Loy Owen Welch

Loy Owen Welch, 84, passed away in Medford, Oregon on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Loy was born in Sprague River, Oregon in November 9. 1937 to Byron and Olva Welch.  After attending Sprague River schools, he moved with his family to Lakeview, Oregon when Loy was in the eighth grade.  Loy attended Lakeview High School where he played Basketball and graduated in 1955.  

Loy started working when he was 12 years old at Family Grocery and worked there through high school.  From 1956 to 1963 Loy worked for Adams and Fossum, Fremont Sawmill, Truman Lawson and Sons, Lakeview Uranium Mill and American Forest  Molding plant. In 1958 Loy attended heavy equipment school in Weiser , Idaho.  He then started with Surprise Valley Electric in Lakeview as a groundman/apprentice Lineman in 1963 progressing  to Journeyman Lineman in 1967.  Loy worked at Surprise Valley for 33 years becoming a Foreman before retiring in 1997.  Loy served in the Lakeview Volunteer Fire department for many years as a captain.  He also volunteered at Warner Canyon Ski hill grooming the ski runs, and volunteered at various other locations through the years.  

Loy met Jennie Mulkey at a Grange Hall dance in New Pine Creek, and they were married in 1958 in Lakeview.  Loy and Jennie were married for 47 years until Jennie passed away in 2006.  They had two children, Karen Welch Dollarhide,  and Keith Welch.

Loy and Jennie started golfing and skiing after their children went to college, and Loy continued into his 80’s. Their shared love for these two sports brought them many years of happiness. He enjoyed following his Grandchildrens many sports and activities and tried to attend these as much as possible. He took great pride that all of his Grandchildren would graduate from College. In later life, Loy enjoyed his crossword puzzles, watching the Oregon Ducks and any golf on TV.

Loy was preceded in in death by his parents, Byron and Olva, brothers, Edmon and Elton (Tyke) as well as his wife Jennie.  He is survived by his sister Clarene Lamon of Eugene, Oregon, as well as sisters-in-laws Pat Welch and Joan Welch both of Eugene, Oregon, and Darlene  Mulkey Samples of Lakeview.  Loy is also survived by his children, Daughter and son-in-law Karen and Rick Dollarhide of Eagle Point, Oregon,  and Son and Daughter-in-law Keith and Tina Welch of Corvallis, Oregon, and his  grandchildren Kory Welch, Corvallis, Oregon, Jordyn Dollarhide, Medford, Oregon, and Chad Dollarhide, Eugene, Oregon.  He was also survived by his companion, Carol James of Medford, Oregon.

Loy was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge in Lakeview, where he served as Trustee as well as Elk of the Year in 1970.  A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 12:00pm at the Lakeview Elks Lodge. A luncheon will be served.  Donations in Loy’s honor can be made to Fremont Highlanders Ski Club, P.O. Box 1204, Lakeview, Oregon 97630 or a charity of the donor’s.