Person:William Irwin (35)

Name and Relationships

Name: WILLIAM Robert Irwin. Source is his 1907 birth registration. He was called Will and was very obviously named after this father, William ROBERT Irwin.

Parents: William ROBERT Irwin (listed as W.R. in this document) and Georganna Stewart. Source is Will's 1907 birth registration and his 1934 marriage registration.

Will Irwin was Elmer Irwin's next youngest brother.

Personal History

1907 - Birth: William Robert Irwin was born on February 2, 1907 in Chapman Township. Source is his 1907 birth registration.

1934 - Marriage: On August 25, 1934, Will Irwin 27, farmer, bachelor, married Selena Esther Miller, 24, at home, in Magnetawan, Chapman Township, Parry Sound, Ontario. Witnesses were Elmer Enoch Stewart Irwin, Sundridge, and Violet Miller, Magnetawan. His parents were listed as William Robert Irwin and (incorrectly) George Anna Stewart. Her parents were listed as Hugh Rossington Miller and Emma Adeline Evangeline Levine. The couple planned to live in Chapman Township. Source is their 1934 marriage registration. NOTE: Although Will was younger than Elmer, he married one year sooner.

2002 - Death and Burial: Will Irwin 95, died on May 10, 2002 at the Lodge, Manitoulin Island, Ontario. He was buried on May 16, 2002 in Chapman Community Cemetery. Source is obituary in Manitoulin Expositor, May 15, 2002.

Obituary

WILLIAM ROBERT IRWIN

In loving memory of William Robert Irwin, February 2, 1907 - May 10, 2002.

William Irwin, a resident of the Manitoulin Lodge, and formerly of Barrie Island, died at the Lodge on Friday, May 10, 2002 at the age of 95 years.

He was born at Magnetawan, son of the late William Robert and Georganna (Stewart) Irwin. Will had farmed all his life, and in 1971 he and Selena moved to Barrie Island, where they continued farming. Will had been a member of the Agricultural Society, the Parry Sound Potato Club and was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of the United Church.

Many will remember seeing Will out on the water, fishing or ice fishing in the early morning, and indeed much of the day. He truly enjoyed fishing, and was very knowledgeable in the sport. He will also be remembered by many for giving his catches to people around town and Barrie Island. He will also be remembered as a quiet, but loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. Will helped family and friends whenever he could and will be remembered as a truly, gentle man. Beloved husband of Selena Esther (Miller) Irwin. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Donnabelle (husband Walter predeceased) Smyth of Silver Water, Rev. Helen and Rev. Donald Reid of Medicine Hat, Alta; and Esther and Wally Stiller of Sudbury. Proud grandfather of Shirley Anne (husband Robin), Colleen (husband Eric), Karen (husband Charles), Heather (husband Jason), Tony, Angela and Eric, and great grandchildren Samuel (predeceased), Myriam, Jonathon, Leona, Micah and Sarah. Dear brother of Grace (husband Rev. Al Roblin predeceased) of Beaverton, Edith (predeceased by husbands Ted Hall and Stewart Alderson) of Huntsville and Jessie, husband Harvey Hogan of Peterborough and sister-in-law Vera Irwin of Sundridge and Marion Irwin of Milton. Predeceased by brothers Elmer and his wife Mary, Victor, Rev. Roy and infant brother Kenneth. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Culgin Funeral Home on Wednesday after 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at Lyons Memorial United Church on Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Geraldine Bould officiating.

Then to Trinity United Church, Magnetawan for visitation 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Linda Saffrey officiating. Interment in Chapman Cemetery. If so desired, donations may be made to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church, the Canadian Bible Society or Lyons Memorial United Church.

Manitoulin Expositor, May 15, 2002