HARVEY WELCH obituary

Harvey Welch, 73, of Bozeman, formerly of Havre, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

A funeral service was scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel in Bozeman. Visitation was from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday at Dokken-

Nelson Sunset Chapel. Cremation will take place following the service.

Harvey was born in Harlowton on April 24, 1930, to Clifton and Mae Welch. He was a graduate of the University of Montana and served in the Navy during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952.

Upon Harvey's return to Montana, he married Gloria Hawkins. After stops in Salmon, Idaho, and Sidney, the family moved to Havre. Harvey went to work for State Farm Insurance Company as an agent. Welch Insurance Agency flourished in Havre.

Harvey maintained a strong presence in Havre for several years by coaching championship swim teams and softball teams and broadcasting high school sports across the Hi-Line.

Harvey later met Sandy Bright of Kalispell and married her on June 7, 1986. The couple moved to Twin Falls, Idaho.

Harvey's ability to mentor and coach, people led him into management with State Farm. Management eventually took him from Twin Falls to Anchorage, Alaska. The move to Anchorage was a dream come true for Harvey. He and Sandy enjoyed eight years there. After 35 years with State Farm, Harvey retired.

Retirement brought Harvey and Sandy back to Montana to be close to family and friends. It was in Bozeman that Harvey was able to pursue his true passions, horses, hunting and fishing. Without saying a word, Harvey would spend endless hours hunting with his bird dog on a frozen lake or fishing on a quiet stream. Harvey created a special bond with his fishing partner, Lynn, a friendship formed by hard, cold winter winds and long, hot summer days. We believe their trips were successful whether their lines got wet or not. The Ruby, Sixteen Mile and the Shields will never be fished the same.

Harvey was preceded in death by his father, Clifton, and his mother, Mae; brothers, Tim, Mike, and Jerry; and sisters, Ruth Bacon and Edith Bartlett.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy; sisters, Isla Welch, Jean DeVault, Amy Ballentine and Marilyn Robinson; children, Vicki (Nelson) Rumore, Judy (Tom) Stichman, Mike (Dawn) Welch, Dave Bright, Kevin Bright, Keith (Kay) Bright, Scott (Erin) Bright and Tom Bright; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Bozeman Deaconess Hospice or to the Cancer Treatment Center, 931 Highland Boulevard, Suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715