Paul Everett Irish & Nancy Bergman

Dad was born August 14, 1938 in New York, New York, to parents Grace Bernell Irish (nee Struve) and Everett Underhill Irish. Paul joined older sister Bernell, and younger brother Richard followed in 1946. The family lived in Nutley, New Jersey and summered on Cape Cod. Dad had a lifelong love of the ocean, body surfing and swimming at any opportunity and working as a lifeguard in his teen years. He graduated from Nutley High School in 1956, where he played both cello in a Jazz Quartet and trombone in the marching band.

Shortly after high school, he made a new home in Seattle, where sister Bunny and her husband Wally were living. He earned his B.A. In Economics at the University of Washington. While attending school, he worked at the Seattle Tennis Club and then for Pizza Haven in their early days in the University District.

Dad joined Peoples Bank in 1962, beginning a lifetime career in banking and banking systems. He eventually became head auditor and one of the youngest named Vice Presidents in bank history. He married Phyllis Knowles in 1960 in Seattle and in 1961, they had a son, Paul Irish Jr. In August 1967, they welcomed daughter Elizabeth Irish. Paul & Phyllis divorced in 1973.

A new chapter began February 11, 1978 when Dad married Nancy Jean Bergman. Dad and Nancy shared a passion for the writings of Ayn Rand, and would spend hours discussing and debating philosophy. Dad and Nancy moved to Dallas in 1984 when Dad joined Hogan Software, giving him the opportunity to travel to Australia & Europe as an Account Manager and use his gift in solving problems for customers. Dad & Nancy returned to Seattle in 1993.

Dad was well loved throughout his career and often referred to as a valued mentor for the people working for and around him. Dad was passionate about his job and strong in his opinions, not always making friends but never leaving any doubt about where he stood. He was a strong believer that managing people was a unique, important and undervalued skill in the business world and those who had the privilege of working for him often became true friends.

Dad was a fierce supporter of individual rights and a passionate debater. He closely followed both domestic and international politics, and loved any opportunity to discuss serious issues with family and friends. He was also an avid sports fan, following the Sonics, Mariners and Seahawks.

Dad is survived by children, Paul E. Irish, Jr. and Elizabeth Irish, grandsons Neil and Kenneth Schmidt, brother Richard Irish, and extended family.

Dad was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Jean Bergman, and by his sister Bernell (Bunny) Brundage.

Nancy Jean Bergman, age 59, passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona December 15th, 2008.

Nancy was born May 13, 1949 to parents Areta and Burton Bergman. She was the second child, joining 5 year old brother Richard. In 1959, her brother James was born, and in 1961 Terry completed the family. They resided in Kent, Washington. Nancy graduated from Kent Meridian High school in 1967.

High level administrative and organization skills were Nancy's forte. She worked as executive assistant in a law firm before joining Peoples Bank, where she would meet her future husband, Paul Everett Irish. They soon discovered a shared passion in similar philosophy, including the writings of Ayn Rand. They described sharing many hours, talking well into the night, exchanging deeply felt thoughts and feelings about life, on numerous occasions. They also shared a love of much of the same music, which included big band, swing, and jazz. Nancy was also a lifelong fan of Barbra Streisand. Barbra's music touched Nancy deep in her soul.

Nancy and Paul married in Las Vegas, Nevada February 11th, 1978. Although Nancy was never sure about having children, in marrying Paul she inherited Paul Jr (17) and Elizabeth (10). She was a wonderful, loving and treasured addition to the family. Indeed, she had a wonderful gift for being a healing presence in both her birth family and her new one.

Nancy was deeply loved by many. Her laugh would light up a room, and more! It was one of a kind and she would soon have everyone joining in the laughter. Cousin Linda, whom Nancy shared a more sister-like relationship with, laughs with a similar joy and abandon. Nancy's niece, Wendy Everts, wrote about Nancy, [sic] "everyone should have someone like Aunt Nancy in their life. When she looked at me, I knew I was loved". Nancy was a fantastic cook and great hostess, especially famous for her amazing lasagna and Sunday morning crepes with raspberry jam and sour cream. Nancy adored animals and especially cats, sharing her life with beloved Suki, Redford and Jasmine.

Nancy is survived by step-children Paul E. Irish, Jr, and Elizabeth Irish, grandsons Neil and Kenneth Schmidt, brother James Bergman and his wife Lisa, and extended family.

Nancy was preceded in death by mother Areta and brothers Terry and Richard Bergman. Her father Burton passed in 2010.