Richard Welpton

Rich Welpton was born in Tulsa Oklahoma on July 5th 1951 to Jo Ellen and Buster Welpton and was the youngest of 3 boys. Jo always referred to Rich as her "little dud" that didn't go off on the 4th of the July.
Because Buster was in the United States Air Force they were always traveling and when Rich was a toddler they were living in France where he contracted Polio. He contracted the virus just before the vaccine had been discovered.
In 1954 the family was transferred from France to the United States where they lived in a beautiful home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Rich loved the house where his parents would throw parties, have a little too much to drink and the party goers would retire to the 3rd floor servants quarters and chase some bats that had roosted in the quarters.
In 1958 the family was transferred to Wichita Falls, Texas where they lived until 1961 when they moved to Aurora , Colorado for Busters retirement.
Shortly thereafter Rich met boys that would become his lifelong friends.
All of Rich's young life other children would ridicule and avoid playing with him because of what they considered his handicap. Even with his physical limitations Rich excelled at many sports including baseball, football and gymnastics. During the 1970's Rich was even chosen as an alternate gymnast for the Olympic Games.
While working for the City of Aurora Rich worked his way through college which he then continued in the state of New York obtaining his degree at Columbia University in Political Science.
After returning to Colorado Rich worked for a labor union where he traveled extensively for his job, and while working for the union was privileged to meet President Jimmy Carter. It was during this time that he met his future wife and life partner Ann. Ann questioned several employees including Rich's assistant about who he was and then she continued to chase him until he could run no more so he gave in. Just prior to getting married Rich went to work for the Colorado Department of Transportation. Rich and Ann married in October of 1980 at which point Rich also gained a son Jason.
In 1982 Rich, Ann and brother Jason welcomed Lena to the family. As Jason and Lena grew up Rich coached baseball, football & attempted soccer to spend more time with his children.
Rich passed along his love of fishing and golf to his son Jason along with that his love of hockey and football watching to his daughter Lena. Both continued to excel at sports due to their fathers influence.
Rich's love for fishing was enhanced by a trip with Ann to Lake Powell. A few family trips in the coming years and a tradition of an all men's fishing trip once every year was born.
Rich was most proud in his life of his 3 granddaughters Kaylynn, Alicia and Isabella. The girls continued to adore him as much he adored them. They could do no wrong in papas eyes. Papa Rich had to give his wife a nickname so thus the name Grannie Annie was born.
Rich postponed his retirement from the Colorado Department of Transportation to late October of 2008 due to his responsibility for the states traffic control for the Democratic National Convention. His retirement dream was to travel with his wife, play as much golf as possible, fish and spend time with his granddaughters.
The final trip that Rich took with Ann was a two and a half week tour of England, Whales and Scotland. The highlight of the trip for Rich was that he was able to visit the birthplace of Golf, the Holy Grail of Golf, St. Andrews. Rich was elated!!
It was when they returned from their tour that Rich was diagnosed with his final illness COPD that he battled valiantly. Rich's goal was to spend the holidays surrounded by his family and friends. He was able to see his granddaughters open their gifts, enjoy his favorite holiday dinner and party with his friends.

Rich's journey in life ended at his home in the early morning of January 2nd 2012.