William ‘Bill’ Wade Irish: ‘Highly Intelligent and an Amazingly Kindhearted Soul’

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William “Bill” Wade Irish
February 14, 1951-December 9, 2024

              William “Bill” Wade Irish went peacefully into the great unknown on December 9^th, 2024, following a prolonged illness. He was born to his parents Gerald and Estelle on February 14, 1951 in San Francisco. However, he spent his childhood in Virginia close to Washington D.C. Bill grew up with a sister, Denise, and later two half-brothers David and Patrick McNeil through his stepfather John McNeil. He moved first to Northern Humboldt County in the 1970s. He met his wife Patti in the fall of 1985 and they married in a redwood forest in January 1987. They were not only in love but were best friends. They settled in Southern Humboldt in 1997 where they raised their family in the countryside.

              Bill was a well-rounded and motivated individual. He had a long and successful career as a carpenter. He enjoyed his work and brought great skill and precision to the profession, even building his own home. Throughout his life, Bill was a voracious reader. He read a plethora of books including murder mysteries, true crime, sci-fi, world history, and law. He was highly intelligent and an amazingly kindhearted soul, not to mention an animal lover. Bill cared deeply for children and majored in child development in college.

              Bill’s commitment to community really shined through in his volunteer service. Bill volunteered for the Mateel Community Center, KMUD, and was extremely proud of his work with the Humboldt County Board of Elections. Each year, Bill volunteered as a poll worker during elections and took immense pride in preserving the right to vote. He was passionate about politics and was knowledgeable because of his studies in U.S. and world histories. Bill was a fierce protector of the environment as well, and his participation in the mission to save Richardson Grove was meaningful to him. His love for nature was also reflected in his patient cultivation of a beautiful garden.

              Bill is sorely missed and was deeply loved by his loyal friends and family. He was a dedicated father of three grown sons, Torrey, Adam, and Noah Irish. The boys, Bill, and Patti maintained a tight-knit family bond until the end.

              All who knew Bill are invited to his Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Civic Club at 477 Maple Lane in Garberville from 12pm to 7pm. We welcome you to come share your memories of and appreciation for this incredible man. Food and refreshments will be provided.