1945 – 2014

BOSTON, Mass. — Bradford Melvin Welch, 69, of Casco, died Friday, Nov. 21, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass., after a long and courageous battle with leukemia.

He was born on Sept. 1, 1945, a son of Leon M. and Phyllis L. Bartlett Welch. He grew up on Johnson Hill in West Poland, attending Poland schools and Casco High School, Class of 1964. He attended Southern Maine Vocation Technical Institute, earning as associate degree in culinary arts.

He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. There, he met the love of his life, Clelie Marie Crawford. They were joined in marriage on April 18, 1970. They shared a wonderful love of the outdoors and hunting and fishing throughout Maine and North America.

He was a life member of SAM, a member and past commander of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, a member of the American Legion No. 155 in Naples, a member of the NRA and a hunter safety instructor.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Clelie; his mother, Phyllis, of Norway; two sisters, Joan Wilfong of Saguache, Colo., and Terry Plummer of Casco; a brother, Rodney Welch, of Mechanic Falls; his aunt, Sharon Tyrell, of Raymond; two nieces and two nephews; and many friends and family.

Brad was predeceased by his father, Leon; and a brother, Terrence.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.