Irwin J. Twist

1949 - 2024

Irwin J. Twist

January 3, 1949 - June 21, 2024

Irwin J. Twist started his journey home on June 21, 2024. Born on January 3, 1949 in Yuma, AZ, Irwin lived a life of many accomplishments and experiences.

Raised in Somerton, AZ, Irwin attended O.L. Carlisle School and graduated from Kofa High School where he was an All-Star Cross Country runner. He continued his studies at Arizona Western College and Point Loma Nazarene University completing his degree in Auto Mechanics. After graduating college, Irwin joined the U.S. Army in 1968 where he served as an Airborne SPC E4.

Returning home from the Army, Irwin became the youngest ever elected Councilman for the Cocopah Indian Tribe at age 24. During this time, he also served as the Tribes official photographer, capturing moments in time of the Cocopah people and events.

Irwin served as a Firefighter and EMT instructor for the Cocopah Indian Tribe; later continuing his service as a Firefighter and Paramedic for Rural Metro. Turning passion and hobby into a living, one of Irwin's proudest ventures was opening Twist Auto Shop in Somerton, AZ alongside his two brothers. Ultimately, Irwin retired from the City of Yuma after 25 years of employment,

operating as the Supervisor of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. After his retirement, Irwin dedicated nearly a decade to the Cocopah People serving once again as a Cocopah Tribal Councilman. He held the position of Councilman proudly until his final days.

Irwin was known for his work ethic, values, and unwavering commitment for the greater good. As a Cocopah Tribal Councilman, he was a strong voice of and for the Cocopah people. He also took great pride in being a Veteran, organizing and heading many events

and ceremonies for the Cocopah Veterans Organization, as well as numerous collaborations with other local Veterans' groups.

Off the clock and out of uniform, Irwin was a man of many hobbies. Irwin spent most of his early years long-distance running, playing basketball, and softball with friends and family, always sharing stories of his "Cocopah Braves" softball team. Irwin loved cars and could fix anything with a motor. He fed this passion working on racecars and joining a race team. He was an honored patron of the Cocopah Speedway, where he spent most of his free time building and fixing racecars. Throughout his life he held a deep love for fishing, deep sea fishing, and camping; never selfish, he always shared these experiences with his loved

ones, making memories of travel and adventure which we all now cherish and hold dear.

Irwin is survived by his two sons, Keith (Nanny) and Lavar Twist; 8 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. His sisters, Pauline Koolick, Diane , Wanda, Shelda, Colleen, Holly, and Rachel Twist; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Frank and Nina Twist; wife, Nadine Emerson- Twist; daughter, Nicole Twist; brothers, Bryant and Donald Twist Sr.; and longtime partner, Anna Contreras.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 5, 2024 at Desert Valley Mortuary, 138 N. Avenue B, Somerton, AZ. Viewing will be from 2:00 to 3:00 pm followed by Church Services from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Traditional Rites to follow at the West Cocopah Reservation Cryhouse starting at 5:00 pm, Cremation at 5:00 am July 6, 2024.

Pallbearers will be family and close friends.

Honorary Pallbearers are Keith Twist, Lavar Twist, Deion Twist, Chance Solis, Harold Coyote, Gordon Coyote Jr., Verley Valenzuela Sr., Ismael Valenzuela, Richard Galvan, Bradley Massey, Adolfo Noriega, and Raymond Contreras.

A special acknowledgment to The Cocopah Indian Tribe and its membership for their continuous support and belief in Irwin as a Leader and Advocate for the people. Entrusting him with such a duty that he never took lightly, sincerely, Thank You.

Exceptional men as such come few and far between, Irwin will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and community.

Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun