John Leo Welsh

John Leo Welsh, 92, passed away on February 27, 2018, in Gresham, Oregon. He was born on February 22, 1926, in Rolla, North Dakota, to his parents: Joseph Leo and Virginia (Wilkie) Welsh. He was baptized at St. Ann Church in Belcourt, North Dakota. His early childhood was spent living on a farm in North Dakota, and he attended South Valley Grade School and Notre Dame Academy in Willow City. John’s family left to live with his Aunt Rose in Los Angeles in 1939. The family then settled in Gresham in 1940, and John then attended Gresham Union High School, and graduated in 1944.

Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army (without telling his parents), and served in France and Germany during WWII. He served from 1944 until his honorable discharge on June 24, 1946, and achieved the rank of Private First Class.

After his service, John and three friends climbed Mt. Hood (seven hours up and two down) without telling his parents. This was also the year that John married his wife, Lois Ann Eastman, in 1947. Two years later on June 5, 1949, they had a son, Ronald. Lois passed in 1990.

Following his discharge, John went to work for Brockway Nelson Dodge and Plymouth as an auto mechanic. He then began his career in real estate in 1958. He went to work for Marcus Realty, and then transferred to Snyder Brothers Realty, followed by Fairview Realty. Ultimately, he became a real estate broker. He enjoyed his work, and he retired in 1990.

John was very active in his community. He worked as a dishwasher 3 times a week for 15 years with Zarephath Soup Kitchen in Gresham. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, the Gresham Elks, and a greeter and an usher at St. Henry Church. He was also the President of the Parents Club at St. Henry School for a year. He attended St. Henry Church in Gresham from 1940 until his passing. He was a devoted and dedicated member of the church. He served as the altar server for funerals for many years, as well as at the daily Mass. He sang in the men’s choir under the direction of Dr. Seabert Carter, was a member of the Legion of Mary with “Doc” Hite, and he was the last of the original six readers chosen by Fr. Meyer for the new English-Latin Mass in the present church.

John was an avid golfer and bowler. He bowled on three different bowling leagues in the Gresham area. He also enjoyed fishing with his cousin Bennett on the Zig Zag River. He greatly enjoyed spending time with the Welsh and Eastman Cousins as well, and he was the “Family Photographer”. John also enjoyed attending the monthly class gatherings that are held at Heidi’s Restaurant for Gresham High Alumni, and he even had the chance to attend his classmate’s 90th birthday celebration that was held at Heidi’s.

John will be remembered for his servant’s heart, and for his love of friends and family. He was ¼ Chippewa Indian, and he was very proud of his heritage.

John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his son, Ronald Joseph Welsh of Gresham, Oregon.

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018, at 7:00 pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 6, at 11:00 am at St. Henry Catholic Church, with a Luncheon to follow. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Willamette National Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Zarephath Food Pantry, or the St. Henry Capital Campaign.