Richard (Dick) Irwin of St. Simons, GA, passed away after a brief illness on January 22, 2017. Born May 25, 1922, he enjoyed a wonderful life of 94 years, leaving behind many happy memories for family and friends.
Dick grew up in New York City, and during his younger years he played in a jazz band, sailed, skied, and skated, even doing a stint in Sonja Henie’s “It Happens on Ice.” When WWII began he entered the Air Force, where he earned a number of honors (including a Silver Star) and his signature eye-patch, a result of shrapnel from enemy fire.
He met his beloved wife-to-be Helen in New York. They lived briefly in Virginia and Pennsylvania, but then settled in Atlanta, which became their long-term home. There Dick prospered as a businessman, working as a home builder and developer, and later as an investor in the grocery and produce industry. Together he and Helen raised their three daughters, and enjoyed friends, entertaining, dancing, music, good food, and travel. He was an avid athlete, playing tennis, golf, and skiing into his late 70’s.
Dick was the greatest dad, teaching his girls to swim, to pilot a ski boat, to ski, and to play tennis and golf—and best of all, to follow their passions.
He was generous and welcoming and made friends all over the world. A quick wit and mischievous grin were his signature personality attributes. He loved to read and keep up with the news, but mostly he loved to be around his family.
He and Helen moved full-time to St. Simons in the nineties, where they continued to pursue their passions and make many new friends. After Helen’s passing, he was fortunate to spend significant time with his daughter Leslie and to meet a new best friend, Joy.
Dick was preceded in death by Helen Irwin, his wife of 56 years. He is survived by daughters Leslie Irwin of St. Simons, Jill Irwin of Fernandina Beach, FL, and Lisa Irwin with husband Dean Holmes of Freeland, WA; grandchildren Whitney Bulterman of Boulder, CO, and Dylan Holmes of Sacramento, CA. He is also survived by his special friend for the past several years, Joy Butterfield of St. Simons, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at Edo Miller Funeral Home in Brunswick, GA, on Sunday, January 29 at 2:00 pm, followed by a gathering at Leslie’s house.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to Hospice of the Golden Isles.
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