Wayne Irish

Joseph Wayne Irish

Wayne was born on August 28, 1957, after being one month late! He was born in Mrs. Freezies Maternity ward in Bakersfield, California to Jackson Philmore Irish and Nova Lucile Dunnaway Irish. The youngest of five sons - His Parents divorced when he was 6 years old. When he was 9 he met Barton Gearhart Jr. who would later become his beloved "step" dad. He often thanked the Gearharts for sharing their dad with him. Wayne was preceded in death by the above mentioned.

Wayne graduated from East High in 1975. He started working when he was 14 years old at Phil Sterns Upholstery shop. He worked around the shop and made deliveries (14 years old).

Wayne met Sherri at the age of 17, she was 15 at a Pioneer Day Picnic at Heart Park in Bakersfield, California. By 19 and 17 (almost 18 & 20) they were married. Some say they didn't stand a chance - HA! This April would have been 46 years. He leaves behind six beautiful children: Lacey Dawn, Lauren Anna, Joseph Wayne Irish II, Allyson Leigh, Jeffrey Barton and Alex James and 17 Grandchildren: Lance, Clarrissa, Tanner, Leeland, Gracie, Ashley, Henry, Joseph Wayne Irish III (Bo), Sophia, Olivia, Lincoln, Macy, Mallory, Owen, Charlotte, Brooks, and McKinley.

Wayne loved basketball, playing and watching. In the old days the Celtics and later the Golden State Warriors. He also loved watching college football, GO BRONCOS! He loved, loved, loved golf: playing with friends and watching it. He Loved watching his kids do all their sports - almost never missed a game - or event.

The family moved to Meridian Idaho 1990

He loved serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in many different callings. Wayne loved working with young people and that was evident in the majority of his callings. He mentored many throughout his life and the letters, texts, mail, and voice mails keep pouring in. We are putting together a book so that his grandkids will know their Poppy.

He was successful in business: he worked for IBM where he received great training. He then owned a home care business for 30 years (inspired by his stepdad - Papa Barton who broke his neck and for whom Wayne provided care) where he employed 100s of people. Some becoming lifelong friends.

But most of all He loved and cared for me, Sherri Walker Irish. He was the love of my life, my best friend, my eternal companion. I will miss you forever, until we meet again, my love, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

The Funeral will be held in person Feb 4, 2023 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 6032 N Five Mile Rd, Boise Idaho, 83713

The funeral will also be broadcast Online Feb 4, 2023 10:00 AM Mountain Time Join https://www.youtube.com/watch?mv=Km6cbNHOpPo

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the GoFundMe https://gofund.me/756909f9 to help with incidentals that have come up.

if you want to send flowers you can send them to Bella Vida Funeral Home 9661 chinden Blvd Boise, ID on Fri between 9 and 2