SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Well, if you are reading this, I’m gone. I don’t know how I died, but I hope that if it was an accident no one was hurt, and if I was sick that I didn’t burden my loved ones too much. I’ve enjoyed most of my life and I’ve had the love and support of my six children, my former wife and my present wife as I grew older. I’ve lived an interesting life and had the friendships of people most folks wished they had. I’ve worked as a teacher of auto mechanics and enjoyed writing short stories and novellas. I served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge.

I am survived by my wife, Linda, and our son, Anthony; my first wife, Joan Banville Koch and our children, Donna Grondin of Turner, Tina Croteau, Kelly Barry, and Michael Koch of Auburn, Michelle Koch of Salt Lake City, Utah; my four grandchildren, Miranda Martin, Alex Koch, Elliott Davis and Samantha Koch; as well as my siblings, Patricia Heck, Marie Thompson, Robert Koch and Ann Marie Comeau; and good friend, Eddie Richardson.

I am preceded in death by my brothers, Ronald of New York, and William of North Carolina; my buddies, Cheese, Parker and Joe Graziano; and my son-in-law, Danny Grondin of Turner.

Thank you to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, that worked tirelessly in the saving of my granddaughter Elliott’s life when she was born.

My final words are love your family, hug them often, kiss your kids and your spouse goodnight every night and say goodbye when you leave them because you never know if or when you will ever see them again. Love to all.

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