Robert W. "Rob" Welch, 64, longtime resident of Colfax-Steptoe, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, June 6th at Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax.

Rob was born on December 3, 1951, the third of eight children born to Lloyd & Oleta (Cross) Welch. He spent his younger years in Colorado before the family moved to the Tonasket-Manson area of Washington in 1968.

Rob enlisted in the United States Army in 1971 and served two tours in Vietnam, receiving his honorable discharge in 1974. Rob was very proud to have served his country in the armed forces. After his discharge, Rob moved to Arizona where he met, and later married, Christine Freisinger. It was during his marriage to Chris that he gained two step-children. He and Chris also had a son together – Robert Lloyd Welch – in 1980. Rob later moved to Steptoe to be closer to some of his extended family.

Rob worked as an arborist, landscaper and overall handyman for many clients in the area and, despite his declining health, he never quit working. You could often find him at the Top Notch Café having breakfast or lunch, visiting with his many friends there. He was loved and respected by many people in the county. He would give the shirt off his back and the last dollar out of his wallet if it meant it would help someone.

Rob is survived by his son, Robert (Amy) Welch and granddaughters Whitney and Sophia, all of Charlotte, North Carolina; his companion Rosanne Kennedy; stepchildren Bobbie Kinion of Selah and Scott Freisinger of Grandview; sisters Chris Long of Orondo; Nola Welch of East Wenatchee, Tresa Marshall of Snohomish and Lena Rich of Santa Rosa, California; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions in Rob's honor are suggested to the Whitman Hospital Foundation or to a veteran's service organization of choice. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.