Irwin Phillip Linzer

Deb and John, and extended family, thank you for the comments and stories. To me he was the most creative and practical man I've ever met! I doubt anyone who knew him would disagree. And Deb, I will for sure never forget the yellow jackets. I will always miss the long talks with you Dad, your excellent advice, help whenever needed, and sense of humor - like no other.

Dear Dad from your daughter, Deborah.
Just a few of the memories:

DAD: I remember when I was about 2 years old and was in the hospital in danger of dying from a rare blood disorder. I hadn't eaten in days. You asked me what I wanted, just name it. I remember asking "Daddy, I wonna eata Chilwee dawg" . You smuggled one in.

DAD: I remember when I was about 5 years old, I had found an injured mouse in the yard and was crying over it. Even though there were 10 mouse traps in the garage, you took the mouse and spent about an hour fixing it up.

DAD: I remember one snowy winter when I was 8 years old, you built us a giant 4-person igloo in the backyard. This igloo was extremely authentic. I remember being warm and cozy inside while the cold winds swept around it at night. I remember the way the sunlight penetrated the walls of the igloo and set it all aglow during the day. It was so well built it lasted for months. It took me to another place and time and that winter i was an Eskimo!

DAD: I remember when I was 10 years old and you and little brother Jeff went for a walk in the fields behind our house. An hour later you came running back at the speed of light carrying Jeff with a large swarm of yellow jackets in pursuit. You pulled off Jeff's clothes and got all the yellow jackets out and paid no attention that you were taking a beating from the swarm. You probably saved his life that day.

DAD: I remember when I was 16 years old and wanted to go to a local reservoir to meet my boyfriend. You drove me there, but when we arrived, the entrance had been closed off due to over capacity. I started crying as I knew my boyfriend was waiting for me. This was an utter tragedy at the time. No fear. Even though you wouldn't normally agree to these tactics, you knew what had to be done. We located a good spot along the outside fence. You stopped the car and we strategically surveyed our situation. When the coast was clear, we ran from the car and you boosted me up and over the fence. It was so fun to see that side of you and the secret mission was accomplished.

Thanks for everything, Dad. I love you.

I am going to miss you Dad. You taught me so much and made me self-sufficient. I could never be as gifted as you when it comes to fixing, designing, or building anything. But I do believe that I retained about 50% of the knowledge which isn´t too bad. The last few weeks before your passing, I will cherish these times for the remainder of my life and now all the memories coming back to me. It´s like watching an old black and white movie in my head. My Dad was a tough man and a gentle man at the same time. He worked very hard his entire life to provide for and support his family. He had an amazing wit and terrific sense of humor. He would never go down without a fight and even up until his final breath of air. He should me so much more than strength. He showed me a sense of honor and to do what was right when no one was watching. Thank you Dad for everything! Enjoy getting reacquainted with Mom, family, and friends. Fair winds and following seas.

2004 and 2009 times well spent with my Dad.

I will always remember Irwin for his beautiful hand crafted mirrors and our spirited debates and interesting conversations. He was an original whose spirit of creativity and generosity lives on in his daughter and my friend, Deborah.

My thoughts and prayers go out to my sister Marilou, John, Aspen and all of Irwin´s family. I always enjoyed listening to stories John and Marilou told me about Irwin.
May Irwin rest in peace and peace to his family.

Saddened by Whitey's passing. He was one of the smartest bravest Men I ever knew. Whitey could turn a junk pile into a Rolls Royce. I cherish the time that he spent hunting and fishing and just listing to him about his Navy Days and growing up in his step dads butcher shop or the 46 Ford V8 Flathead with the 3 2 barrel carburetors to The Harley rides to nowhere. He designed my elaborate spring water system that worked to perfection. Going to miss you my friend. Rest in Peace your work on Earth is Done.