February 28, 1948 - September 13, 2008

      Dr. Clinton Francis Welsh of Las Cruces died of a sudden heart attack on September 13, 2008.  He was born on February 28, 1948, in East Orange, NJ, to Alvin F. and Mary McAnaw Welsh.  Clint attended Ripon College and Drew University before serving in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Vietnam era.  He completed his undergraduate studies at New Mexico State University and received his MD from the University of New Mexico.  He did his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia and began his private practice in Las Cruces in 1991.  He dedicated that practice to improving the quality of life for each and every patient, going beyond the call of duty in terms of providing medical care and reconstructive surgery for cancer patients and others who knew they could always depend on him and his excellent care.

      His community will long remember and forever miss not only Clint's exceptional skill and expertise, but also the human touch he brought to the practice of medicine.  Clint was willing to share his natural guidance and wisdom with all who asked.  He was a voracious reader, with a dry wit that he used to educate and entertain.  He collected antique scientific instruments, especially microscopes, an interest that he developed as a young child.  As a teenager, Clint turned his talents and fine motor skills to modifying lawn mower engines, working as an auto mechanic and doing body repair work on Formula 1 racecars.  Later, he collected and rebuilt vintage motorcycles and was a stalwart participant on the AHRMA motorcycle racing circuit.  His participation in the sport he loved was unconnected to his death.

      Most recently he was working on his new home and "taj garage".  He was survived by his wife of 31 years, Robin Willson Welsh; a son, Clinton Ryan Welsh; a daughter, Madeleine Martha Welsh; two sisters, Mary Celia Welsh and Martha Ann Welsh; a brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, a father-in-law; and his most able assistant, Romi, his dog.  His parents preceded him in death.  His legacy will live on in the lives of all he touched.