David Charles Irwin

Dave Irwin passed away on April 15, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children. Dave was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather and died after a courageous three-year battle with stage 4 cancer. He was 76 years-old.

Dave was born on April 6, 1947 in Yakima, Washington to Rolf & Mary (Zaputil) Irwin. He had two brothers, Kenneth Irwin and Jere Irwin. At just 14 years-old, Dave started working for his father’s company “Rolf Irwin Produce.” The experience was formative and an early sign of the strong work ethic and devotion to family that characterized his life. Dave graduated from Davis High School in 1965. That year, his team won the state basketball championship. He went on to attend Yakima Valley Community College, where he made many friends and memories. On August 17, 1967, Dave enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at the McChord Air Force base in Pierce County, Washington. Following his service, Dave graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in business finance. He traveled through Europe for a few months before beginning his career.

Dave worked in the international plastics packaging industry for 50 years. Dave's success was a product of his incredible resilience, optimism, and tenacious spirit. He loved what he did for a living and was grateful for the opportunity it created to travel the world with his wife and kids.

In 1978, Dave met Meg Makins, and on April 10, 1980 they eloped to Kauai. Together they had three children. Charlie (Casey) Irwin (42), Chelsea (David) Irwin Abeyta (39), and Elliot Irwin (38). Dave was blessed with 5 grandchildren Beauchene Abeyta (16), Penelope Abeyta (10), Margaux Abeyta (7), Theodore Irwin O’Connor (6), and Ellis Irwin O’Connor (4). They called him Poppy, and he absolutely adored them.

Dave loved his family, his friends and Porsches. He also loved to golf- A LOT! He was brilliant, kind, humble, and extremely generous. He had the kind of generosity that helped people out of hard situations and into opportunities they may not have otherwise encountered.

Meg, Charlie, Chelsea & Elliot would like to thank Annie Edwards, owner of Northwest Nurse Care. Without her compassionate care, Dave’s end of life journey wouldn’t have been the same.

A graveside funeral will be held on Friday April 28th at 1 PM at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, 3001 Terrace Heights Dr., Yakima, WA 98901.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Camp Dudley, The First Tee, or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Irwin family.