Arrived safely into the arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Harry Robert Charles Welch, passed away after a courageous struggle with illness at the LHSC- University Campus, surrounded by his loving wife and family, on September 20th, 2020, at the age of 83. Born in Houghton Township, to the late George and Bessie Welch, Harry will be forever remembered as wonderful storyteller, for his knowledge of area history, as the ‘family historian’, his love for gardening (branded as the ‘Champion Gardener,’ he could be oft-quoted stating that “this farm will produce!”) and for his many years of Tobacco farming. Harry also loved bowling with friends and family in Simcoe, engaging in Langton and area Men’s Hockey with friends and playing dominos (he was the ‘Domino King’). Always a strong supporter of the Houghton Brethren in Christ Community Church (Mission Church, Frogmore). Harry is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Irene (Stover) Welch and by his much-loved children and grandchildren: Deborah (Dale Hassett), of Prince Albert, Sask. and their children Eric, Kimberley, Caroline, Allison; Heather (Rod) Card, of Elmira and their children Sarah (Andrew), Stephen (Meg); Brenda Atkinson, of Long Point and her daughter Abby; Karen (Steve Jealouse), of Oshawa and their children Josh (Karina), Rachel, Daniel, Noah, Sarah. Dear Brother of Edith (Jack Bishop), of Walsingham; Peter Welch, of Tillsonburg; Lois Howe, of Tillsonburg (late Bob). Survived by a great-grandson Asaiah, by a close niece Pearl (Roy Pennell), of South River, Ontario and a much-loved uncle to many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his sister Evelyn (late Anton ‘Tony’ Hochreiter).

Friends and relatives are invited to offer their support and caring by sending flowers, posting photos, tributes, favourite memories, and hugs from home on Harry’s tribute page at the www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com. Due to COVID safety restrictions, public visitation will be LIMITED to ONLY guests that sign up for specific time to attend. Time slots will be available by visiting Harry’s tribute page at verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by calling (519-842-4238) between 9am and 4pm. Each person attending must be listed as a guest. Guests must bring and wear face masks and maintain social distancing rules. Guests are asked not to attend if they are ill, if they have been around someone else who is ill or have travelled. Guests are encouraged to attend only when their time slot begins. If guests arrive too early, they are asked to wait in their vehicle. If guests arrive too late, they may be unable to enter. Public visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 23rd, in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, 40 Queen Street, Langton, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and on September 24th, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. A Private Funeral Service to Celebrate Harry’s Life will be conducted on Thursday, September 24th at 1:00 p.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, Langton by Pastor Ted Smith, of Cultus United Church. Burial follows in the New Road Cemetery (Stover Family Plot). Memorial donations to the “Heart and Stroke Foundation of Norfolk” or “Houghton First Baptist Church, Clear Creek” can be made on the www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com website or by cheque through the MAURICE J. VERHOEVE FUNERAL HOMES – BURIAL AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., Langton, entrusted with all the funeral arrangements, with confidence.