Bernard "Bernie" Irwin
May 14, 2015
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Service Details
Bernie Irwin, 81, passed away May 14, 2015 from COPD. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, with the funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m.
Bernie was born July 13, 1933 to Thomas and Mary (Cutler) Irwin. He was the youngest of 4 children. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1951 and Drake University College of Business in 1955. For all 8 of those years, Bernie was a Varsity golfer and eventual Captain of the Drake golf team. He continued working and golfing all through his 20’s. Sometime in the early 1960’s, he decided there was more to life than just golf, and soon thereafter met his wife, Beverly, while they were both working at Meredith Corporation. His life thereafter was mainly defined by his family. Bernie retired from Communications Data Services in 1998 as one of the original employees from 1972. He enjoyed a long career in the fulfillment industry as a business analyst. He was a quiet, thoughtful, kind-hearted, generous man.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Beverly; his children, Emily (Mark) Rogers, Andrew Irwin, Lydia Holm, Joseph Irwin, and Miriam (Richard) Lopez; his sister, Clare Davis; 9 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, James and Thomas.
Memorial contributions may be directed to DMARC or to your local food pantry.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Scott Gorden
05/21/2015
Mr. Irwin was a quiet, patient, and kind man. I had the pleasure of growing up across the street from him and the Irwin family. I'll never forget the Irwin vs. Gorden Trivial Pursuit drubbing we took, with Bernie continually pulling answers out of nowhere just at the end of the time limit repeatedly.
May God bless Bev, Emily, Andy, Joe, Miriam, and the rest of the Irwin family. I deeply regret I regret having been out of town on business at the time of the service.
Kris Schlemmer
05/20/2015
Bernie was one of the kindest men I have ever known. He took me under his wing at CDS 25 years ago and taught me more about this industry than any single individual ever could. He also taught me a lot about life, how to treat people and how to laugh at myself. He was a great mentor and will be missed. God took home a good one, we were blessed to have him for the time we did. Prayers for peace for the family.
Kenneth J Barloon
05/18/2015
Bernie was always cordial with me and I was always impressed with the way he thought through things and led you to the inescapable conclusion. A true gentleman and friend to all. Kathy and I send our deepest sympathies - God bless you all through these difficult times.
Mike Taylor
05/18/2015
As stated in his write-up, Bernie was truly a "quiet, thoughtful, kind-hearted and generous man". In my personal career, I was truly blessed to work alongside Bernie. I so remember the many occasions of being deeply involved in debugging and decision making with Bernie and Larry Ferin. Just when I thought everything was figured out and ready to proceed, Bernie would often say "....hang on a minute...what about..." and his final words of analysis would once again change the course of our fix. Always for the good. There have been few who have touched my life as deeply as Bernie Irwin. God bless you, Bev and family.
Anne Finch
05/18/2015
I am so sorry for the family's loss. Bernie is remembered fondly by his CDS family. He was always calm, patient and helpful.