Richard 'Perry' Welch, Jr., 84
Richard “Perry” Welch Jr. died Feb. 22, 2010, at the age of 84. Born in Waukesau, Wis., he enjoyed the last 40 years of his life as a Sandpoint, Idaho, resident.
Perry served in the U.S. Navy for three years, beginning at the young age of 17. He was a seaman first class, gunner, on four different merchant marine ships during the American theater, European theater, Asiatic Pacific and Philippine liberation, receiving the Good Conduct and Victory awards; ending his service with an honorable discharge. Perry always had strong principles, which the tattoo he acquired during his Navy days summed up well: death before dishonor.
Perry retired from employment as a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in 1984.
He loved to take people fishing on the lake and appreciated all of nature and wildlife. One of his most recent memories was the day a baby raccoon, separated from its mother, walked up to him chattering, and curled up in his lap for hours, as though they were long lost friends. Perry would describe his summer parenting two wild geese that were dropped by an osprey as his happiest year ever; a gift from God, they followed him everywhere and loved him dearly.
Perry died after three months fighting to overcome complications due to pancreatic cancer surgery.
Perry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth; a son, Richard III; daughters, Debra and Rebecca; four grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
Perry is most recently and perhaps best remembered for his strong faith, kind nature and extremely generous heart. Perry was active in supporting the community’s Sandpoint Teen Center, last year providing more than 71 cords of firewood, each realizing a $50 donation to the center. He also gave away firewood to those who were unable to cut wood themselves or who could not afford to buy it. He delivered his last load to a neighbor the day before his cancer surgery.
Perry also was very active in the Seventh Day Adventist Agape Cafe, which provides free meals and social contact to anyone who comes through their doors every Tuesday. Perry was known there as the garlic man, for his famous and delicious garlic bread.
Rather than a burial or memorial service, Perry requested that money others would spend on cards or flowers to the family be donated to the Agape Cafe, to prolong his work for others in the community a little while longer. Donations can be sent to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Attn: Agape Cafe, P.O. Box 609, Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864.