Thomas Wayne Irwin

A funeral service for Thomas will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountVernonMemorial.com for the Irwin family.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and determined person. Thomas Wayne Irwin who was indeed a born entrepreneur. He will be remembered as being highly motivated, realistic, loyal, loving with a great sense of humor and always full of surprises. Not one to follow the pack. He was a man who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Thomas was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Wayne knew him as a well-respected kind generous thoughtful man. He definitely left a impression on all the life’s he touched whether it be 5 minutes or 50 yrs. he was a unforgettable presence loved by many.

His parents were Arthur and Lola Irwin. Wayne was raised with his two sisters. Maxie and Ardith.

Wayne's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Wayne was inquisitive, and had a thirst for knowledge He was in marching band in High School and in his spare time he liked riding his pony Danny with his sister Maxine and mostly creating new acrobatic performances they could perform on Danny when their parents weren’t looking.

Wayne’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Wayne’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. He earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the university of Washington in Seattle Washington.

Wayne was blessed with one biological child, a daughter, Burdae Irwin.

adopted Son Bobby, Irwin now deceased had 2 boys Allen and Doug Irwin

Allen Irwin has 5 children and 6 grandchildren.

3 step children Sherri Wasson and her two half brothers

Mike and Jim Schacher, both whom are deceased

Mike Schacher had 2 children Kim Stevenson deceased and one surviving son.

Kristine Tillery who has 3 boys and 4 grand children

Jim schacher had one daughter Karla brasher who has 4 boys and 2 grand children

Wayne’s primary occupation was with the Rural Electrification Administration (now Rural Utilities Service) of the US Depart. Of Agriculture. 1951-1983 with breaks as follows:

1951-52 manager of Columbia power coop. Monument, Oregon.

1953-54 us navy net officer Pusan Korea public works officer seal beach NAND.

Wayne founded the rural telephone company in 1979, CN communications in 1988 and operated Irwin engineering during 1983-1996. Thomas was a team player who certainly lived out the motto “If there is a way, I will find it”

Thomas was a Navy veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. Spent much of his service as a net officer in Pusan, Korea and public works officer at NAND, seal beach, California. Thomas saw action for the Korean war. He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including American Area Campaign, World War II Victory, United Nations Service, Korean Service, and National Defense Service.

Wayne approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. His favorite pursuits were flying his Cessna and traveling the world enjoying new places and making new friends. Politically involved and stayed updated. He was continually reading new information.

When Wayne’s retirement finally arrived in 1983, he was well prepared. He found new pleasure in flying and travels. In many ways, Wayne loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities. Still, that wasn’t enough for this brilliant man Wayne had the thirst to improve and find new ways of communicating. Agile Radio inc. was formed in 2010. he spent much of his time working on a patent for a new radio and attending IWCE conferences to learn more about the industry. His passion was finding the solution for radio frequency that was not being used and developing a radio that would work in it. Wayne spent may hours and many dollars working on this project.

Wayne passed away on October 8, 2022 at Sutter Hopis in Sacramento California. Wayne fought a brave battle against kidney failure.

He is survived by his daughter Burdae Irwin , his Step daughter Sherri Wasson. His life partner and friend Lynn Weichert,

Grand children Karla Brasher, Kristine Tillery, Allen Irwin, Doug Irwin

Great grandchildren: 12

Great Great grandchildren: 11

All who knew Wayne would agree he was a brilliant fun, loving adventurous spirit. He was happy caring, generous wise man. He lived his life with enthusiasm, thirst for knowledge and adventure. Wayne was health conscious. Continually reading on the newest ways of staying fit. Working out or walking daily to accomplish that. He was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Thomas Wayne Irwin did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person. He will be missed by us all.