Bruce L. Irwin, 60, of Largo, Florida and former 75th Infantry US Army Ranger transitioned to another plane on April 2, 2011. He was born on December 18, 1950 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Howard and Georgia Allen Irwin and served with his country during the Vietnam War with the 1st Cav Division.
Following his military career, Bruce became a Registered Nurse, a Certified OR Nurse, and 1st Assistant in various local hospitals and later for home health care systems. Besides his love of nursing, Bruce enjoyed guns, "sharp pieces of steel", reading, fishing, DVD's and playing banjo and singing with the Southwest Senior Band of Largo. He was a member of the Unity Church of Clearwater, Vietnam Veterans of America, DAV, NRA, Wyoming Antelope Club, AAA, and AARP.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Jeanne, of Largo, FL; his daughter, Melissa Batchelor of Stephenville, TX; his mother, Georgia McKinney of Clearwater, FL; his father and "Mom", Howard and Hattie Irwin of Kalkaska, MI; two sisters: Sherry Hoyte of Grayling, MI and Robin Souza of Placeville, CA; a brother, Larry (Linn) Irwin of Bloomingdale, MI; his granddaughter, Alison Irwin of Largo, FL; his grandson, David Batchelor of Stephenville, TX; six step-grandchilden; seven great-grandchildren; five nieces and nephews: Paula and Derek Irwin, Hanna Hoyte, and Philip and Jacob Souza; and numerous friends who will miss him dearly.
Memorial services with military honors for "PawPaw" will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011 from Unity Church, 2465 Nursery Road, Clearwater, FL at 6pm with Rev. Leddy Hammock officiating. Should friends desire, donations may be made to Unity Church or any military cause or charity of choice.
I love you and will miss you like crazy daddy. You are in a better place free from pain and suffering.
Bruce, you were my first and only love. I know our marriage ended after 19 years but we never lost the friendship we shared. We loved our daughter and grandchildren and still share a special bond that was never broken. May you rest in peace and some day we will see you again at the masters throne, remember your guitar so you can sing Jingle Bells to Missy.
Bruce, you were my first and only love. I know our marriage ended after 19 years but we never lost the friendship we shared. We loved our daughter and grandchildren and still share a special bond that was never broken. May you rest in peace and some day we will see you again at the masters throne, remember your guitar so you can sing Jingle Bells to Missy.
I love you Papa. I will miss you. I was always remember you “Teddy Bear” hugs. I know you will always be my guardian angel.
I love you Papa. I will miss you. I was always remember you “Teddy Bear” hugs. I know you will always be my guardian angel.
I knew Bruce through our work in the operating rooms in St. Pete, and was deeply saddened to read about his passing.
He was a lovable man that I admired for his “no games, no b.s.” attitude. As a fellow U.S. Army vet, I understood that he had witnessed unthinkable violence, yet his heart remained big and full of love.
I know that he will be missed deeply by family and friends, God blessed us all with his life and time here.
Our prayers are with you. We love you if you need anything let us know.
Even though we have only know each other for a year we were proud to call you a friend. You will be missed a lot for your upbeat attitude and helping cheer those around you
A sorrowful farewell to my co-pilot and brave warrior. I shall fondly remember your gentle wit, moral convictions, compassion, and fairness. I marvelled at your dedication to principles and unwavering patriotism. I trusted fully in your skills, wisdom and common sense, and shall sorely miss your humor and good cheer. You are truly a braveheart, and the place of honor awaits you in Valhalla