On Tuesday, December 31 ^st , 2019, Richard John Welchly, loving husband and father, passed away at age 84.

Richard was born on August 26 ^th , 1935 in San Jose, California to Emil Welchly and Viola Matliano. He received his drafting degree from San Jose Community College in San Jose in 1962 and started his own plumbing business, RJ Welchly Plumbing, in the greater Spokane / Deer Park, Washington area in 1975.

On December 20th, 1958, he married Elizabeth Grace Davis. They raised 6 daughters (Cindy, Susan, Renee, Misti, Jeannine, and Tiffany) and 1 son (Richard, Jr.).

Richard enjoyed watching all types of professional sports and being in the outdoors. He particularly loved cheering on his grandkids in their respective sports.  He especially loved fishing and hunting. In his younger years, Richard was an outstanding baseball player, excelling as a catcher, right fielder, and was a tough south paw pitcher and batter.  Richard was also a talented boxer at San Jose State College, having even once knocked down the NCAA National Champion in a boxing bout. He was an accomplished trumpeter. Richard was known for his unconditional love, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.  Richard held many positions in his church, including that of a Bishop.  He indeed was the best dad in the world.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Bess), his 7 children and their respective spouses: Cindy and Jack Best, Susan and Jim Palmer, Renee and J Attridge, Misti and Todd Munns, Jeannine and Ty Lim, Rick and Laura Welchly, and Tiffany and Micah Erwin. Richard is also survived by his brother Ron Welchly (Pam) and sister Sandi Crampo (Joe). His posterity also includes 27 grandchildren AND 24 great grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Welchly.