John D. McIrvin, BHS 1940?

John D. McIrvin, BHS 1940?

Dick McIrvin of Eugene, who died Jan. 19, in Palm Springs, Calif., of complications following heart surgery. He was 81.

McIrvin was born March 20, 1922, in Los Angeles to John and Ella Taylor McIrvin. He married his wife, Mary Lou, in Burbank, Calif., on June 18, 1944. He lived in Burbank and North Hollywood, Calif., before settling in Eugene in 1961. He graduated from Burbank High School and attended the Maritime Academy on Catalina Island. in California..

He served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. He worked as a route salesman for Darigold and Arden Farms until his retirement in 1976. He also worked as a commercial fisherman for 20 years and in the rental and property management field. He was a member of the Teamsters Union.

His interests included home repairs and he was known as "Mr. Fix-it." He was an avid outdoorsman and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, water skiing, sport of riding on skis along the water's surface while being towed by a motorboat. and gardening. He also enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Wagon Wheelers Square dance club. He especially enjoyed being on the ocean.

He served as a Boy Scout Leader and was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Eugene and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He will be remembered as a man with a great smile who had a kind word for everyone.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, John Jr., and Glenn, both of Eugene and Jim of Rocklin, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Saturday's Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Eugene. Rose Mortuary in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.