Philip Dillingham Irwin, aged 61, of Seattle, WA, died on June 1, 2011. He was born in Spokane, WA, to Philip Hugh Irwin and Jean Irwin. He attended Cate School in Carpinteria, CA, for high school, where his love of learning and of inquiry were shaped. He received a B.A. in 1972 from Harvard University, and an MSW in 1975 from the University of Washington School of Social Work.
Phil was a lifelong student of politics and government, and loved to debate the merits of the most recent Supreme Court decision. He was passionate about fairness and justice, which characterized his long and distinguished career in Human Resources Management at the Boeing Company, Squibb Medical Systems, Pro Air, Premera Blue Cross, and prior to this retirement, Seattle University.
A longtime resident of the Queen Anne Community in Seattle, Phil was active in youth sports as a coach, board member and parent supporter, and as an advocate for the community’s children and families. He was happiest when he could use his knowledge and networking skills to help someone looking for work or struggling in a job. With family, friends and colleagues, Phil was generous with his time and expertise, and demonstrated true compassion.
Phil was a hands-on Dad, devoted to his three children. He was present for every baseball, basketball or soggy soccer game, for every concert, play, science fair or school open house. He helped with homework, and, being an excellent writer, served as the house-editor-in residence. Phil was passionate about education and was a talented teacher. He had high expectations for his children while encouraging them to follow their dreams.
Phil will be greatly missed by his wife, Margaret Lake, his children Emily, Joseph and Wesley Irwin, all of Seattle, and by his brother, Robert Irwin, of Troy, NY. In his memory, donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy or the ACLU Foundation
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