Irwin Donald Lips

Irwin Donald Lips, age 85, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at a nursing home in Highwood, Illinois. A devoted son, brother, uncle, friend, boss and veteran, Irwin brought style, warmth, humor, and quiet generosity to every chapter of his life. Born in Mobile, Alabama, Irwin was the beloved son of Lena and Benny Lips and the younger brother of Helene Ann Lips Keller. He attended University Military School (UMS) in Mobile for both elementary and high school, forming lifelong friendships and developing the discipline and leadership that would later define him. He began college at Vanderbilt University before moving to Chicago, where he graduated from Columbia College with a B.A. in Psychology and went on to earn a degree in Social Work. In 1963, Irwin enlisted in the Army National Guard of Alabama and completed his active-duty training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, qualifying as a Marksman (Rifle) Sharpshooter and later transferring to the Illinois Army National Guard 106th Cavalry. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned the State of Illinois Active Service Ribbon along with three additional service awards. During the civil unrest of 1968, his unit was federalized to support the Chicago Police, and he demonstrated calm leadership and courage under pressure. He was honorably discharged in 1969 after more than six years of dedicated service. After a short period in social work, Irwin found his true calling in the men's fashion and retail industry. He became manager of London Corner Ltd. in Plaza del Lago in Wilmette before purchasing and operating Huntley's Men's Store in Evanston. Known for his impeccable taste and genuine interest in people, Irwin built lasting relationships with customers, employees, and suppliers. He later expanded Huntley's to other locations and ultimately moved the store to Plaza del Lago, where it remained a North Shore staple until its closing in 2009. Irwin's keen sense of style even led to a brief but memorable modeling career after he was discovered in Chicago by pioneering agent Shirley Hamilton, who famously told him, "You have got to work for me." In his later years, Irwin shared his life with his beloved partner, Ellen Irwin, with whom he enjoyed over two decades of companionship in Chicago and Fort Lauderdale. He was an excellent cook, host, and baker – famous for his "Southern Comfort Cake" and "Decadent Brownies" – and a devotee of fast cars. He will be remembered for his style, humor, loyalty, generosity and quiet thoughtfulness that touched so many lives. Irwin was the loving brother of the late Helene Ann Lips Keller, beloved uncle of Steven Keller, and cherished great-uncle of Joshua, Benjamin, and Lauren Keller. He was also a treasured cousin and friend to many. Memorial donations may be made to the Anti-Defamation League www.adl.org or the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum www.ushmm.org. Chapel service, Wednesday, October 22, 2025; 10 AM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL. For a link to view the service and to leave condolences, please visit www.shalommemorial.org or call (847) 255-3520.