Timothy Max Irish, 55, lived from August 12, 1960, until Saturday night, July 9, 2016, in Roy, Utah. Forever a red-rock native, he was born in Moab to Claude Max Irish and Orice Alene Gillespie, who preceded him in death.
Tim was known by his family and friends as a dedicated, hardworking, honest, grateful, selfless and earnest man, with the exuberance and energy of one who was perpetually and particularly young at heart. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was well-known for his woodcraft, and enjoyed making everything from furniture, to lamps, sculptures, bowls and other trinkets for friends and family. Throughout his life, he enjoyed a strong connection to the outdoors, and weekends were spent with his motorcycle, four-wheeler, canoe or hiking boots. For a time, he was the president of the Ogden Curling Club, and was a volunteer official at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Tim enjoyed golfing with friends and family, and was also one of the top GeoCachers in Utah for a time.
Gifted from a young age with an almost intuitive understanding of mechanical things, Tim spent his working life fixing machines both large and small and building a few of his own, including radio control airplanes, trebuchets and even custom woodworking tools. He followed his father’s hobbies of cribbage and crossword puzzles, activities that kept his mind sharp and alert, qualities that show in the many pieces of woodworking that live on in his memory.
Tim will be remembered by those who knew him as a man far younger than his years, a lover of life’s many natural treasures and an endless source of energy, especially when his grandsons were around, or there were younger men to show up. A trickster throughout his life, his siblings, children and friends learned the gift of laughing instead of crying.
Tim is survived by his sons, Matthew Allyn (spouse Nichole Paige Tangren) and Trevor Justin; his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Trentyn James, Justyn Blake, and Kadyn Thomas; and his brothers and sisters, Lora Lee, Robert Marvin, Linda LaRae, David Allen and Melanie Kay; and his fiancée Debbie.
Tim said that he wanted any services held at his death to be a celebration of his life, not an event to commemorate his passing. A viewing was held at the Spanish Valley Mortuary in Moab on Friday, July 15. On Saturday, July 16, family and friends were invited to attend a memorial at the Warner Campground in the La Sal Mountains, which he adamantly claimed as, “MY mountains!”
A wake and a celebration of Tim’s life will be held in Weber County on Friday, Aug. 12. To learn more, go to: www.facebook.com/events/202334820164763/.
If you would like to send flowers, donations or condolences, please visit trevorirish.org/tim-irish.
