Draper, UT- Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Doug, passed away on the evening of February 10th at home surrounded by his family. He was born March 5, 1940 to Dorothy Armstrong and Thomas Bard Welch. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1958, studied mathematics at The University of Utah, and graduated from electronics school. In his younger years, Doug worked for his dad at the Welch Planing Mill in Midvale, UT and as an X-ray technician at Hercules Powder Company. He later worked for IBM for 38 years servicing everything from typewriters to modern supercomputers and was recognized multiple times for outstanding performance.
Doug had a really great sense of humor and was a kind and gentle man. He loved the outdoors, especially mtn. biking at Slick Rock in Moab UT, which he was still riding at age 65, four wheeling, boating, and metal detecting. He was on the ski patrol at Brighton ~1982 - 1989. He was a member of the LDS Church and held many callings, which he loved. Doug's faith and testimony were an inspiration to many.
Doug married his childhood sweetheart, Sonja Ione Heinecke, on July 17th, 1959. They have been together for almost 55 years, and their marriage was solemnized for time and eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Doug is survived by his wife, sons; Glenn (Denise) and Brett (Elisabeth), daughters; Christine (Dale) and Sherri, sister; Rose Lee and nieces and nephews. He has ten beautiful grandchildren and four precious great-grandchildren. He is revered and loved by us all. We will truly miss him and look forward to being with him again. Doug was preceded in death by his brother Tom and his parents.
Our special thanks to Kathryn and Stan, who have always been there for us, Curo hospice and their caring staff, and wonderful ward members.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2014 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, where viewings will be held Sunday 6 - 8 pm and Monday 12:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. prior to services. Donations to the MSA Coalition (www.multiple-system-atrophy.org/donate) would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com
