Richard M. Irwin

Jericho

Richard Michael Irwin, 54, finished his fight in the early hours of Monday, May 6, 2013 while in the arms of his family and those who loved him following a 13 year battle with rectal cancer and after defying all the odds. “He has fought the good fight, has finished the race and kept the faith.” Rick will always be remembered by his generous smile and hearty laughter of always seeing his glass as half full. Rick was born June 1, 1958 in Winchester, MA son of Wellesley Irwin and the late Helen (Powers) Irwin. He moved to Vermont from Dracut, MA In 1989, calling Vermont his home after falling in love with Vermont’s beautiful landscape and her beautiful people. Rick was the devoted husband of Kathleen (Riley) Irwin and father of Nicole Irwin.

Rick was a highly regarded insurance claim professional enjoying the roles of claims adjuster, supervisor and claims manager working for Allstate, Concord Group and most recently, Union Mutual of Vermont Co’s. Rick was a long term member of the Vermont Claims Assoc., and was proud to serve in the rolls of Vice President and later President of the Vermont Claims Association. The VCA is an association of insurance claim professionals which strides to raise consciousness, education and professionalism towards the industry. Rick was also the longest serving volunteering member of Arbitration Forums Inc. Arb Forums looks towards resolving conflict between member companies in an effort to provide fair and unbiased approaches of settling insurance claim disputes. Rick was a mentor to many and provided assistance anyway he could. Outside Rick’s professional setting, his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends which would see the summer end in a “Glendormowin” Campout, on the Knoll of Elmore State Park. Rick also enjoyed poetry, photography, cooking and defending his title as “drink-meister”!

Rick would like to give a special shout out to those in the Hematology/Oncology Departments who tried so hard to keep Rick in the game of life. Thank you to his Oncologist Dr. Steven Ades, and NP Janet Ely. One last hug goes to Jean Fay, whose special hugs kept both Rick and Kathy afloat in very difficult times. Also, a kind thank you to all the Hem/Onc nurses who bring new meaning to dignity and respect and of course to Roxy, my wing person who kept it all running so smoothly.

Rick is survived by his wife Kathy and daughter Nicole of Jericho, his father Wellesley of Port Saint Lucy, FL, his sister Carol Flax and husband Jeffrey of Frederick, MD; his brother Robert Irwin and wife Alhan of Nashua, NH; brother-in-law George Riley and wife Norma of Londonderry, NH; sister-in-law Nancy Riley of Woburn, MA his bother in law Albert Bishop of ME, several nieces, nephews, cousins and his loving feline companion “Misty”.

Rick was also predeceased by his brother-in-law Dan Riley and sister-in-law Ann Marie Riley Bishop.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday May 18, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X, Essex Center with Reverend Richard Tinney officiating. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Rick’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495-1460. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.