Paul John Welsh

PJ was born in London, England. He came to the United States at the early age of 18 as a diamond cutter. He lived in Boston, Massachusetts for many years where he met and married Susan Marie Coates. They had two beautiful children... Amanda Nichola Welsh and Cameron Paul Welsh. He eventually sponsored his mother Mary Elizabeth Welsh and father Richard John Welsh (now deceased) so they could come to the states. He is survived by his wife, best friend and love of his life Laura Robertson Welsh. His brothers Mark and Chris along with their children continue to honor him. His grand daughter Hayden Marie Welsh has been one of the greatest joys of his life. PJ’s love of family was obvious and felt by all. Visits to England always included connecting with the family there. PJ also loved his fur babies as they were as much a part of the family... his daddy’s boy Rooster and old boy Chapo.

He moved south to Charlotte, North Carolina in the mid 80s. After many years of cutting diamonds PJ switched to cutting wood. PJ started his own construction business building decks, porches and outdoor living spaces. This was a real passion of his...working with his hands and building areas that his customers could use to spend time with their families and friends. It was with great pride that he took on his son, Cameron, as partner who will continue his legacy. His baby girl, Amanda, showed him courage and strength that he knew will guide her in the times to come.

As a young lad he was an avid footie (soccer) fan. His team was the Tottenham Hotspurs. This passion continued through his life. It was a driving force behind many a friendship as he played on several soccer teams and enjoyed the company of his fellow soccer lovers. The comradery that was felt as they viewed games, championships and world cups was undeniable. The bond, especially among his fellow British country men, was unbreakable. In addition to soccer he also loved his New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and golf. The boys golf trips were always a highlight for him every year. PJ also really enjoyed darts and fishing.

A fearless man with only one catch... spiders. He would jump out of a moving vehicle if someone even mentioned there was a spider in it. Laura would always have to save him from the creepy crawlies. PJ always said it would be just his luck that he would be reincarnated as a spider.

PJ was a funny, loving man. There was no such thing as a stranger when he was around. Always there ready to welcome newcomers. He had a huge heart and loved hugging his friends and family. PJ was also very protective and caring of everyone. He was a truly safe place for all. PJ was often referred to as the Mayor at his favorite pubs as he was such a huge personality that people gravitated toward. Quick witted, you never knew what he would say or do next but you could count on laughing. No one could ask for a better friend. Friend is a word that most people use for those who are not related but for PJ if he called you friends he meant family. And his family was everywhere... far and wide across the land and water they are all over the world.

There is no way to sum up PJ... his life, his love and his passion are bigger than words can express. He is a legend that lived fully and gave fully but taken from us way too soon. Time with friends and family was all he really wanted. As he would say at the end of a night out with friends...hanging on to that final hour before going home... lets have a final final. He loved to celebrate life and was grateful for even the simplest of things. Cheers to a great man who will be greatly missed. There are no words to fully do him justice. PJ’s life may have ended but he left so much love behind that he will live on in everyone he touched.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to Cancer Research.

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Memorial Service to be held 1pm Thursday, August 28th in the SouthPark Church located at 3151 Apex Drive.

Instead of flowers we will be collecting donation for Cancer research.

A celebration of life will follow at Old Mecklenburg Brewery in The Bowl at Ballantyne.

Please join us in remembering PJ with stories, laughter and love.