Community member Richard Welch of Fairbanks passed away last week. He is survived by his partner, their children and their extended family. His friends are invited to a memorial and celebration of his life on Monday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at Chapel of Chimes followed by lunch at Pike’s.

“I had the pleasure of working with Richard for many years at The Palace Saloon and Club G,” wrote Anna Kegley. “We became very close friends & kindred spirits working together for the GLBT community on countless functions to raise funds for charities that serve the community.

“He is/was one of my dearest friends, I love and miss him with all my heart. His partner Misha and he have been together for 18 years. My heart is heavy for him and wish him peace going on without his Richard.”

Richard Daniel Welch (1959-2010)

The family of Richard Daniel Welch invites his friends to celebrate his life Monday, Sept. 13, at Chapel of Chimes on Illinois Street. We will gather at 2 p.m. for an informal memorial before engaging in one of Richard’s favorite pastimes, a nice, leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Please bring your love, memories and appetites.

Richard passed away Sept. 7, 2010, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born Sept. 20, 1959, in Bradenton, Fla., to Jack Welch and Adriana (Mickie) Nyberg.

Richard spent his early life in and around Tampa Bay. His family came to Alaska during the construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. He attended Main School and graduated from North Pole High School.

He resided in Florida until 1991 when he returned to Fairbanks. He made many friends while working as a bartender for the Palace Saloon and Club G and volunteering for the Interior AIDS Association. Richard later returned to college and received a degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Jack Welch.

He is survived by his mother, Mickie Nyberg of Steinhatchee, Fla.; his sisters, Jackie Welch and Theresa Morin of Fairbanks; his brother, John of Tampa, Fla.; his partner, Michael Streiffert and their children, Nick Streiffert and Adriana Welch of Fairbanks.

Richard brought joy to us all and will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank the kind people at Denali Center who took such good care of him this last year and to the staff and volunteers of the Hospice of the Tanana Valley who helped all of us through this difficult time.

Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.

Sign Richard’s Guest Book

Condolences to his family and friends.