FARMINGTON – Robert Lee “Bob” Welles, 62, of East Wilton, died in the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 7, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington.

Born on July 12, 1943, in New Haven, Conn., the son of Oliver Robert and Virginia (Reiser) Welles, he graduated from Verdun American High School in France and was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era.

He was a retired U.S. postal clerk in Wilton and was co-owner, with his sister, of the Indian Ridge Alpaca Farm in East Wilton.

He was a former member of the Farmington Rotary Club and was past president of the Downtown Business Association in Farmington.

Bob was a bit of a “renaissance man.” He was a tender, gentle, kind and considerate person who celebrated life – valuing simplicity and unraveling its complexities. He was a dreamer, an optimist, a visionary and a unique artist who was able to work with his hands, creating beauty from seemingly nothing.

He is survived by his sister, Patty “Pat” Welles of East Wilton and a variety of dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents.