Paul J. Welsh

It is a major challenge is to try and adequately summarize the life of Paul J. Welsh, 67, who died suddenly of a heart attack Sunday June 9. 2013. Paul was a dedicated husband to Janice (Neicey), father to son, Adam, and daughter, Brianna, and an advertising icon in Kansas City for nearly 40 years. But that doesn't really underscore all the people who were lucky enough to have been touched by him during his lifetime. Paul truly lived a life of service to others. He was the son of the late Richard J. Welsh and Eva Mae Maxwell Welsh and is survived by his brothers Keith and John Welsh, sister Janice Best, grandson Matthew Graham Welsh and daughter-in-law Lauren Welsh. Paul truly walked the talk in his lifetime. A deeply spiritual individual, he took to heart the Bible verse that says "So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead." Paul did not just talk about his Catholic faith, he lived it each and every day of his life and was an example to others. He genuinely cared for others and served others before himself. In the advertising community Paul was highly respected and recognized for helping to create a variety of award-winning ad campaigns during his career. His NKH&W(elsh) agency was one of the Top 5 agencies in KC, and he was honored as the Ad Club's "Advertising Executive of the Year" in 2001. He was a mentor to scores of aspiring ad people. He also authored the book "The St. Bernard Principle," where he discussed that the key to a successful ad agency involved specialization. During his illustrious work career he was also with Aetna Casualty, Kansas City Life, Brewer Y & R, Valentine Radford, Vance Group and Zillner Marketing. A proud graduate of Rockhurst High School, Paul received his Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and was a loyal and dedicated Tiger. Paul not only was one of the founders of the Church of Nativity's Men's group more than 20 years ago, but was involved in virtually every program/committee/council at the church, including as a Eucharistic Minister and lector. In addition, he was the one who took the time to counsel others during their time of need. Even when he faced his own life's challenges, he still carved out time for others. Paul often spoke of the "Seven Corporal Works of Mercy" and did his very best to follow them every day of his life: To feed the hungry; to give drink to the thirsty; to clothe the naked; to shelter the homeless; to care for the sick; to visit the imprisoned, and to bury the dead. The loss of a person such as Paul Welsh is difficult for all of us to comprehend. But, we are confident he is in a better place now in heaven. Paul Welsh lived a life of service to others to the end. That's why none of us who loved him were surprised that he was an organ donor. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Nativity (3800 West 119th St., Leawood) with a Rosary led by the Men of Nativity at 8 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the Church with burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in KCMO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Welsh Memorial Fund c/o McGilley State Line Chapel.