Glenn Wallace Irvin's Obituary
Glenn Irvin was born on January 19, 1931, in Bellfountain, Oregon. He spent his early years in Alpine, Oregon with his parents, and siblings Lloyd, Agnes, and Phyllis. After turning age 17, he immediately enlisted in the army and was assigned to serve in the Armor (tanks). Within 2 years of service, he was sent to Korea to fight in the war for 5 months in 1950. While serving in the army, he was stationed in several military bases in the states and abroad, Alaska, California, Washington, Kentucky, Germany, and Japan. He also had a one-year tour in Vietnam during the war.
On May 2nd, 1953, he married Barbara Furnish, his longtime friend/classmate from Alpine. They had 3 children Glenda, Kevin, and Diane before retiring from the military after 22 years of service. After the army, he worked as an automotive mechanic in Tacoma for 23 years before retiring. Glenn enjoyed retirement building and flying airplanes, traveling with Barbara, and spending time with their grandchildren Amber, Kerensa, Gonzalo Jr., Joaquin, and Lorenzo. They were also blessed with great grandchildren Ashton and Zachary.
After celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary, he lost the love of his life, Barbara to Alzheimer’s in 2016. Glenn had been a dedicated and steadfast caregiver during her several year decline. Establishing life without her had been difficult for him, but was able to spend more time with his family prior to his own health declining.
Glenn will be remembered for his permanent grin, gift of gab, love of breakfast foods, maple bars, fishing, and retelling of his “true stories”. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, parents Wallace and Marie Irvin, brother Lloyd, sisters Agnes and Phyllis, and granddaughter Kerensa. He is survived by his children Glenda, Kevin and Diane, granddaughter Amber, grandsons Gonzalo Jr., Joaquin and Lorenzo, and great grandsons Ashton and Zachary.
Family requests donations to be made to organizations helping veterans or the Alzheimer’s Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Glenn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Glenn?
Share a story where Glenn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Glenn you’ll never forget.
How did Glenn make you smile?
