Tributes

Kirk L. Irwin January 12, 1957 - September 19, 2020 On Saturday, September 19, 2020, Kirk Irwin, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at 63 years old. Kirk was born on January 12, 1957 to Therman (Bud) Irwin and Helen Irwin in Placerville, CA. They settled in Coalinga, CA in Kirk’s younger childhood, living up Los Gatos Canyon for many years. Kirk graduated from Coalinga High School in 1975 and continued his education in a variety of trade schools, focusing on his craftsmanship and welding. Building, designing, and fabricating with metal was one of his greatest passions. Kirk’s father, Bud, owned Bud’s Welding Shop in Coalinga, CA. In the late 70’s, Kirk partnered with Bud to become K-Bud’s Welding Service, which remained open for approximately 30+ years. In 2004, Kirk began work for the State of CA (PVSP) as a maintenance mechanic. He took great pride in his job, and his work ethic goes unmatched. On March 21, 1981, he married the love of his life, Teresa Lennon. They had their first child, Monica Irwin (Sigler), on Sept. 19, 1987. Their second child, Kyle Irwin, was born Dec. 20, 1991. As a father, he was ever present and involved. Family time was well spent, usually full of laughter. He was the perfect balance of humor and drive, always encouraging his children to strive for their very best. Although his wife and children were everything, it is safe to say his greatest joy was born on October 1, 2013. Kirk was promoted to a Papa (grandpa) when Jaxton Scott Sigler came into this world. Jax is a carbon copy of Papa Kirk including his infamous sense of humor; they were the very best of friends. Fort building, campouts, slushie drives, and wrestling matches were just a few of their favorite things. Family was Kirk’s number one. Kirk loved his community and worked to see Coalinga thrive. He often donated materials, finances, or time to see improvements to our little town. He coached countless youth sports teams throughout his children's childhood, and made multiple donations to CHUSD. Kirk was AYSO president for many years, served on the RDA commission, and has sat on the Coalinga Huron Recreation and Parks District board for the past 19 years, still serving until his passing. He strived to better this community for all, young and old. Kirk’s story would be incomplete without mentioning his friends. If you needed something, he had it. If you needed help, he was there. If you needed a laugh, he was your guy. Once you met Kirk, you never forgot him. He made a lasting impression, most often with his sense of humor. The jokes, pranks, and tall tales left his victims still thinking about it days later, questioning it’s truth or laughing in disbelief. He loved making life fun. He often said, ‘If life can't be fun, what's the point?” Kirk is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Helen Irwin. Kirk is survived by his wife Teresa, children Monica and Kyle, son in law Robert Sigler, grandson Jaxton, brother Steve Irwin and wife Laurie, sister Keri Hills and husband Bob, sister Sherri Cadena and husband Sevando, sister in law Mary Rose Houck and husband Ed, half brother and sister Paul and Connie, and his 5 nieces and nephews, Kelly (Houck) Gonzales, Corinna Rosella Irwin, Ben Irwin, Cash Cadena, and Rhea (Cadena) Billingsley, and 8 great-nieces and great-nephews. Due to current restrictions, a Celebration of Life will need to be postponed but not forgotten. We will be having a wonderful get together with all of his friends, family, and co-workers in the near future, guaranteed to include delicious food, great company, memorable stories, and of course, lots of laughs. If you would like to make a donation in Kirk’s memory, Coalinga Huron Recreation and Parks District (CHRPD) was an organization that was very important to him. CHRPD P.O. BOX 386