Philately has lost an outstanding student

This past Friday, September 4, 2009, my dear friend and excellent philatelist, Bill Welch, died from complications following surgery.

Bill was well known in philatelic circles not only for being a past editor of The American Philatelist but also for his award winning exhibits. He won the Gran Prix at the FIAF show in Bogota two years ago. His collection of the Seebeck issues is probably one of the finest in the world.

Bill’s interest in philately was wide ranging although he is best known for his interest in Latin American issues. He had collected the 1875 Taylor issue of the United States, cancellations on the stamps of Peru and the Le Coq press issues, cancellations of Sierra Leone, Australian States and many other areas.

Bill had been editor of several specialist publications and was a gifted writer. He was also a serious researcher and had a deep understanding of printing methods.

Bill was mayor of State College for the past sixteen years and his death leaves a big void in our community as well as the philatelic world.

He will be greatly missed.