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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Irwin, Virgil Marvin

Age 87

IRWIN, Virgil Marvin January 13, 1926 - October 25, 2013 Died peacefully at home in Ventura, California on October 25, 2013.

He left a far flung, extended family and many friends to celebrate his long life.

Marv was born on January 13, 1926 in Spokane, Washington 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, Marv and Shirley moved to Whittier, California, 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 Great Britain and Europe, travelling by VW Van.

Two years after Shirley’s death in 1985, Marv married his childhood friend Barbara (Busbee) Meyers.

Barbara and Marvin enjoyed many years together, alternating between homes in Laguna Beach and Kenmore, Washington before her death in 2012.

Marv 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.

Marvin was preceded in death by a brother, Ewing (Dode) Irwin and a sister, Evelyn (Irwin) Ashbrook.

He is survived by his four children: Michael Irwin, Nome, Alaska; Sandra Irwin (Dale Dickau), Yorba Linda, California; Holly Bassuk, Ojai, California; and Lisa Gail Irwin (Charles O’Harrow), Oconto Falls, Wisconsin; and by four grandchildren: Anna Dickau, Julia Dickau, Chloe Bassuk and Evelyn O’Harrow.

He is also survived by six step-children: Jeff (Mary) Meyers, Steve (Diane) Meyers, Tim (Dixie) Meyers, Terry (Gary) Critzer, Marcia Meyers, Kris (Wayne) Stead; six step-grandchildren, and his dear friend Sue Hendrickson.

The family wishes to thank Marvin’s caregivers for their friendship and loving attention to his needs.

A memorial service will be held at Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach, California, on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M., followed by a 3:00 P.M. memorial service, with Rev.

B.J.

Beu officiating.