Richard K. Irwin's Obituary
Richard K. Irwin, age 78, of Columbus, died on February 13, 2026.
He was born on December 6, 1947 to Lewis Irwin and Marjorie (Johns) Irwin Thomas in Lima, Ohio.
He grew up the eldest of his several siblings and enjoyed a free-range childhood in Cairo, Ohio. Probably well before it was safe, Rick developed an interest in fast cars, fast boats, and hunting.
He graduated from Lima Senior High School in 1966. Rick was a US Army veteran, serving in the 287th Military Police Company in Berlin, Germany during the Vietnam War era. Though he was fairly unassuming about his time in the service, it shaped his strong feelings of pride for our country as well as his views of democracy and responsibility to serve others. In recent years Rick became increasingly outspoken and troubled by the current administration and the shifting political climate both at home and abroad.
Rick married Anita Tussing in 1975 and their first adventure as a married couple was to Germany, after Anita enlisted in the US Army and they moved to Nuremberg. Afterwards they returned to the United States, exploring life on the West Coast including Oceanside California, Tacoma and Whidbey Island, Washington. They then returned to Lima, Ohio to be closer to family. When world peace broke out in the '90s (read: their jobs in the defense industry ended) they moved to "the North Coast" where they owned and ran Irwin’s Custom Canvas for 17 years in Sandusky. Living on the Lake was a special joy: Rick enjoyed hosting family and friends, throwing summer time pool parties and captaining boat trips to the islands. Although he was pleased to move to Columbus once retired, he forever held a special place in his heart for Lake Erie living. During their 50 years together Rick and Anita enjoyed traveling together to Tybee Island, the New York Finger Lakes, Big Bass Lake in Michigan and frequent trips to Indianapolis to see dear friends. In 2024 Rick took his penultimate trip to Scotland where he was especially moved to be "welcomed home" to the Drum Castle and invited to sign the family registry.
Rick was exceedingly proud of his children. He enjoyed hearing about their experiences and trusted their knowledge, never discounting it as 'youthful perspective'. He had an unwavering interest in their lives and he invited them to teach him, too.
Rick is survived by his wife Anita and children Erik (Kris) Caprella, Jennifer (Joanna) Irwin, and Nathan (Donna) Irwin, siblings Lynda Springer, Darrel (Barb) Irwin, Dale (Becky) Irwin, Dana (Polly) Irwin, David (Stacy) Irwin, and so many nieces, nephews, and greats that those who marry into the family quickly learn a family diagram is essential to keep everyone straight.
He is preceded in death by his parents Lewis and JoAnn Irwin, Marjorie Thomas, and sister Carol Ann Siverling. In his final weeks Rick was delighted to learn about the 'Rainbow Bridge’ where he would reunite with the dogs who shared his life over the years. We know King, Rose, and Desi were excited to greet him, but we do wonder if Isaac ever showed up (he wasn’t the best dog, but you never know. Please spay and neuter your pets.)
Rick’s Celebration of life will be at 2:00pm Friday, February 20, 2026 at First Community Church - North Campus, 3777 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43221, where the family will receive visitors after 12:30pm. A small reception at the church will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Franklin (OH) County Dog Shelter or the Victory Kitchen in Sandusky (Erie County, OH).
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