In Loving Memory Of
David “Bud” Ralph Welch
David “Bud” Ralph Welch, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of DeBolt, AB, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2021, at the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital in Beaverlodge, AB, at the age of 92 years.
Bud was born in Edson, AB, on August 15, 1928. He was raised by his maternal grandparent from the age of 2 until he was about 18. He then went to Ontario for a few years where he drove trucks, this is where he met his first wife. They moved back to Alberta with their children and eventually divorced. He went to work on Vancouver Island where he worked in logging camps as a lumberjack.
Bud returned to Alberta in the Red Deer area where he worked on a large feedlot. In 1959, he met his second wife Mary, at the hotel where she worked as a waitress. She had two children from her first marriage, and he took them right in and raised them as his own. They had three more children. In 1963, they moved to DeBolt where he worked as a farm hand until 1972. At that time they moved to smith, AB, where he worked as a farm manager until the farm was sold in 1976. He then got a job running the sign truck for the Department of Highways out of Grande Prairie. He did this until he retired at age 65.
Bud and Mary eventually moved back to DeBolt where they were happiest and called DeBolt home. After Mary passed in 2000, he stayed in DeBolt for a few years before he sold his home. He met Dianne and moved to McLennan for a short time. They moved back to Grande Prairie for the last few years.
Bud’s greatest joys in life were always his family and friends. He was a very dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and friend. Bud “collected” (as he would call it), many extra children and grandchildren over the years. He was always there and ready to help, listen, soothe, hug, or just give a stern talking to if he was required. He always put others before himself.
He was referred to by many who knew him as “Bud” or “Friendly Giant”. A giant of a man with heart and hands to match.
He watched John Wayne and old western movies, and rodeos. His favourite sport to watch was the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagons.
Bud will be missed by all who knew him, but has left us with many, many, wonderful memories.
Bud will be sadly missed by his significant other Dianne; daughters: Linda, Florence, Barb, and Joyce; eighteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; as well as his brothers and sisters.
Bud was predeceased by his wife Mary; daughter Janet; sons: Greg, Peter, and Danny; two grandsons Peter and T.J; his parents; as well as numerous brothers and sisters.
A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the DeBolt Cemetery.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Grande Spirit Foundation (9505 102 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7G9).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David Bud Ralph Welch August 15 1928 June 6 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta