Virgil Marvin Irwin, 87, died peacefully at home in Ventura, Calif., on Oct. 25. He left a far flung, extended family and many friends to celebrate his long life.
Marv was born on Jan. 13, 1926, in Spokane, Wash., to Lila White and Joseph Irwin. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1944 and spent a year at Washington State University, but interrupted his studies to join the Air Force, training for reconnaissance flights in Texas. He was furloughed after the war and returned to Spokane to finish his studies and marry Shirley Stowe in 1949.
In 1954, the Irwins moved to Whittier, Calif., where they raised their four children. They were passionate travelers who took their children on summer vacations and in 1971 on a nine month tour of Britain and Europe, travelling by VW van.
Two years after Shirley’s death in 1985, Irwin married his childhood friend Barbara Busbee Meyers. The couple enjoyed many years together, alternating between homes in Laguna Beach and Kenmore, Wash., before her death in 2012.
Irwin had many friends, young and old, and a great love for life. He enjoyed jazz, sports cars, skiing and hiking. In later life, he traveled to Europe, South America and Australia. At home, he was a disciplined business manager and volunteer in his churches. He is most remembered for his ebullient smile and ability to befriend anyone who crossed his path.
Irwin was preceded in death by a brother, Ewing Dode, and a sister, Evelyn Irwin Ashbrook. He is survived by his four children: Michael Irwin, of Nome, Alaska; Sandra Irwin and Dale Dickau, of Yorba Linda; Holly Bassuk, of Ojai, Calif.; and Lisa Gail Irwin and Charles O’Harrow, of Oconto Falls, Wisc.; and by four grandchildren, Anna Dickau, Julia Dickau, Chloe Bassuk and Evelyn O’Harrow. He is also survived by six step-children, Jeff Meyers, Steve Meyers, Tim Meyers, Terry Critzer, Marcia Meyers, Kris Stead; and six step-grandchildren; and his dear friend Sue Hendrickson.
The family wishes to thank Irwin’s caregivers for their friendship and loving attention to his needs.
A memorial service will be held at Laguna Beach’s Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Dr., on Sunday, Nov. 10. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., followed by 3 p.m. service with Rev. B.J. Beu officiating.
