Russell Wallace Irwin passed away of natural causes on Aug. 11, 2020. at his home, or as dad would say, old age. Dad was married to Shirley (Cookie) Irwin for 36 years, and they held hands from the beginning of their relationship to the very end. Dad and Cookie were known for holding hands as they went for walks or even jumping into the Satsop River with their grandchildren.
Dad showed us all how important family was. He talked with his brothers weekly his entire life. His youngest brother, Richard Carver (Barbara), was with dad every day in the last few weeks of life reminiscing and providing love and comfort. I know dad is finding comfort in heaven with his mom Theresa Brueher Irwin, and his brothers Donald and George Irwin.
Dad grew up on the Southside of Aberdeen, graduated from Aberdeen High School, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964, and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dad retired from ILWU Longshoremen and spent his off-time gardening, hunting, fishing and hiking.
My husband, Scott Farr, and I moved back home so our children Curtis Farr (Stephany) and Kevin Farr could live next door to their grandpa for the majority of their childhood. Dad shared with his grandsons the many stories I grew up with, over ice cream floats or Swanson’s fresh maple bars. Dad taught the boys the art of clam digging with a shovel, fishing for steelhead and an unwavering joy of the great outdoors.
Dad believed education was one of the most important resources, and he supported both grandsons in their education paths. Dad was very proud of his grandsons accomplishments. Curtis is a Union Journeyman Iron Worker and Operator, and Kevin is in his fourth year of dental school.
Dad has two great-grandsons, Russel Farr who brought the biggest smile to dad every time he saw him and Weston Farr who is due to be born in December.
Dad married my mom in 1967 and later divorced in 1984. During that time dad provided my brother (Ron Major) and me a life that many could only dream about. Dad would take us and our friends on backpacking hikes and vacations to Disneyland. We rarely were told no. Dad took us on a month-long tour of Europe, giving us wonderful memories. We had a perfectly imperfect home that we shared with foreign exchange students in the 1970s.
Dad felt very strongly about making charitable contributions to the next generation. He opened our home with dinners and pictures for the entire Montesano High School Homecoming and Prom dances and was an active member of the Montesano Booster Club. My brother and I had a life full of laughter, fun adventures and great food because we had a great dad.
Dad is one of the greatest men I have known. He showed us all how to live life with a strong stride keeping us steady on the path to reaching our goals. I was his little princess, a real daddy’s girl, and loved every minute of it.
Patti-Jo (Irwin) Farr
We are having a private family service and ask that in lieu of flowers, please donate to Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks “The Legacy Project” P.O. Box 642, Montesano, WA 98563 info@fosls.org
Lake Sylvia provided us with so many fun family days and preserving the lake for future generations would be the best way to honor dad.
