Philip Michael Irwin

Philip Michael Irwin died unexpectedly on Friday, September 2, 2022 in Bloomington. He was born on December 1, 1970, in Columbus, MS, the son of Michael and Janice Irwin, formerly of Charleston, SC. He was 51.

Philip grew up in an Air Force family, living and learning in locations as diverse as Alaska, Florida, California, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Quito, Ecuador. He graduated from high school in Bowie, MD, and earned his B.S degree from the University of Maryland. He married his former spouse, Elizabeth Cook Irwin, formerly of Bowie, MD, now of Bloomington. He moved his young family to Iowa where he was granted a fellowship, earning an M.S. in Food Science from Iowa State. Phil worked at Eli Lilly in Indianapolis for 15 years, focusing on process engineering for the production of insulin. Following his heart, he returned to school to earn a B.S. degree in nursing from Western Governors University. His new career as a nurse brought him immense joy and gratification, working at IU Health hospital, first in the ICU and later in the Emergency Department. It was there he found Shannon, his adored and adoring wife. They married in 2020.

Phil and his family had amazing adventures together, including hiking the Appalachian Trail, camping, going on motorcycle trips, and living on a buffalo ranch in Montana. He was the consummate family man, who loved his family more than anything and spent countless weekends at Boy Scout meetings, campouts, and swim meets, supporting and mentoring the young people fortunate enough to be a part of his life. Phil also enjoyed home improvement, collecting dogs and vehicles (even if they didn't run), and working towards solving his "Rubik's cube of life."

Philip was a remarkable son, brother, husband, father, Scout leader, coworker, nurse, and human being. He was kindhearted and generous with his time and talents, improving the lives of those who were lucky enough to know him. His smile, laughter, enthusiasm, and hugs will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon Wiist Irwin of Bloomington; his parents, Michael and Janice Irwin of Hillsborough, NC; his two sisters, Alyson (Mike) Gabor of Lutherville, MD, and Emily (Jade) Dubis of Hillsborough, NC; his four children Max, Jackson, Willow, and Zachary, all of Bloomington; two step-daughters, Lauren and Samantha Godwin of Spencer; and his dog Scout.

A visitation will take place at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN, on Saturday, September 10, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., followed at 4:00 p.m. by a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Philip’s love of nursing by acknowledging a nurse or group of nurses that you know or encounter by treating them to something special… perhaps bringing them lunch, flowers or a bowl of fruit, or providing a service for them, such as washing their car or serenading them at work. And to share the love, please (1) tell them why you are doing that, and (2) post a message on the comment section of Phil’s page on the funeral home website letting everyone know what you did to celebrate his life. That website is www.DayDeremiahFrye.com