Gerald “Jerry” Irwin, age 76, of Kennewick, WA. passed away on Friday, September 9^th, 2016. He was born on July 23^rd, 1940 in Denver, Colorado to Esther M. and John E. Irwin, Sr. He lived in Denver until 1944 when he moved with his family to Richland, WA. He graduated from Richland High School in 1958 and attended one year of Community College at CBC in Pasco. He then went on to join the United States Navy, graduating from Hospital Corp. School and later, graduating from art school in Seattle. He worked as a respiratory therapist at the (then) new Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA. He also worked as a graphic artist and scheduler for WPPS (Energy Northwest).

In his earlier years, Jerry enjoyed painting signs and race cars in his spare time. At the time of his passing, he was a devout member of Bethel Church in Richland. There he enjoyed serving as “greeter” at the “Children’s Door,” high-fiving and joking with all the children as they arrived at church every Sunday morning. He was also known for his deep love of art. He thoroughly enjoyed volunteering to teach art to elementary school children. Their “thank you” letters he so lovingly cherished and kept are a testament to his ability to inspire skill and a love of art to all ages. Despite his suffering a very serious stroke in January 2014, he remained a loving, religious, faithful and great man. He never complained and never wavered in his desire to live on. He was always a wonderful, loving father to his daughters. He will be missed tremendously by many.

Jerry is survived by his brother, John “Sonny” E. Irwin Jr., daughters; Jennifer Thompson and Amy Kirkpatrick, former spouse and friend Nancy Maynard, grandchildren Tyler Guidry, Samuel, Isaac, Hadley and Sadie Smith and sons-in-law Randy Thompson and Terry Kirkpatrick. He is proceeded in death by his parents and his youngest brother, Robert “Bobby” Irwin and granddaughter Paige Smith.

Jerry’s family would like to thank Carie Squires and her entire staff at “The Squires Residence Adult Family Home” in Kennewick. Their wonderful, loving, respectful and kind care of him following his stroke was nothing less than remarkable. He was a member of their “little family” and was always treated with the dignity, respect and love he so deserved. Additionally, we would like to thank Jerry’s best friend Mike McPeek. Mike has always been the most wonderful, true friend to Jerry. He spent countless hours with Jerry, working on puzzles and reminiscing, easing Jerry’s struggles these last few years in the only way a true friend could.

We will honor Jerry’s life with a memorial service and reception to follow at Bethel Church, 600 Shockley Road in Richland, WA. on Sunday, October 2^nd at 1:30 pm. All are welcome; friends and family alike. Donations to help in covering his final services would be truly appreciated and a GoFundMe Account has been set up in his honor at gofund.me/2pr6kfg “The Gerald ‘Jerry’ Irwin Memorial Fund.” Anything raised above our goal will be donated to The Chaplaincy Hospice Care of Tri-Cities.