| "A Tribute to John Irvine" by Greg Fairbanks |
John T. Irvine, a beloved member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and tireless
political agitator, died Monday at his home in Chandler. He was 69. A fourth generation Arizona
native and grandson of a signer of the Phoenix town charter, Mr. Irvine was born in Yuma on
November 11, 1938 and lived in Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler. He was involved with many
community-based groups, playing a critical role in getting Tempe voters to back a smoking ban and
last year led the campaign to change the name of Chandler's Canal Park to Crossbow Park. Mr.
Irvine, who served six-years with the Army National Guard, worked as a manager of transportation
and distribution for Allied Signal, a manufacturer of aerospace technologies, in Phoenix. He left the
position in 1993, but remained passionate about flight. He held a commercial pilot's license, spending
much of his leisure time observing the air traffic over Sky Harbor from the peak of Tempe's "A"
Mountain and making new acquaintances at Chandler Municipal Airport. Mr. Irvine also had a rare
enthusiasm for photography, firearms and Johnny Cash. He personally restored his 1958 GMC
pickup truck. With the church, he served as a Scout Leader, Home Teacher, Ward Clerk and
Counselor in the High Priest Group Leadership. Mr. Irvine is survived by his wife Sharon Magelby
Irvine; two sons, Thomas Grant and Stephen Patrick; two daughters; Kimberly Ann and Carol Lynne;
and 12 grandchildren. His goal in life was to visit all 50 states, preferably on a Harley Davidson
motorcycle. He made it to 38, mostly in a camper. He also traveled to the United Kingdom,
Japan,Mexico, France and Ireland, where he someday hoped to return. Funeral services will be
Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation at 9:30 a.m. at the McQueen 2nd Ward,
17817 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Arrangements handled by Bunker's Garden Chapel,
480-964-8686. Published in The Arizona Republic on 4/18/2008.
political agitator, died Monday at his home in Chandler. He was 69. A fourth generation Arizona
native and grandson of a signer of the Phoenix town charter, Mr. Irvine was born in Yuma on
November 11, 1938 and lived in Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler. He was involved with many
community-based groups, playing a critical role in getting Tempe voters to back a smoking ban and
last year led the campaign to change the name of Chandler's Canal Park to Crossbow Park. Mr.
Irvine, who served six-years with the Army National Guard, worked as a manager of transportation
and distribution for Allied Signal, a manufacturer of aerospace technologies, in Phoenix. He left the
position in 1993, but remained passionate about flight. He held a commercial pilot's license, spending
much of his leisure time observing the air traffic over Sky Harbor from the peak of Tempe's "A"
Mountain and making new acquaintances at Chandler Municipal Airport. Mr. Irvine also had a rare
enthusiasm for photography, firearms and Johnny Cash. He personally restored his 1958 GMC
pickup truck. With the church, he served as a Scout Leader, Home Teacher, Ward Clerk and
Counselor in the High Priest Group Leadership. Mr. Irvine is survived by his wife Sharon Magelby
Irvine; two sons, Thomas Grant and Stephen Patrick; two daughters; Kimberly Ann and Carol Lynne;
and 12 grandchildren. His goal in life was to visit all 50 states, preferably on a Harley Davidson
motorcycle. He made it to 38, mostly in a camper. He also traveled to the United Kingdom,
Japan,Mexico, France and Ireland, where he someday hoped to return. Funeral services will be
Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation at 9:30 a.m. at the McQueen 2nd Ward,
17817 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Arrangements handled by Bunker's Garden Chapel,
480-964-8686. Published in The Arizona Republic on 4/18/2008.
Arizonans Concerned About Smoking (ACAS) boardmember John Irvine, the man who played one of
the major roles in helping to make Tempe, Arizona smoke-free - and numerous other "good deeds" -
passed away earlier this week. From a personal perspective, I would like to honor him with the title "an
activist's activist." It was always a pleasure to discuss politics - and political strategy - with John! I will
miss him! And I'm sure many others - will too! Sincere condolences to his wife Sharon!
--Karen Zielaski
the major roles in helping to make Tempe, Arizona smoke-free - and numerous other "good deeds" -
passed away earlier this week. From a personal perspective, I would like to honor him with the title "an
activist's activist." It was always a pleasure to discuss politics - and political strategy - with John! I will
miss him! And I'm sure many others - will too! Sincere condolences to his wife Sharon!
--Karen Zielaski
Amen to that.
John brought unique knowledge and a fun kind of toughness and groundedness when we needed it
the most. His spirit will live on, and his good works will go even further beyond all his wonderful deeds.
--Ann Robb
John brought unique knowledge and a fun kind of toughness and groundedness when we needed it
the most. His spirit will live on, and his good works will go even further beyond all his wonderful deeds.
--Ann Robb
525 W Southern Ave. Suite #110 Mesa, AZ 85210 | ph: 480.733.5864 | fax: 480.733.1844 | smokefreeaz@yahoo.com
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ACAS/ArizonaHeadlines
Smoke-Free AZ History
Officers
Projects
Mark Your Calendar
Napolitano Honored
Health Links
Volunteers Slideshow
Contact Us
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