Golf Ontario was saddened to learn of the passing of former Ontario Ladies Golf Association President Fern Irwin. Golf Ontario extends condolences to her family and friends.
Obituary courtesy of Legacy.com
CLARA FERN (WOOD) IRWIN 1919 – 2016 Fern Irwin, formerly of Etobicoke, passed away peacefully at Riverside Glen Long Term Care Facility (Guelph). Born in Arcola, Saskatchewan, she was the daughter of the late Hazeal and Myrtle (Littlejohn) Wood. As a young girl, Fern and family moved from the farm to live in Sault Ste. Marie. When she finished her schooling, she was hired as one of Dominion Bridge’s first female draft persons in Montreal. She eventually moved to Toronto, where in 1952, she met and married Harold Irwin and they began a long and very happy life together. Fern was an outstanding athlete and widely respected in both the curling and golf communities. As a curler in 1962, she skipped the first St. George’s Rink ever to capture the Ontario Championship, as well as the first Ontario Seniors Championship in 1973. Golf was her passion and forte. Extremely proud of “her” St. George’s Golf Club, she captured the Ladies Championship six times between 1975 and 1991. As a builder she gave much back to the game, both at St. George’s and to Ontario. From being Chairman of Greens at the club, to becoming Director and later President of the Ontario Ladies Golf Association, her love of golf was unparalleled. St. George’s recognized her significant contributions by naming her an honorary life member. On top of all that she has done, Fern went skydiving with her nephew Kent on her 82nd birthday. Aside from her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Harold and her brother Glenn. She is survived by her sister-in- law Wendy Wood (Peterborough), as well as nephews Scott (Heather, Moncton), Dean (Fort McMurray) and Kent (Donna, Montreal). In respecting Fern’s wishes, there will be no funeral service and she will be interred in Sault Ste. Marie with other family members, on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery. In memory of Fern, donations to The Salvation Army or a memorial of the donor’s choice would be very much appreciated. Cards are available at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, 519-821-5077 and online condolences can be left a twww.gilbertmacintyreandson.com Fern… “A live well lived… no regrets!”
