Irvin E. Bridge

Irvin Ellsworth Bridge, age 78, of Grants Pass, left his wife and children to go be with his friends and family who have left before him.

Irvin was the fourth child and first son born to Ivan Earl & Hazel (Mohr) Bridge on March 6, 1940 while traveling by train and passing through Roseburg, Oregon. He lived in Hugo where he attended Hugo and Merlin Elementary Schools then Grants Pass High School. In 1958 he volunteered for the draft and joined the United States Army. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to southern Oregon where he worked for Grants Pass Plywood. In 1961 he married Linda J. Eggers and they moved to Central Point where he worked 36 years for Boise Cascade. Due to illness he retired and moved back to Grants Pass where he and his wife built their home on a peaceful pile of land with lots of wildlife.

Irvin was a member of the Elks, Eagles, And the Supreme Emblem Club. He was also proud to be both a foster and shelter parent for 21 years.

He volunteered as a Little League manager; cleaning at Granite Hill Cemetery; and Emblem Club events.

His hobbies included hunting, crabbing, fishing, camping, walking on the beach, woodcutting, RVing with grandkids; pulling pranks; and playing basketball.

Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association.

Survivors include his wife, Linda J. Bridge of Grants Pass; two sons, Randy Bridge and Daniel Bridge; foster daughters, Georgia Newell, Janice Hopper, and Ginger Vassar; a sister, Virginia Smith; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; three sisters, Veva Covington, Rose McEuen, and Ivalee Dean; and a brother, Ivan “Butch” Bridge.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Merlin Alternative Center, 345 Merlin Road (old Merlin Elementary School).