Calvin Raymond Welsch was born March 11, 1923 in Duluth, MN. He lived his early years there where he met his wife of 63 years, Jeanne Miller. He graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1940 and received his teaching degree with the first class of University of MN – Duluth in 1948. He served his country in the US Army Infantry for four years during WWII. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Wayne State in Detroit in 1953.

Cal began his teaching career at Richland Columbia High School in 1948, where he taught Industrial Arts, Music and Math. He also coached track. Later in his career he counseled numerous students at both Richland High School and Hanford High School. He moved to Hanford HS when it opened in 1971. He particularly enjoyed being the advisor for High School Bowl.

People enjoyed Cal’s sense of humor. Students often commented about how concerned and caring he was as a teacher and counselor. He expected the best from his students and in turn gave his best to them. He always had a full candy dish in his office for the kids – which he enjoyed, too.

Fine arts were an important part of Cal’s life. In his early years, Cal loved to play the trumpet. Later he sang for weddings, funerals and was in the Central United Protestant Church choir for many years. He sang with numerous local groups, often as a baritone soloist. He also directed the CUP Chancel Choir as Interim Director.

Cal participated in a number of church, school and community organizations. He was a longtime member of Kiwanis, Richland Education Association, WEA, NEA, Phi Delta Kappa, Tri-City Bowling Association and WA State Bowling Association. Through these organization he met numerous friends and continued his life-long love of learning.

Calvin was preceded in death by two sons, Clark R. and Klay R. and his parents, Raymond and Huldah. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne and children Keith Kim, Kirk Bev Dean, Kim Sharron, Kristi Ellis Edward, Kline Brenda of Richland, Kent of Kennewick, Kyle Nancy of Yakima, 23 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Also surviving are a sister, Karien Zimmerman of Moorhead, MN, nephew Bruce Zimmerman of Spokane, WA, Kent and Jean Zimmerman and their two sons of Fargo, ND.

Inurnment will take place 2:00 PM Monday, March 6, 2006 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland, followed by memorial services at 3:00 PM at Central United Protestant Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Traditional Music Ministries, C/O Central United Protestant Church, 1124 Stevens Dr., Richland, WA 99352.