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Bill Irwin Obituary
Bill enjoyed a varied early professional career as a medical technologist, chemist, teacher, and founder of Birmingham Clinical Laboratories. After re-locating to Burlington, N.C., Bill served as V.P. training at Roche Biomedical Laboratories. In 1987, he surrendered his life to God and began his recovery from Alcoholism. This marked the start of his new life and career as a family and marriage counselor, speaker, health consultant, and author.
Bill became the only blind man to complete the 2,100 mile thru-hike from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail with his guide dog, Orient in 1990. After marrying his best friend, Debra, he moved to Sebec where he enjoyed hiking, camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, and biking with his friends and family. He served as director of Free Indeed Ministries until the day he died, where he could be found counseling by phone from his bed. He welcomed any opportunity to help those who suffered from addictions as he once did. Although the home he and many others worked on for 18 years was never completed, it stands as a reminder of his motto, "Never lose faith and never give up."
He is survived by his devoted wife of 18 years, Debra Irwin; four children, Marianne and Brooks Cash, Billy and Cheryl Irwin, Jeff Irwin, and Amanda McCroy; four grandchildren, Gabriel Irwin, Jake Irwin, Madison Cash, and Grayson Cash; sister, Midge Irwin "Mary"; brother, Lynn Irwin and Peggy; niece, Kristi Healy and Dennis; and many loving cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. March 8, at Bangor Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Pete Campbell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to billirwin.org to further the ministries that were dear to Bill's heart.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kathy Knarr
April 1, 2014
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a very inspirational man.He hired myself and two other girls when we first got out of college. Our interview was a memorable week in North Carolina before we were hired. He was just beginning to go blind then, 1977, and he had already set up his kitchen so all his herbs and spices were in braile. He was a good cook I might add! He called us "his Angels". He was a pleasure to know and we will always remember what a good person he was to us.
Lillian Barnes
March 13, 2014
Debra and family, We were so sorry to hear about Bill. We enjoyed meeting you both a local churches and have enjoyed Bill's books. We were thankful for Bill's advice to our son, Dave"Faithful", who hiked the AT in'08. Bill left a wonderful legacy and Christian testimony to the hiking community as well as the nation. We look forward to the hope in Christ and seeing Bill again. God Bless. Dan, Lillian, Jon and Dave Barnes
v paul reynolds
March 11, 2014
Debra: Our love and sympathy to you and your family at your time of loss. It was always wonderful sharing the airwaves with Bill and you during his guest appearances on Maine Outdoors. Bill was a brave, loving man. Surely his last trek will be the best one of all.
Bill and Orient, together again!
Lew & Ruth Porter
March 10, 2014
In the Book of 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul tells us that as Christians, we walk by faith, not by sight.
Jesus Christ was born more than two thousands years ago. He was the promised Messiah to the Jews and a Saviour to the Christians who accepted in faith as Abraham believed in God and was accounted as righteous in the sight of God. Jesus is God in the flesh, and if we accept Him, we accept God the Father. To walk by faith in Jesus Christ would be to follow God's will.
God had promised that in the New Covenant, His Holy Spirit would dwell in the hearts of the Christians to guide them into all truth. The Holy Spirit of God is the Spirit of Jesus. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit poured down on the disciples. Walk by faith means to follow Jesus' footsteps and to obey Him in truth and love. In Jesus Christ, we would have salvation.
This is how Bill lived his life. I envied him his faith while he continued to tell me, that same faith could be mine if I just let go and let God. I try so hard, and I still don't hold a candle to Bill. In his honor, I will endeavor to stay on the path he led me back to all those years ago.
Walk the shores of Heaven Bill, and know you are loved and missed by so many. Blessings to Debra and all Bill's family as they continue their walk here on earth.
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Michael Strother
March 9, 2014
Hike on brother. You're not without sight now!! What a beautiful world it must be where you are...
Ralph Mathis
March 8, 2014
To my family and I, we appreciated his help and insight. To those he knows and loves, he has gone to a place without sorry or pain. Having all his accomplishments as a crown to cast at the feet of Jesus.
Leah Mathis
March 8, 2014
Bill was an inspiration and wonderful man. He will be missed greatly. Bill is in the Almighty's hands! Our prayers are with your family.
Bobbie White
March 8, 2014
Debra and Family, My husband and I loved meeting Bill at the many places in Maine and Vermont when he would do his speaking engagements. Before meeting Bill in person, we felt a connection as we lived in Maine and hiked portions of the trail, then moved to Georgia where we hiked that portion of the trail, then moved back to Maine and raised dogs for Guiding Eyes For The Blind. When Bill and Orient hiked the Appalachian Trail, we read all the articles in the newspaper. We were so amazed how he was able to put that much trust in Orient, but the real trust was trusting in our Lord and Savior. I know Bill has led many to the Lord. My sympathies go out to the whole family. Bill will be deeply missed here on earth, but we will see him again.
Jeff DeWitt
March 8, 2014
I ownly met the man about 6 months ago and was impressed at how he made me welcome and how i just was able to jump right in and help like we knew each other for a long time . Sorry to hear of the lose of a great man .No more pain and he is injoying himself now with the Lord .
