Obituary of Ralph Irish

Ralph A. Irish, age 81, of Manistique, Michigan died January 3, 2008 at his home. He was born January 30, 1926 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Richard and Virtue (Moore) Irish and graduated from high school in Marshall, Michigan. He later continued his education at Gogebic Junior College in Ironwood, Michigan. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre, being discharged as a 2nd Class Motor Machinist's Mate. On November 27, 1946 he married the former Rose Inglese of Iron Mountain, MI and they spent most of their lives in Michigan and Oregon. She preceded him in death on September 2, 1997. He married Mary J. Chartier of Manistique and they made their home there. Ralph was employed as a project engineer for Detroit Diesel for 33 years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church in Manistique, the Manistique Elks Lodge #632, the NRA, and the AARP. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. Ralph is survived by his wife Mary at home, sons Richard Irish of Manistique, Ernie Irish of Camas, and James Irish of San Diego, stepsons Donald Chartier of Cloquet, MN, and Rocky Chartier of Manistique, stepdaughters Diane Hentschell Jr. of Manistique and Merilee Blowers of Manistique, twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his sister Gail Brott of Battle Creek, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his first wife Rose Irish, and sister Grace Grose. Private entombment was held on Thursday, January 17, 2008 in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham, Oregon. Brown's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Camas was in charge of local arrangements.