Donald Gilbert Irving

Donald Irving, 76 Printer, Navy Veteran, Humanitarian Donald Gilbert Irving 76, of Walpole and Chatham, died March 7, 2009 at his home after a long battle with prostate cancer. Born in 1932 in Arlington, MA, he was the son of the late Edward and Ena Irving of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada. He was the adopted son of Mrs. Mae Morse of Medford, MA. Mr. Irving was a graduate of Medford Vocational-Technical High School, class of 1952 where he earned a diploma in automobile mechanics. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War, on the USS Jeffers DMS-27. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and Navy Occupation Service Medal. After Korea, he began night school at Northeastern University. His first job in 1956 was as an apprentice paper cutter at Spaulding-Moss Co. in Boston. After this training, Mr. Irving was a sales representative at Standard Modern Press Co., Brockton and the Lorell Press, in Avon, MA, In 1978, he established his own company, Irving Graphics . He spent many happy years typesetting, binding and publishing many MA town reports. He retired in 1992 at the age of 60, but continued to enjoy the art of restoring antique books, especially family bibles. Mr. Irving spent his adult life passionately committed to many humane causes for which he made a great impact through his time and ideas. He began improving the quality of life for people locally and in communities around the world by becoming the president of the Jaycees of Medford. He will be most remembered for being instrumental in fundraising efforts with the Walpole Lions Club through Light Bulb Sales and eye glass recycling. In 2000, he was honored for helping to fund a Lions Eye Mobile. After being a 25-year member of the Walpole Lions Club, he was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions International Foundation, in recognition of his commitment to serving the world community. He was a Walpole Lion for 35 years. In addition, Mr. Irving was a servant in many capacities at the United Church in Walpole, was a member of the Aleppo Shiners of North America, the VFW Post #5188, a Scottish Rite Mason and was a proud 47-year member of the Azure Lodge A.F. & A.M. When he wasn't busy with humanitarian goals he traveled the world with his family, tended his garden and enjoyed nurturing nature and his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his love of his country, devotion to family and humble spirit. Mr. Irving was the husband of the late Joyce (Ogren) Irving to whom he was married for 35 years. He was the father to Pamela J. Irving of Bourne, MA, and Brenda Cooke, of Walpole. He was also survived by his two grandchildren, Owen and Olivia Cooke.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the funeral service in the United Church in Walpole 30 Common Street Walpole on Thursday, March 12th, 2009 @ 11AM. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street Walpole. Interment in the Plain Cemetery Walpole. Donations in his memory can be made to the United Church Memorial Fund, 30 Common St., Walpole, MA 02081, or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, MA General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114.