford; three brothers, Robert C. Welch of Rumford, Rolie A. Welch and wife, Karen, of Sardis, Tenn., and Randy G. Welch and wife, Brenda, of Rumford; five grandchildren, Danielle McLaughlin, Jhustin Welch, Mariah Briggs, Christine Briggs and Makaila Conley; two great-grandchildren, Samantha McLaughlin and Nathaniel McLaughlin; and three stepgrandchildren, Amanda Rand, Steven Letarte and Megan Letarte.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister-in-law, Anne Welch.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Welch family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.