Karl Irvin Jr.

Dec. 26, 1920 - March 7, 2010

In the midst of life he died: Karl Irvin, after a long rich life, had a mercifully swift death on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Those who knew him know that a magnificent loving spirit has been added to the cosmos.

Karl Irvin Jr. was born Dec. 26, 1920. He grew up in Lake County near Lakeport. His family farmed pears, walnuts, grapes and pasture lands. He graduated from high school in 1938, worked as foreman on a large pear ranch, and then farmed on his own from 1939-1953.

Karl married Ethelyn Conable in October 1941. After almost 55 years of marriage, Ethelyn died on June 1, 1996. They had five children: Linda Johnson (deceased 2009), Cheryl Tausig, Larry Irvin, Noell Pope and Deanna Severn. There are five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren from their marriage. They had many nieces and nephews including Jon Snyder who lived with them for several years.

From 1939-53, Karl was active in the ministry of the California Christian Endeavor Union, serving as state president in 1945. He was also employed as a staff member of the California Farm Bureau Federation, serving as a field representative in the six county North Coast Area. He also served as the assistant to the president and as manager of the Farm Bureau's statewide Farm Supply Company.

Karl's interest turned to formal ministry in 1953. While serving The Fruitridge Christian Church in Sacramento, he studied through the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ's Reading and Study Program. This program was monitored by the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley and Karl was ordained in 1954. Ministries that followed included Woodland Christian Church, assistant to the president of Chapman University, and pastorates at Stockton First Christian Church and Visalia Christian Church. While serving in Visalia, Karl was awarded the Doctor of Divinity Degree from Chapman University. During all of Karl's ministry he actively supported the farm worker movement.

In 1970 Karl was elected as regional minister/president of the Christian Churches in Northern California/Nevada where he served two six year terms, completing that ministry in 1982. He then served as "limited time" staff for United Camps and Conferences, and for the Pacific Southwest Conference on World Christian Mission.

Following retirement in 1985, the Irvins shared leadership in world tours with visits to 41 countries. They supported many worthwhile causes.

On Sept. 11, 1999, Karl married Christina Busey Carlson, adding to his family three children, five grandchildren, and one great grandson. Karl and Christina continued to live in Stockton.

Karl was honored to be named regional minister emeritus and continued to preach throughout the region as time permitted, for many years. He was a member of the United Congregational Christian Church of Lodi at the time of his death. Karl was a special person to many people and will be missed by all.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate the life of Karl Irvin will be held at Monte Toyon, Aptos, at noon, Saturday, May 1. All are invited. If desired donations may be made in Karls honor to the Heifer Project, The Emergency Food Bank, PO Box 2241 Stockton, 95201-2241; or to The Karl and Ethelyn Irvin Dining Hall Fund c/o Christian Churches of Northern California/Nevada.