1942 – 2015

RUMFORD — William “Bill” Welch, 72, of Mexico passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 28, at the Rumford Community Home following a long illness.

He was born in Rumford on Oct. 13, 1942, a son of Carl and Marguerite (Pretty) Welch.

Bill was educated in Mexico schools and was a graduate of Mexico High School.

He married Cynthia Ferland on Aug. 20, 1972, and together they celebrated 43 years of marriage.

Bill was employed with the Rumford paper mills for over 40 years. After retiring in 1998, Bill worked at both Rite-Aid and Carlisle’s, where he enjoyed interacting with the public.

Once illness forced his retirement, he eventually became a resident of the Rumford Community Home. While there, he participated in all of the activities. He was an avid bingo player and his winnings went toward ice cream money for his grandchildren, Ben and Hannah. Bill always had a huge smile for anyone entering his room, either nurse or visitor.

Throughout his life, Bill was active in the community, serving in the SAD 43 School Board and Music Boosters, the St. Joseph’s Choir in Dixfield, the Mexico Budget Committee and the Mexico Public Library Advisory Board.

Bill’s hobbies included sewing, quilting and knitting, as well as traveling. He and his wife, Cindy, were able to visit Ireland, France, England and Scotland, as well spending time visiting his daughters in the Boston area and New York City.

Survivors are his wife of 43 years, Cindy (Ferland) Welch of Mexico; daughters, Amy Welch-Whissen and husband, Christopher, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Sara Klingener and husband, Shawn, of Haverhill, Mass.; a sister, Jane Woods and husband, Steve, of Florida and Roxbury Pond; grandchildren, Benjamin and Hannah Klingener of Haverhill, Mass.; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, John, Dick and David.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Rumford Community Home who cared for Bill on a daily basis. It was refreshing to see the staff interact with him, either with a smile or a gentle touch. A special thank-you goes to Albert Dupuis for being such a warm and wonderful roommate for two years.

Bill’s proudest and happiest moments were with his family. As a husband, daddy and a grampy, he has left us with happy memories to celebrate.

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