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Richard Irish Obituary
September 23, 1954
to October 31, 2006
Hillcrest Memorial Center
Richard passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2006. He was 52.
Rich was born to Charles Irish and Hiroko Nakagawa Irish in 1954. He was born in Sendai, Japan.
His father passed away in 2002.
His mother lives in Lacey, Washington. Rich has two younger brothers, Benny (49) and Chris (35).
Rich graduated from Timberline High School and Olympia Vocational Technical Institute in 1972. His training was in welding.
He received further extensive training while in the Navy from 1973 through 1977.
Rich married Donna Newman in 1974. Together they have two children; Sam (23) and Sunny (19). Sunny is married to Aaron Slavin from Kansas.
Rich was employed by Energy Northwest since November 1990 as one of the most qualified and highly respected quality control inspectors at the Hanford site. He valued his colleagues, especially Ephrain Izaguirre and Lester Couchman.
Rich held certifications in the areas of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspection, Welding Technology, Protective Coatings Failure Analysis, and Liquid Penetrant Testing Methods. He was a Certified NACE Coating Inspector, and an ACI International Concrete Field Testing Technician.
These and other credentials that he earned and maintained permitted him to consult at power plants across the country. He planned to pursue a private consulting business in his retirement.
Rich was known as a kind and loving man who valued his family above everything else. This is the purpose that guided his life, and it is how he will be remembered.
Rich's family is extensive and includes his immediate family, his mother and brothers, sisters and brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. These and others who are considered family miss Rich deeply.
At the family's request, there will be no funeral. A family memorial will be held privately.
Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at www.hillcrestmemorialcenter.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Efrain Izaguirre
November 15, 2006
Rich was my friend, co-worker, adviser, and practically a family member to me. I miss everything about him. He would always listen to what I had to say, so patient, always there for me. He took so much pride in his work ethics, always going above and beyond. So professional and a respected man. We had our times together both fun and at times tough ones. But he loved his job because he showed appreciation for his fellow co-workers. We were together for so many years, we grew together, chatted about our sons, daughters, wives, and yes our dogs and cats. He shared his fun family times with me. I could see how much he truly loved his family, Donna,Sam,and Sunny. He put his family and friends first always. I truly miss him alot daily, but his rememberance of all the special moments that we shared is giving me the strength to go forward. Rich is at a better place today, in heaven with gaurdian angels looking over his family. I will always miss Rich. May God bless your loved ones, your family.
Your friend,
Efrain
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Larry Noble
November 4, 2006
I've known Rich since he first came to Energy Northwest. He was one of the nicest people I ever met. He was also very intelligent and knowledgeable. The world is poorer with his departure. What a shame.
Juan Lemos
November 4, 2006
We shared one conversation but you always had a smile and a "Hi". I didn't know you but I'm gonna miss your kindness.
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