Reginald K. Welch, 74, of Lyndonville, Vt., passed away Friday afternoon May 25, 2012, at his home with his family by his side. Reg suffered from Alzheimer's disease for more than 10 years. He was born in East Burke, Vt., on Jan. 2, 1938, the oldest son of Laurence S. Welch and Mildred (Vancour) Welch. In 1956, Reg graduated from Lyndon Institute where he excelled in athletics. He was the quarterback of Reginald K. Welch the Vikings' football team, the 1956 State Ski Jumping Champion and Captain of the State Champion ski team as well as a valuable member of the track and field team. His yearbook page read, "Calls the signals, runs the half mile, glides on skis and all with a smile!" Reg married his high school sweetheart, Kay Parr, whom he was married to for 57 years. He was employed at Greenfield Industries (VTAmerican- Tap&Die) for 44 years, retiring in 2002. Throughout the years he was a ski instructor at Jay Peak and Burke Mountain where he also served on the ski patrol. He worked part-time at Crook's Ski shop in "downtown" Lyndonville, where customers relied on his expertise in setting the boots and bindings. Reg was very active in the community, especially with young athletes who he encouraged and coached. He was involved with securing Fisher Field for the Little League program and coached flag football. He served as a director and president of the Lyndon Outing Club where he was instrumental in organizing and coaching the Junior Nordic and Alpine ski program during the 60s and 70s. This program produced many talented athletes and was a feeder program for the L.I. Viking Ski teams. He coached athletes who were part of the Viking Ski team during the "Dynasty" years ('74-'77) when the team was Vermont State Ski Champions and New England Champions. Reg was also the Lyndon State College ski jumping coach. One could always find him preparing the ski jump for practices and meets, setting alpine courses or waxing cross-country skis with his "secret" combination of waxes. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Lyndonville Fire Department and a frequent blood donor who took great pride in giving many gallons over the years. Reg was a Mason with the Caledonia Lodge #98 F. & M. of West Burke, Vt. He was a helpful, friendly man to friends, neighbors and strangers alike. The outdoors was where Reg was happiest. He was an avid skier at Burke Mountain and enjoyed hiking. He was a fisherman, hunter and gardener (known for his really good cantaloupes.) He loved to go haying with his "hay man" friend, Leon Gilman. He shared his passion for the outdoors and sports with his children and grandchildren teaching them to ski, fish, hunt and to appreciate the outdoors. Many happy times were spent at the "Camp" with his family and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver, Kay Welch of Lyndonville (P.O. Box 618, 05851); four children, Kenneth Welch of Lyndonville, Laurence Welch of Windham, Maine, Susan Jennings of Marathon, Fla., and Sonia Devereaux and husband Brian of Lyndonville; 10 grandchildren, Makena Barker, Irene and Ethan Devereaux of Lyndonville, Sonia, Brian, Isaiah and Elijah Welch of Maine, Casey and Caroline Fisher and Catherine Jennings of Florida; three brothers, Richard Welch and wife Ruth of East Burke, Lauren "Joe" Welch and wife Anne of East Burke and Lyle "Jerry" Welch and wife Lynn of West Burke; a sister, Laurelie Chapman and husband Dennis of Fairbanks, Alaska; cousin Linda Carr and husband Mike of West Burke; many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents; his step-mother, Elaine Derry; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Parr and a dear family friend, Sheila Davis. Graveside services will be held at the Lyndon Center Cemetery on Saturday, June 2, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Anne Hockridge officiating. There will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions may be directed to either: the Lyndon Outing Club, P.O. Box 112, Lyndonville, VT 05851 or Caledonia Home Health (marked for 'Hospice'), 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT05819.