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Kim Welshons Obituary
Carlsbad, California
Kim Welshons of Carlsbad California passed away March 5, 2015 in her home surrounded by her family and friends after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Kim is survived by her Mother, Kathryn Achelis and her sister, Kris Bennett. She is preceded in death by her father and her brother, Robert Welshons and Kip Welshons.
Kim was born in California to Kathryn and Robert Welshons. She grew up in Santa Clara with her sister, where they were both active in gymnastics and swimming. Synchronized swimming became the sisters' passion and they spent their youth in the pool, practicing, competing and achieving world class championship status.
In the early years of synchronized swimming, she was the most honored swimmer. The titles she received include fourteen international and thirteen national titles as well as a gold medal in the Pan American Games in 1963 at the age of 12.
In 1966, at the request of President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, Kim delivered a command performance in Mexico City at a reception held in honor of the Mexican President and Mrs. Diaz Ordaz. Later that year, Mrs. Johnson requested Kim to perform for President Johnson, Governor and Mrs. Edmund G Brown and a host of other celebrities at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.
Although Kim retired from her swimming career in 1970, she continued to contribute to synchronized swimming and to the advancement and media recognition of the sport. She coached the Mexican National Team for two years and served as technical spokesperson, and provided color commentary for the major television networks for eight years. Not only was Kim a repeat champion as a member of the Santa Clara Aquamaids, but she was an outstanding international representative for synchronized swimming and US women in sports. Kim was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1988.
Kim was also a former chairwoman of the city of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Commission. Recently she served as President of the Homeowners Association of Lake Shore Gardens where she earned respect for her leadership abilities and made many friends in this wonderful community.
Kim will be remembered as a leader, a champion athlete, a cherished friend, and a fighter.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kim Welshons
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Sandi Elworthy
August 14, 2016
I'm so very sorry to hear of Kims passing!
Cathy and Jim Regan
March 7, 2016
We were so sad to learn of Kim's passing yesterday. She lived across the street from us in Carlsbad for years. Our daughters and many other neighborhood children were fortunate to have Kim as their backyard swimming instructor for several years. Kim was so talented and accomplished. She had such discipline and dedication. Our sympathy to her family and friends and may she rest in peace. We will never forget her.
Harold Moorhead
October 18, 2015
There went a huge piece of my heart , Harold Moorhead a smile I will never forget. My thoughts are with Kris's and mom forever Harold
Kim took this photo of my family before we moved last summer.
Elin Manifor
July 31, 2015
I am saddened and SHOCKED by this news. I texted Kim to check in on her and did not get a response- so I googled her name to learn this.
I met Kim nearly ten years ago to date when she photographed my wedding. She quickly became more than our hired acquaintance. She instantly was a family friend. She captured many important events in my life that adorn my walls. I now will cherish these memories in a different "limelight". Her critical eye created perfection in her work.
She was our loyal cat sitter-- the truth be known our cat probably loved her more than us as he would hide and be depressed upon returning home. After all, she did provide him with home grown catnip!
Kim watched my family grow, she loved my little girls and she loved to photograph them. I saw the maternal side to her when she once fixed their hair before a photo shoot.
Over the years, she became my confidant. She was wise, and provided me with some sound advice and amazing eye make-up application tips!
My heart is sad. She left this world too soon!
Kirk Holmberg
April 2, 2015
I knew Kim in high school. I am very sorry to hear she passed as she was an amazing woman who meant a lot to me at the time...Kirk Holmberg
Ernest Abeytia
March 25, 2015
She was a champion in every way, especially in her humanity.
David Del Real
March 20, 2015
I miss you sweetie.
Amanda Straussner
March 18, 2015
Kim was an amazing person. I will miss her dearly. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Patti Phillips
March 18, 2015
I met Kim when she was president of our Resident's Assn. Her smile was a delight, and she was dedicated and hardworking, trying to make our neighborhood the best for our residents. I was pleased to know her and call her friend. I only wish I had time to know her longer. I'll always remember her lovely smile.
Meredith Harris
March 18, 2015
Kim has been my swimming partner for the past several years. Her loss is felt greatly at the Monroe pool in Carlsbad. She was the reason I got up every morning to swim and a truly great friend. I miss our daily chats, her fun stories and her more than words can express. She was loved by all.
