Obituary of Owen Robert Irwin

December 22, 1919 - June 26, 2015 Bob Irwin passed away peacefully on June 26, 2015 in Lake Havasu City, AZ at the age of 95. He leaves behind a legacy of notable accomplishment and exceptional integrity. To his family and friends Bob remains an ongoing source of strength and wisdom. Bob was born in Kansas City to Oren and Josephine Irwin. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a Link trainer instructor and taught celestial navigation to new pilots. After obtaining his doctorate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri in 1949, Bob moved west where he met his wife, Flo. They married in 1953 and together started Fullerton Air Parts. Bob and Flo founded Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. in Fullerton, CA in 1965 and ACS Products Co. in Lake Havasu City in 1983. Their sons continue these businesses today. Bob had a lifelong love for airplanes and became a pilot in 1948. Over the next 50 years he logged over 2200 hours in his Vultee BT-13, Navion A, and Navion Rangemaster. He introduced Flo to aviation soon after they met, and she loved flying with Bob to destinations near and far. They spent their honeymoon flying to Baja, landing on dirt airstrips and enjoying several days in La Paz and San Jose del Cabo in the days that they were sleepy, remote towns. Bob was a skilled, instrument rated pilot who passed on his love of aviation to his sons and grandchildren. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Flo in 1989. He is survived by his sons, Jim (Nanci) and John (Frances); 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Bob was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who is a shining example of a life well lived. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.