April Lee
March 7, 2014
Debra, I am so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I was very encouraged when you visited First Baptist Church in Bar Harbor...I was the woman in the sound booth. I will now pray for you as you enter this journey without Bill and may God Bless you and your family. April Lee, Bar Harbor
Ed and Norma Ellis
March 7, 2014
Dear Debra,
Our hearts go out to you as you take each step along the path here following the trail the Lord sets before you. It has been such a blessing to know both of you and to follow the journey and continue to be inspired by the determination to "keep on keeping on" in the midst of such hardship, pain and suffering. We're so thankful for the weekend in Greenville we spent with the other couples who made up the first group of your Marriage seminars. You've never been far from our thoughts since then - there was a definite bonding within that group. It was always a joy to see you as our paths would cross - Love and prayers for peace and comfort in the midst of your grief. Ed and Norma
Bill's light shines on through all who knew him
Doug Morse
March 7, 2014
I had the blessing of meeting Bill and Debbie Irwin 8 years ago in a god filled church in Canaan Maine at the time I thought the church was as full as it could get but to my surprise when Bill and Debbie came and joined the church it truly filled it to over flowing. I have not meet two people that show the love, character, integrity and friendship of their lord in friendship that they have blessed me with.Through all the memories, test, and challenges it has been a blessing to know them both. All my love, prayers, and thoughts to Debbie and the family, To Bill see you soon Hike On!!!! God's Grace and Blessings
George and Rhonda Malkmus
March 7, 2014
Only Heaven will reveal the lives touched by Bill, his ministry and his life! Those who knew him have lost a great friend, confidant and mentor! He did indeed have "Blind Courage" in so many phases of his life to accomplish all that he did!
He was blessed with a trusting helpmate, Debra, who faithfully stood by his side, putting some of her dreams aside to make sure Bill accomplished all of his. Debra and family, may the Lord bless and heal your broken hearts as you start a different pathway without your hero. Thankfully, because of Jesus, we will meet again on the streets of glory! Loved and missed by all who had the privilege of meeting and knowing Bill Irwin!
March 7, 2014
We will miss his smile. I always gave him a big hug when I saw him and would love that I could smell his cologne on me all day, that made me smile so much brighter.
Darleen Davis
March 7, 2014
wanda greatorex
March 7, 2014
what a fine and wonderful man. such a gift to all who met him, and all who read his words, and all who WILL read his words. he drew, and will continue to draw, many to Jesus. may the Lord bless you, Debra....you and Bill were so precious together, and will one day be together again, but you were so full of joy with him, that the depths of saying 'see you soon' has got to be so hard. may the Lord surprise you with the peace and joy He gives to you as you travel the path He has planned for you. thank you for sharing this wonderful man with so many.
Archie
March 7, 2014
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation. Brother Irwin certainly walked a wonderful life and brought much to so many lives along the way. I was blessed to have had a season to worship with him and to see him minister outside the Church on several occasions. I thank God to have known him and pray that his wonderful wife who completed his awesome ministry will be overshadowed with God's peace, comfort and joy in the days to come.
Denise Sullivan
March 7, 2014
I had the privilege to meet Bill a number of years ago. By sharing his story he changed many lives and gave hope to those that love them. Rest in peace Bill. God Bless to the family.
To best friend having fun.
Judith livingstone
March 6, 2014
Bill changed my whole life.From the we met he was an inspiration for me to recover from M.S. He told me I will get better and he and stayed right by my side until I walked again. I only wish I could we had more hiking and kayaking together .He showed me know mountain is to big to climb.He was very dear to my heart.Heaven has a wonderful saint.See you soon my friend. Funny Face
Mary Cottingham
March 6, 2014
If you are lucky once in your life you will have the honor of knowing a man like Bill Irwin. I am proud to have called him and his wife friend.
Vi & Bert Willey
March 6, 2014
Bill was a wonderful man of God. He will be missed by all. Heaven is now a little sweeter because he has arrived. Our love and prayers go the Debra and the family. May God Bless and keep you.
Ellen and Gene Sawyer
March 6, 2014
Bill will be missed alot, our hearts go out to you Debra. It was an honor to even know Bill, and to spend time with you both. We love you.
Bumpkin GA-MA 2003
Terri Sanders
March 5, 2014
Terri Sanders
March 5, 2014
It was an honor to meet him at the AT Gathering in 2003.He was such a sweet spirit and a man to be admired for his faith not his accomplishments. Looking forward to seeing him again one day in heaven.Bumpkin Ga-Ma 2003
Shaun Dowd
March 5, 2014
To Bill's surviving family:
I had the great privilege to record Bill's chronicle of his hike of the
Appalachian Trail with his dog, Orient, for broadcast on MAINE AIRS - Maine Audio and Information Service - a radio service to the blind and visually impaired formerly supported by the IRIS Network (nee Maine Institute of the Blind). I still use this unbelievable story whenever friends begin discussing about some amazing event. May I say that I am forever non-plussed by this feat!
Later, I was honored to actually meet Bill and interview him in connection with the release of his recorded book.
May I say that I expect never to meet or know of another person whose life has been so inspirational not only by his own life's journey, but by the hundreds of people whom he later touched with his Lord.
I am forever blessed to have known of and met this incredible instrument of God.
May his eternal rest be of that of His "most faithful servant".
Shaun Dowd
deborah hammond
March 5, 2014
My thoughts are with bills family. We had a brief encounter with him when he came to Olean NY he is my inspiration on completing the AT. My grandchildren was with me and they had their picture taken with him I've posted it on my Facebook . They to want to hike the trails. He left an impression on them oh they loved his dog too.
Laurie and Paul Stuckey
March 5, 2014
Bill will be missed by many; Debra you have our prayers for God's Grace to help you through this time.
Nancy
March 5, 2014
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with Bill on several occasions. He was a wonder ful man. May he rest in beautiful peace in Heaven.
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