Libby Andersen
March 17, 2015
To Kim's Family and Friends,
As a fellow swimmer Kim and I worked together at many Aquatic Conventions, she for synchro and I for swimmers with disabilities. I will always remember her interest in moving our sports forward, her glowing smile and laugh and her positive attitude. She was a lot of fun to be with. My sympathy to all whose life she touched.
March 17, 2015
You will always be missed by your neighbors on woodland ave, your classmates at Santa Clara high school. You were alway so loving to my parents Pat and Don tower. They loved you very much RIP
Kim .
Sue Nesbitt
March 16, 2015
I am so shocked to hear the news. It was so great to see Kim at the recent 50 year anniversary of the Aquamaids. She looked great. So sorry to her family.
Sue Baross Nesbitt
Diane Reese-Priest
March 16, 2015
So sad to hear the news of Kim's passing. As a young swimmer she was one of my role models and heroes. She even photographed my wedding. I have many fond memories of her. My sincerest condolences to her family.
March 16, 2015
Kim was the very first national synchronized swimming champion I had ever seen compete while participating as a young girl in my first nationals. She was so lovely and such a beautiful swimmer! Kim was an inspiration to my three sisters and I, as we went on to be involved in the sport for many years. Our paths crossed several times years later. She wrote my first solo, was adored by my mother, and we met again through the sport at SDSU. What a lovely life and legacy she has left for us; a role model for all young women. I would like to extend my sincerest condolences on behalf of myself and my sisters to Kim's family and friends. She will be greatly missed.
Charlotte Visniski Hicks
(and my sisters, Mary, Betsy, and Nancy)
March 16, 2015
Kim was a very talented and lovely lady. I feel honored to have known her the
past several years. We would frequently walk together on the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail.
You could set your watch on her schedule. Very disciplined and always proper. She had a grueling early daily routine of swimming and walking briskly the two miles while she listened to her favorite tunes. Always friendly and willing to walk with anyone who could keep up with her. Kim had interesting stories to tell even though I may have heard them a few times. She was a snappy dresser with nothing out of place. I discovered one day that we had something in common. She, too, likes the adult beverage (Rusty Nail) after a long day. Kim was always quick to point out that ice does not belong in a Rusty Nail. I like ice in mine. I will think of her often as I walk the trail.
Roger A. Post
Encinitas, CA
March 15, 2015
Kim, thank you for your contributions to the sport of synchronized swimming. You have touched so many lives and started the string of champions, making synchro a powerhouse sport...
March 15, 2015
Hi Kim, you will be truly missed. Thanks for all the help you gave us, Jeff & Daisy
E. Lavin, Ph.D.
March 15, 2015
Remembered as a a beautiful, loving, and gentle person- Kim, taught my daughter to swim. I am eternally grateful for Kim's connection to our lives. Sincere condolences to her loved ones-
March 15, 2015
Goodnight sweetheart! We will meet again. Till then, you will be in my heart forever.I love you!
Angela Ruiz
March 15, 2015
Kim was the daughter of my mother's identical twin sister. My dear first cousin will be missed. I will never forget swimming together at the Oakland Athletic Club as young girls.
March 15, 2015
Kim,be at peace,we will never forget you and the tun times we had together.
Pam and Roger Harvey.
Karla and Tony Sando
March 13, 2015
Kim,
I remember the night we met, there was a gathering at Pam and Rodger's house, and you were there sitting on the floor, smiling. I remember that smile and I remember thinking we were destined to become friends.
The memories of the times we shared will live in our hearts forever.
Marilyn Millet
March 13, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jill (Schroyer) MacInnes
March 12, 2015
She was iconic in the synchro world. I remember, when I was 10 years old, being in absolute awe at her beauty, grace and strength in the water. This is a sad passing for all of us. May she rest in peace.
Laurie Batter
March 12, 2015
I am so terribly shocked and saddened, last time we bumped into each other Kim was in great health. Kim was a very special, sensitive, caring and talented person, she will be hugely missed. My deepest condolences.
PIERRE BRIGLIO
March 11, 2015
Kim,
always be grateful for your dedication, loyalty and integrity, you will be miss.
RIP
March 10, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Know now she is in pain and is in a better place.
Mari Engle
Larry
Larry Schmidt
March 10, 2015
I will miss her friendship and fun we had together,,, fighting the fights that had to be done. Larry Schmidt, Lakeshore Gardens resident and former LSGRA-member
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