Charles Irvine Obituary

Charles Gore Irvine passed peacefully in his sleep on Father’s Day, June 16, 2024, with his beloved wife, Anne Barr Irvine, by his side as she has been for their 74 years of marriage. Chuck and Anne were two sides of a coin and all who have known them together came away with awe at their love and longevity.

Chuck was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on August 14,1930, to Charles R. and Helen Irvine. The family was joined by sister Sally in 1932 and moved to Des Moines in 1933 but never lost their love for Lake Superior, spending summers at Park Point with his beloved Aunt Mary.

Chuck attended Des Moines Public Schools, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1948, where he would meet and marry Anne in 1950. He enlisted in the Marine Corps, fought for his country in Korea, and returned home to his young family, working full time while attending and graduating from Iowa State University. He was a lifelong learner, insatiably curious, well read and always up to date.

Chuck had a long entrepreneurial career. He was a fair guy in business, never a micro manager; if he hired you, he trusted you to do the right thing. He was a good judge of character and it served him well. His business partners, employees, suppliers and customers all appreciated his honest approach. Chuck took pride in how many families were supported by his businesses, including primarily his fiberglass distribution company, Plastic Supply; the thermoplastic business that he started with his son Tom, Prime Alliance; and other ventures including Gore Creek Distributing, for which his son Ted got a lifetime worth of good stories. His eldest son, Chuck Jr., worked at his dad’s companies over the years and went on to run his own successful bike shop, Boulevard Sports. Daughter Julie worked for his companies as well and went on to a career in sales and philanthropy.

Chuck’s life revolved around his family and business, but he found time for friends, playing gin rummy, golf, hunting, fishing trips to Canada and always Cyclone athletics. Later in life Chuck and Anne had a home at Madeline Island on Lake Superior, reconnecting with his ancestral roots and the many lighthouses manned by his forefathers. Chuck and Anne loved the island and their summers there with new and old friends, and their grown children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sally Cross, Anne’s parents Francis and Luella McIntyre, his son Chuck Jr., and his daughter Julia and her husband Woody Brenton. Surviving Chuck are Anne B. Irvine; Tom Irvine and Heather (Jack) Gerlach, Thomas (Ruthie), Emily; Will and Helen; Ted Irvine (Christine), Mac and Maggie; Ann Frahm Irvine; Victoria Brenton (Adam Lackey), George and Zelda; Ted Brenton (Yara), Zane and Jude; and Woody Brenton (Vanessa). Chuck loved all his dogs but particularly missed his last dog and best friend Bo.

Chuck enjoyed a cocktail with almost everyone although those that returned knew that small talk wouldn’t fly. Politics, religion, world affairs, technology, business and sports were all fair game for Chuck’s social hour. If you could hold your ground in a discussion with Chuck, you were friends for life.

A celebration of Chuck's life will be Friday, August 16, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Moberg Gallery, 2411 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312, with remarks at 6:00 p.m.

Sincere appreciation to the Wesley staff, particularly the hospice team, who took great care of Chuck in his final weeks. Memorial contributions may be made to National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, 420 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102 or
https://www.nplsf.org/charles-irvine-memorial-donation.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Charles Irvine, please visit our Tribute Store.