MATTAWAMKEAG – Bernard A. Irish, 56, passed away Aug. 29, 2005, at home with his family at his side. He was born Sept. 29, 1948, in Bancroft, the son of Elvin and Harriet (Bubar) Irish. Bernard grew up in Bancroft and attended school there. He graduated from Lee Academy in 1966. After attending the University of Maine, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967, becoming a highly decorated Vietnam veteran. He was a charter and life member of the Greater Lincoln Marine Corps League, a life member of Post 7409 VFW, Mattawamkeag, and was the State of Maine Marine Corps league junior vice commander. He worked at Lincoln Pulp and Paper for 32 years, retiring in 2002. He is survived by two sons, Scott and his wife, April, of Arizona and Patrick and his wife, Crystal, of Lincoln; his mother, Harriet, of Lincoln; two sisters, Valerie Cropley and Valice Austin and her husband, Ronnie, all of East Millinocket; two brothers, Dennis and his wife, Sue, of Lincoln, and Ricky and his wife, Emma, of Topsfield; his pride and joy, six grandchildren, Hannah, Landri and Brayden Irish, Jasmin and Tenley, daughters of Corey and Stephanie Hartford and Payton, son of Mathew and Chasidy York; and very special friend, Priscilla York; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his father, Elvin; and a brother, Lionel. Friends may call from 1-3 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Steve McNally officiating. Interment will be in Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Augusta, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Marine Corps League, Toys for Tots program. Donations may be left at the funeral home. For an online register book please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com. <
BERNARD A. IRISH
