BOMBER MEMORIAL
ROBERT DALE "BOBBY" IRWIN ~ Class of 1962
June 19, 1943 - June 4, 2014
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Robert Dale "Bobby" Irwin, age 70, passed away June 4, 2014, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. He was born June 19, 1943, in Denver, CO.
Bobby moved to Richland when he was six months old from Colorado with two brothers and his parents so that his dad could work at Hanford. He spent most of his life in the Tri-City area; though he traveled to other areas for work, he always came home. In his younger years he played baseball and got into mischief with his buddies. He graduated as a Col-Hi Bomber in 1962. Afterwards he went to Burnley School of Professional Art and Columbia Basin College, becoming an accomplished artist.
Bobby learned how to fish on the Columbia from his dad and grandpa, which was a passion for the rest of his life. He taught many of his friends to fish the river. They called him "Obi Wan Kenobi".
Bobby held many positions at the Hanford Area, retiring as a maintenance engineer. In 2000, he married his sweetie, Lanette. They were a match made in heaven. He always said he hit the Lotto when he married Lanette! Bobby was a member of the American Rifle Association and worked with children for gun safety. He was also a member of the Richland Rod-Gun Club and past member of the NRA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Esther; and by his grandparents.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Lanette; son, Jay and his granddaughter, Drew; step-sons: Jody (Sherrie) White, Tommy White and Troy Craig and his children; step-daughter, Leslie Craig and her children; seven grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and brothers, John Irwin Jr ('56) and Jerry Irwin ('58).
Celebration of life was from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Two Bits and a Bite.
Bobby's family would like to thank all of you who have shown your love and support to them during his recent illness.
Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at Einan's Funeral Home.
NOTE: His brother, Jerry Irwin ('58), passed away September 9, 2016.
Bomber Memorial put together by Maren SMYTH ('63 & '64) and edited by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).