Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Irby N. Arrington

My grandpa returned to our Father in Heaven last Saturday. What joy he must be experiencing. I miss him. It is hard to separate my feelings of loss with my feelings of happiness for him. He was definitely ready to leave this life. He will be greatly missed by all who are still here. I was teaching a lesson on Sunday to my Young Women about Service in the Community. I told them about my Grandpa and what a great example of service his life was. His obituary confirms that.





Irby N. Arrington "Gone Golfing" Irby N. Arrington, age 91, passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2008. Irby was born September 18, 1917 to Cammon A. Arrington and Vivian Hickman Arrington in Milford, Utah. He was married to Faith Jeter Arrington on Sept. 8, 1937 in Evanston, WY. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Irby is survived by his sweet, loving wife, Faith; children, Ann (Bill) Massey, Cammon (Jan) Arrington, Jane (Frank) Hines, Burt (Karen) Arrington and Jeff (Julie) Arrington; brother, Burton Arrington; brother-in-law, Curtis McCullough, and many nieces and nephews. Irby was the "Best Grandpa in the World" as attested by his surviving 20 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Irby was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, two brothers, and one grandchild. Irby was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served diligently as a counselor in two Bishoprics, counselor in a Stake Presidency, Bishop, Sunday School Teacher and held various other positions. He loved working with the youth in his ward and always expressed they were the "finest kids anywhere." He had great compassion for everyone. Irby enjoyed participating in many fun activities over the years. Golfing was #1, but he also loved fishing, bowling, boating, hunting and especially being with his family at his Wanship cabin for special days and "Hot Macaroni." Irby was a man of many accomplishments. He served his country during World War II in the US Army. He was an entrepreneur in the Dry Cleaning business ultimately building a successful family enterprise. He was an active member of the Cottonwood Heights Community Council and instrumental in the development of the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center and member of the Lions Club. He served on the Salt Lake County Board of Golf, and was a board member of the March of Dimes. He was a Utah State Legislator for six years and sponsored legislation that led to the "Baby Your Baby" program. Irby leaves a legacy of love for his family. He taught us to work hard, be happy, care for others and be compassionate. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Vernon Liu, Dr. Michael Wall and the Healthsouth Staff for the dedicated care they gave our father. A viewing for family and friends will be held Wednesday, September 24th from 6-8:00 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Mortuary, 3115 E. 7800 S. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25th, 11:00 a.m. at the Butler 12th Ward, 2695 E. 7000 S. with a viewing prior from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery.

3 comments:

Connie said...

Beautiful tribute!

Adam Nice said...

Hit em long and straight, Irby.
One great guy and grandpa and great grandpa to my kids. I was tucking Calli in last night and she was crying, and she told me " I miss grandpa Irby. He's with Jesus, daddy." Thanks for the moment, Irby, and good post babe.

Sarah said...

I am glad you were able to spend so much time with him before he passed away. Those memories will be precious! I know how if feels to be close with a Grandfather, they are such a blessing.