Missus Zip’s grandpa’s funeral was today. Found things I never knew about him. What a life. Went on a mission to Germany when Hitler had just come to power, served in the phillipines during WWII, came home, got married, built his home with his own hands, raised a family, was active in just about every community club around, and was an honest solid and genuinely good man. Tom Brokaw was right, it was the greatest generation. RIP John. Proud to have known you.
Between his mission and the war, he was the catch of a small Utah town. He was also shy and wanted to date (his wife to be) Arlene. He pulled in front of her house, and told the nearest family member he would like to date Arlene. When that message reached her, she said “if he wants to court me, he’ll have to ask him himself”. John did, and his whole life happened from there.
John and Arlene wrote love letters to each other all through his 4 year military stint. It was through these letters that he proposed, and they eventually started their life and family together. he was in Blythe california and told her to get a one way ticket to California, and she did. She tells a beautiful and romantic story of her courtship. John said “she drove me to the desert and all I could see for miles were sidewinders and cactus, so I chose the lesser evil and asked her to marry me”.
John Irwin lived to 96. I’ve only known him for 20 years or so, and wished I’d have known him more. He was a quiet guy, but his convictions were deep and solid. The test of time always proves that.
Rest in Peace John.
