Eugene Kelly Irish

Eugene (Gene) Irish passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side. He lived 83 years enjoying his family, his work, and enjoying the many adventures of life. Gene is survived by his large and loving family. He was a husband, a dad, a brother, a grandpa, a great-grandpa, an uncle, a cousin and a friend. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, niece, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

As a child, Gene grew up in the countryside. He liked helping his grandpa on the farm. He enjoyed his pet beagle and the many adventures they shared. During his school years, Gene enjoyed learning, especially subjects like chemistry, math and science. Gene had a love and curiosity of his world and the things around him. He enjoyed the complexity of mechanical gadgets and how they worked. When he graduated, it was as the school Valedictorian. He remained active with school functions as Class President.

After high school, Gene attended Northwestern University's Co-op program. While there, he studied Chemistry and Engineering, graduating with honors. Upon graduation, he began his career as an Instrumentation Engineer. He continued to work in this field until his retirement.

During his spare time, Gene enjoyed "tinkering" and "puttering" around the house and family farm. He was a quiet, studious and serious man by nature. He was also a private man with a deep spiritual faith. Gene was an active man who enjoyed working around the yard, photographing nature and travelling. For family time, Gene loved the challenge of a strategic game he would play with family or friends. His favorite past-times included taking leisurely drives in the country on Sundays, reading historical biographies and non-fiction, doing family genealogical searches and listening to an eclectic style of music, most preferably classical.

In Gene's early retirement, he worked as a farmer with his in-laws, as well as independently, growing local crops. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed hiking out west, traveling the world and experiencing life to the fullest. They shared wonderful wine, fabulous food, the arts, architecture, politics, current affairs and world events. Gene had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and a kind heart that will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Some of Gene's fondest memories were of the family celebrations he shared in, traveling with his wife and daughter and spending time with his dad at the cabin fishing, motorcycling or water skiing. Gene enjoyed being part of his grandchildren's lives, attending their numerous musical and choir concerts along with their endless soccer games.

Due to Covid,, the family will gather for a memorial tribute at a later date when all family members can be present. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Gene's memory can be made to "Bibles for the Blind through First Lutheran Church in Charlotte, MI (550 E. Shepherd St.; Charlotte, MI 48813) or to the Salvation Army ([email protected]).

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to their neighbors and friends, the private home care givers, Hospice staff and those who provided gentle care and comfort during Gene's last moments. A very special thank you to Maureen, Buzz and Liz.

In memory of Gene, a poem the family would like to share:

The Dash

the poem by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning... to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars... the house... the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard; are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.

To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile... remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?