I don't have a great story to tell about Mr. Irwin. Because I don't believe that I could ever speak and hold presence the way he did. For the one year in 8th grade I learned history from Mr. Irwin; he has affected the rest of my life. I cannot forget this man for the way he cared and loved his students. I am forever grateful to him and to God for using him for His Glory. Looking back I can now see how Christ was in him when he taught. Even when he reprimanded us for being complacent and lazy we never felt that he didn't love us and we wanted to please him. Thank you Mr. Irwin for pouring yourself as a teacher and teaching us more than history. I wished that I could have seen you one last time before your transition to let you know how much you have meant to me. I love and miss you.

Dear Mr. Irwin, You have left an imprint in my heart the year I took your history class at Burroughs Middle School 23 years ago. Everyday that year, class was intellectually stimulating and interesting because you loved us and put your whole heart into teaching. Your quick wit and humor saved me during my most darkest times of growing up. You didn't know but I was suffering from severe depression and abuse. You were my angel and source of light then. I always dreamed of seeing you again to thank you but I see that I've missed you.... It's okay. God will let you know what you did for me and probably countless number of students that still think of you with fond memories. Mr. Irwin, I love you so much for saving me that year. Rest in peace, great teacher and I hope to see you again. -Susie K.

Chez, Courtney & Alexander: I extend my deepest sympathy, prayers and all my love to you all. Although I was not able to be with you for the services, just know that I was in spirit. Dad was and will always remain a great man in my heart and mind. Embrace the love, time spent and memories that you all shared with him, and that will alway keep a smile on your face and gladness in your hearts as time goes by. May the Peace of God guard your hearts and minds. Lorraine & Alvin Meade Family

Members of the BTW Alumni Association would like to express their condolences. We are truly sorry for your loss, but we know that Ralph is in a better place where there is no pain or suffering. Our prayers are with you and if there is anything we can do, please call on us. Thank you all you do for the alumni.

Dear Bettye, We feel so blessed by Ralph and your friendship. You both have been a Christian inspiration to many. We particularly loved working on the Mariner Board and the GA Mariner booth with you two. Carolyn loved Ralph's warm and loving smile and Larry loved the way Ralph interwove words of songs into his prayers. We wish we could be with you for the service but we are traveling. Our entire family will miss Ralph and will keep you in our prayers during this time. In Christian Love, Larry & Carolyn Gabbard

He has found sweet release, and will rest in peace. He brought energy, excellence and love to all of his endeavors, and will be missed.

Bettye, So sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful husband. I will keep you in my prayers. I have a lot of wonderful memories of us working together at Culver City High School. Would love to hear from you.

Dear Bettye and Family: Please accept our sincere sympathy on Ralph's passing. Though well traveled and accomplished, we found him to be down to earth, sincere. and interested in everyone. We always enjoyed seeing both of you when visiting the Chesneys. Family and friends together will help you get through this difficult time. Ralph is with the Lord now, but with you in spirit. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Dear Bettye and family, We treasure the time we spent with you and Ralph working on Mariner projects. Ralph was such a great storyteller--and the stories he had to tell!! He had such an impact on us through his talents and demonstration of faith; we are certain he touched many lives as he travelled, taught and performed. The memories of Ralph will keep him alive in our hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Tim and Carol

Dear Bettye: My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you and the family. May the lord engulf you in his presence and surround you with his love & peace. To be absent from the body, is to be present with the lord. He truly was a great man and I will miss him.

Mrs. Irwin, I pray you are keenly aware that God of All Comfort cares for you on this occasion of Mr. Irwin's transition from life to Everlasting Life! “For death begins with life's first breath And life begins at touch of death� ~John Oxenham Our sincere condolences.

Dear Bettye...Please accept my sincerest condolence in Ralph's home going. I regret that I never made it to Banning to visit you and Ralph. It was always a joy when you and Ralph were able to come to Westminster while I served as temporary supply pastor. I remember the health challenges that Ralph had and I know that he is now perfectly healed of all diseases. He's with his Savior for "absent from the body, present with the Lord." (2Corinthians 5:8) As you go through the grieving process remember that God has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. (Heb. 13:5b). You are in my prayers. As you may know, I now reside in Ohio and am very involved in full-time ministry at Third Baptist Church, Toledo, OH. "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26. Pastor Glenn L. Jones

Dear Bettye, We pray for Ralph and for you and all your family on this difficult moment. We are sure that Ralph is now an Angel in Heaven and that it became a guardian Angel for you all. I regret not having a better english to say you all my admiration for Ralph and how I founded him kind, generous, humble and patient when I met him in France. Take car of you, we are praying with you and for you. Sincères condoléances, chère Bettye, nous te souhaitons beaucoup de courage pour surpasser le chagrin du moment et nous t'embrassons affectueusement, ainsi que les enfants et petits enfants. Dans la paix du Christ. Bien à toi, Céline, Bertrand et leurs anges...

