Eugene (Gene) Allen Irish passed away at age 93, in the comfort of his home, on July 19, 2019. He began and finished his life in Moab, Utah. His birthday was March 17, 1926 – which, paired with his surname, made him as lucky as Saint Patrick. He was the oldest of six children to be born to Claude and Irma Irish, followed by: LaRae Irish Gaskins, Dale Marvin Irish, Claude Max Irish, Arlis Irish Roberts, and Karen Irish DeVilbiss. Eugene is survived by his sister Arlis, his sister-in-law Wilda Irish, and many nieces and nephews – especially those of the “great” variety. At the tender age of 16, Gene convinced his father to sign the appropriate paperwork to join the U.S. Navy and was enlisted, much to Claude’s surprise. He served for nine years as a Seaman First Class on troop carriers and fuel tankers in the Pacific Ocean. While stationed at Treasure Island in California, he met and married the love of his life: Agnes Mae (Kay) Irish. After being discharged, the couple moved back to Utah and stayed together until Kay’s death in 2000. Eugene made a career out of auto body repair and once said he enjoyed fixing cars much more than driving them. Gene enjoyed fishing, building fences with his dear friend Don Holyoak, and reading Western novels. He loved to get the full use out of any and all items in his possession and especially loved to be useful himself. A sign outside his home read, “A grumpy old bear lives here.” While it’s true that he could sometimes be grumpy, he most enjoyed being around other people, telling stories to try and get a chuckle, and never stayed grumpy for long. He might have even talked off an ear or two. For Gene, every Thanksgiving turkey was just a distraction from the main attraction: pumpkin pie. Also, there could never be enough caffeine-free Pepsi or Pringles. He was a simple but most certainly a steadfast man. Services for Eugene will be held July 29, 2019. A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. with the internment at Grand Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any U.S. Veteran organization. You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
Eugene (Gene) Allen Irish, March 17, 1926 – July 19, 2019
