William (Bill) Woodruff Welch was born February 23, 1943 in Lovell, Wyoming and passed away on May 17, 2021 in Lafayette, Colorado. He battled serious medical conditions for most of his adult life, but it took a global pandemic for him to finally be called back home to his Heavenly Father.
Bill was raised in nearby Cowley Wyoming, a small town of around 500 people. He spent his youth as a typical Wyoming cowboy and graduated in the top 10 of his high school class (there were 11 graduates). It was in Cowley that he gained a love of all animals. After high school, Bill moved to Denver, Colorado to pursue bigger opportunities.
He met his wife Jean McDaniel and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 1, 1964. He worked various odd jobs until he attended computer school, where he started his career as a data processor with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. He worked for the state for 33 years and retired in 1998 as the Assistant Director of Revenue.
Bill had many hobbies in life, such as fishing, 4-H, reading, and having lunch with friends. He became a skilled carpenter after retirement. He loved making various woodworking projects and giving them away to family and friends. He also worked closely with the Boy Scouts of America and helped several young men earn the rank of Eagle. He served as a volunteer fireman in Eastlake because he wanted to help his fellow man.
He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life. He served in various leadership positions in the church. He found his greatest joy in life in serving others. He truly was no respecter of person. He had numerous friends of all ages and all of them were important to Bill. He had a way of making each friend feel that they were the most important person to him. It is hard to believe that a shy Wyoming boy could touch so many people. Through all of his challenges he kept a smile on his face and was grateful for every day of his life.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jean; his two children Scott and Jody Welch, his daughter-in-law Wendy and three grandchildren; Mariah, Tyler and Micah Welch. He was preceded in death by his two daughters Nikki and Jamie, parents Woodruff and Ilah Welch and siblings Karen and Alma Welch.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 21st at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 E. Malley Drive, Northglenn Colorado. The viewing will start at 9:30 am with funeral services at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Olinger Highland Cemetery, Thornton Colorado.
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