- Born on: January 23, 1939
- Departed on: October 27, 2023
- Resided in: Clive, IA
Roy M. Irish
Roy M. Irish was born in Oak Park, Illinois on January 23, 1939 to Harry and Dorothy (Dollnig) Irish and passed away October 27, 2023. He attended Oak Park and River Forest High School and received a football scholarship to Drake University. Roy attended Drake University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1962 and his Juris Doctorate in 1964. He remained in Des Moines and joined the newly formed Patterson and Lorentzen Firm in 1965. The firm eventually became Patterson, Lorentzen, Duffield, Timmons, Irish, Becker, & Ordway. He remained with the firm until his retirement in 2004. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience and challenges presented by the law throughout his 39 year practice.
Roy was a member of the Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations. He was also a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of Iowa, the Defense Research Institute and the Iowa Defense Counsel Association. Roy had received the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
He married Sue Derrick in 1963 and they had 3 children; Janet, Michael and Scott. He married Phyllis Sherman in 1992.
After retiring he volunteered to provide guardianship for the less fortunate. Roy enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Bears, snow skiing, golf, traveling, fishing in Canada, hunting, time at the lake, teasing kids and always loved reading.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Dorothy and sisters Audrey Scherer and Barbara Hansen.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of 31 years. His children; Janet (Jim) Somerville of Arizona; Michael (Ayako) Irish and grandsons Kaito and Kouki of Japan and Scott (Maxine) Irish and granddaughter, Ryan, of Indianola. His wife’s children - Lori Heiser of Missouri; Scott Sherman of Des Moines; and Jeff (Gina) Sherman of Stuart; 8 bonus grandchildren and 14 bonus great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Tavern II, 1755 50th St, West Des Moines, IA from 11:30 to 2:30 on Sunday, November 5. His love of the Chicago Bears never wavered. Feel free to come in Bears colors.