When reflecting upon Ralph's life rooted in the love of God and in Christ's service. I rejoice and praise God for knowing Ralph and being affected by his intelligence, compassion, and generosity. Well Done good and faithful servant! Love and Shalom to you all.

Dear Bettye, You are my friend, soror, and Christian sister. My prayers are with you and your family. Ralph was that person that was easy to talk to eventhough he had a vocabulary that was out of this world. He will truly be missed. The Lord is with you. Love you, Janice Kenner

Dear Sister Irwin, without question, Ralph's name is being lifted up to God with thanksgiving, by a crowd of witnesses, whose lives he influenced by his faith and his fellowship. We thank God, that he now rests in the assurance that, because of Jesus Christ, we know that this life is not all there is . . . And knowing Ralph, he is already putting in a word for us with the Lord. May you find comfort in that assurance as together we celebrate his life. ~ Mark & Romana & Family

Ralph was my "wordsmith" buddy...our verbal conversations to anyone listening just sounded like some words tossed together that no one ever used and definitions of the same but the twinkle in his eye when he said, " I bet you haven't heard this one..." was priceless to me and I hold it dear...just like the unspoken sweetness of the way he rested his hand in the trim small of Betty's back and held her hand while they prayed...I learned from him by both word and deed...a special man with a clear purpose...we should all be so blessed...

Hi Bettye, So sorry to hear of Ralph's transition. May he rest in Perfect Peace. The unknown stretches like an ocean far beyond our view, But we can visualize that distant shore- A place where we won't worry any more. And how we wish that those we love could somehow find a way To let us know they've made it safely there, So we can let them go and know they really are okay.... Receiving all the love we send in prayer author unknown Take Care, Janice Cummings & Family

Dear Bettye, The Lord bless you at this difficult time. We are sorry to lose a great Mariner friend, but rejoice that he is now with Jesus. May the Spirit comfort you and your family. Love, Harold and Beverly

Dear Ms. Bettye, Even though I only met you and Mr. Ralph most recently in a hospice capacity, I came to care deeply for you both. I am glad to have met your husband and glad that I was able to be of some sort of assistance to you both at this most sensitive time in your lives. I will always remember Mr. Irwin and am glad to have a new friend in you. Sincerely, Diane Moore and family

Bettye, You have the comfort of knowing that Ralph has awakened in Jesus' arms! As always, Liz

Dr Bettye: It is with a heavy heart that I send these condolences. Ralph was always a smiling gentleman when we had the pleasure to meet him. I know that your life with him was a joyful and peaceful one. We will miss him greatly at the National Alumni Association - Booker T. Washington High School - Texarkana, Arkansas Reunions. As we miss him we know that God loved him best. With deepest sympathy, Edris Dade

Mrs. Irwin, My family will always appreciate the love and kindness which you and Mr. Irwin have always shown us. I pray that you will focus on the many wonderful times that the two of you have shared throughout your lives together. I am sure that he is with you in spirit. God Bless, Zonora Warner

Bettye, my heart and prayers go out to you. When a partnership is as close and loving as was yours and Ralph's, the passing of a mate is always too soon. In his presence I always felt like Ralph's "Special Philly Song Bird", and I selfishly but gratefully hold on to fond memories of my years in CA and that recent and final visit. His wonderfully detailed stories were always a delight and to the end, he presented them like the orator he was. Ralph was a special guy and you were so lucky to have shared a life with him. I pray that you receive the God given strength that you will need to carry on and embrace life. Ralph would want that for you (and so do I). With love and condolence, Sheila

Dearest Bettye What a shock to see that your beloved husband Ralph has gone to be with Jesus. Please know that you and family are in my prayers. It was so wonderful to recently discover each other again on the internet after all our special years at Culver City High. God give you the strength you need to get through this time of sorrow.. Kathleen

Hello Bettye & Family, I am keeping you and family in prayer! You two seemed to have a very special relationship! Cherish it! I know you will miss him alot! We will also miss him! Take good care of yourselves! With Love, Audrey Smith & the BTWHS So. California Chapter

Mrs. Irwin, You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I have such fond memories of Mr. Irwin and rejoice in knowing that he is with the Saints and our Heavenly Father! May God continue to bless you and give you His Peace. Susan Grayson Warren