Gerald Sidney Irish

Gerald Sidney (Hendrickson) Irish – of Portnablagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland & Portland, Michigan (formerly of Grand Ledge) June 7, 1950 - October 12, 2024, passed away unexpectantly from an apparent cardiac arrest.
He is proceeded in death by his infant daughter Ariana, father William Irish (when Jerry was only 2 years old), sister Gayle Ann Irish, mother & stepfather Daniel (Janette Briggs) Hendrickson, and sister Barbara Hendrickson.
Jerry is survived by his son Donovan Irish, long-time & loving partner: Deirdre McKnight, brother Tom (Janice) Barnes, sister Daniela (Steve) Hendrickson-Wingate, Aunt Margery Briggs & Uncle/Best Friend Michael Judd, Aunt Barbara Covert, Aunt Nancy Garner, and a very large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends here and abroad.
Those who knew and loved "Jerald" (his unique way of spelling it) knew him as a non-traditionalist who expressed himself through his art, music, writing, and intellectual conversations and a personality that filled a room.
While growing up in Grand Ledge, he spent many hours down on the river trail, having a paper route, involvement with scouting, and many years of camping and traveling with family. He had many close friends throughout school. He was on the high school wrestling team until a tournament opponent caused a serious injury. He took three years of Latin because he enjoyed Mrs. DePue and Latin Club. After learning to play the guitar, he became a member of a high school garage band. After graduating from Grand Ledge High School in 1968 he enlisted in the US Airforce and was stationed in San Antonio, Ogden, Utah and South Korea working as an Airman Communications Specialist.
After serving, he continued his education at Lansing Community College and Grand Valley State College focusing on English Literature and Fine Arts. He completed his bachelor's degree with major in Fine Arts and minor in Psychology from MSU. He was initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. At MSU he met and married Lisa, having daughter Ariana, and son Donovan.
Approximately 20 years ago, he reconnected with Deirdre McKnight (former exchange student to Grand Ledge from Ireland) which led to sharing her life in Portnablagh, Ireland and with her children, Ashling, Tobin, Jerusha; grandchildren, family, playing music with Jimmy and other friends at Patsy Dan's pub, and walking their dog "Django" along the bay-just across the street.
While young, his Grandmother Ruth Briggs taught him to play the piano which led to his interest in music. Composing, recording, and performing music, as well as his art (especially watercolor) and writing poetry, short stories, and extensive journals were part of his expression of who he was.
Over the years, he worked several types of jobs to help support himself, his art, writing, and music. He started a career at Peckham, Inc. as an operations manager of contractual services between Peckham and State of MI helping place and supervise individuals with disabilities within worksites. For several years he then focused on working with the arts community including representing artists for galleries and shows. During that time, he also recorded and co-wrote children's music. He composed music and performed as part of a theater production that provided employment for homeless individuals from the Cass corridor in Detroit. He also worked for a recording studio where he wrote, played, sang, and sold commercial jingles for businesses. He and his friend Edwin Simpson spent many years working together to promote Edwin's unique Southwest art. He worked several other types of jobs to earn money to keep pursuing his art and music. This included installing eavestroughs, cement work, external and interior painting, forklift, yard work, working with his friend Lew Barclay on many types of projects, substitute teaching, etc. He also was close friends with Michael &Georgi Trott and their sons Justin and Garrett and spent many memorable times working on projects with them in MI, North Carolina, and Portland, OR. With them he did his first skydiving. He also officiated Garrett's wedding to Carla on October 5, 2024 in Portland, OR.
Jerald divided his time between Ireland and Portland, Michigan (his second home) with Margery & Michael and their community. Whatever chore or need arose, Jerald was the person you could call on for support. He was a hard worker and was planning several projects at Margie's and Michael's, and also to more painting projects with Tim Burns.
He loved cheddar cheese popcorn, potato chips, Reese's peanut butter cups, anything chocolate, malts, and Deirdre's cooking. He enjoyed cooking and lent his personal style to everything he created. He loved to travel and experience new adventures and people he would meet. He loved writing, reading, painting, playing his guitar at pubs in Ireland and MI, and lively discussions. He loved family, friends, hanging out with Lew and Jenny on Friday afternoons. He loved his times in Ireland with Deirdre, Django, family, friends.
He thought he had a lot more time to live and love life.
A Celebration of Life Gathering and luncheon will be held on Sunday, October 27th at Noon, VFW/American Legion, 1324 E Bridge St., Portland, Michigan 48875. Floral delivery may be made to the VFW Post on Friday and Saturday from 3-7:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Because of his love of reading, memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, in his name may be made to:
USA Reads (which is part of the World Literacy Foundation). This is a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization.
Address: 712 H Street NE Suite 2013
Washington, D.C. 20002 https://www.usareads.org/support-usa-reads/#donate
Jerald would want you to think of him with fond memories and a smile
and for those of you so inclined
"sip a Guiness or Irish Whiskey in his memory"