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Reverend Bob Welsh passed away on December 1, 2023. Bob was a tremendous advocate in the community including many Johnson County initiatives including Empowerment/ Early Childhood Iowa and Livable Community for Successful Aging. Bob played a huge role in the creation of Johnson County Livable Community for Successful Aging among his many achievements.
You can read more about Bob in his obituary. In this month's newsletter we are highlighting an interview we did with Bob in advance of the September 19, 2019 Bob Welsh Appreciation Day.
In 1965, Bob Welsh moved to the “Promised Land”, as he calls it, otherwise known as Iowa City. As a former pastor and man of faith, Bob stated that once he entered the “Promised Land”, he had no plans to leave. When asked what Johnson County meant to him, Bob described it as “the best place to live”--highlighting the benefits of a metropolitan area, offering many cultural and sporting events, while simultaneously having that small-town feel. “You name it, Johnson County has it”, he exclaimed. We remember Bob this month for the dedication and love for his community and the tremendous impact he made.
Bob had many defining achievements over the last 54 years, but he once shared that he was most proud of his work with Ecumenical Towers. From his work as chair of Iowa City’s first housing commission, Bob came across a need for affordable senior housing in the area. Along with First Christian Church, Bob submitted a proposal to Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which was approved and resulted in the building of Ecumenical Towers. However, with the prospect of HUD being closed at the time, the project ran into several barriers and delays. Yet, Bob persisted, and has created housing that has served thousands of individuals for the last 35 years. As a leader of change in the community, Bob was asked what advice he would give to those who wish to do the same. He emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of people as well as going above and beyond the work required.
As a board member of Johnson County Livable Community (JCLC), Bob showed immense care for older adults in the community and was considered a prominent figure in the aging field. In 2009, the Iowa Commission on Aging presented Bob with the prestigious, Betty Grandquist Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor was given to recognize his contributions to “promoting independence and enhancing quality of life among older Iowans and Iowans with disabilities”. His vision, along with the vision of JCLC, is to help Johnson County become a more livable community where everyone can age successfully. When Bob was asked what successful aging means to him, there was no pause to think, stating “The most important thing for longevity is not your genes but your relationships.” He attributed his wife, Eunice, of 31 years to being a big contributor to his happiness and health. Bob also noted that successful aging requires a supportive community.
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