Melvin “Mel” Welch

Melvin “Mel” Welch, a Lab retiree, died June 12 after a lengthy illness. He was 71.

Welch, of Linden, Calif., and Fort Mohave, Ariz., served in the U.S. Army and later retired from LLNL after 25 years of service.

He enjoyed being outdoors, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, traveling and golfing with Carol, his wife of 40 years. He enjoyed cooking and barbecuing. He was an active member of the Linden Lions Club for many years. He will be remembered as a dreamer and tinkerer, coming up with new ideas and projects.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter Tracy and her husband Clark Williamson; son Brad Welch; grandson Kee Welch; sister Marlene and her husband Rocco Tavani; and a large extended family of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kee and Jo Welch; parents-in-law, Ralph and Thelma Costa; sister Dolores Hernandez; sister Alice and her husband Bill Rego; sister Delrose and her husband Robert Rego; nephew Daniel Rego; and numerous aunts and uncles.

A memorial luncheon and celebration of life will be held at the Welch home in Linden on June 27.