Body of missing Queen Anne man found

Geeky Swedes Ballard

Earlier this week we wrote that family members of Phil Irwin asked for the community’s help looking for him after he disappeared on June 1st. Phil’s daughter Emily, a Ballard resident, writes, “I just wanted to let you know that my father’s body was found in Lake Union yesterday by divers from the Wooden Boat Center who were working a regular dive for ship wreckages. It appears that he took his own life by jumping off the Aurora Bridge. Again, thank you for the help in trying to find him. My family is grateful to know where he is and, at the same time, deeply saddened by the reality of the situation.”

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

31 thoughts to “Body of missing Queen Anne man found”

  1. Good thing we spent a quarter million dollars on the anti-suicide fence to keep people from jumping off that bridge, eh?

    Sorry for his family and friends, but it was pretty stupid to throw away that money on that project.

  2. I can’t believe no one has commented on the fact that someone managed to jump off the AURORA BRIDGE!

    What a waste of money!!!!

    Sorry about your loss.

  3. No satisfaction to say this again, but it appears the designers of the fence did not take into account the existing posts – it looks like it would be easy for someone to step up on the old post & vault over the new fence.

    Sad…

  5. I am so, so sorry for the family’s loss.  Everyone was hoping for a better outcome, I’m sure.

    I would hope that if a person who I loved and/or cared about took their own life, that I wouldn’t be reading (mostly) unfeeling comments by anonymous posters.

  6. Emily,
    We want you to know that your father was a terrific person and cared deeply about you.  All he wanted was for you to be happy and to know that he supported you.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.

  8. I take some solace in knowing that I, an older guy, still have the option to jump off that bridge. Especially with the way things are going lately around here.

  9. Phil Irwin was a wonderful, wonderful man. My heart goes out to his family in their time of  grief. He contributed greatly to his community and will be remembered as someone who cared a great deal about others.

  10. Phil was a kind, generous, gentle and above all, compassionate soul.  This loss will touch all of us who were lucky to know and care about him. 

    My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

  12. I am sorry for the families loss. As someone affected by the suicide of my husband 5 years ago, I can know the loss. But I opposed and still oppose spending $600,000 + on this fence, when it could have ben better spent on mental health facilities, etc…. This could have paid the yearly salary of a social worker for 5 + years…. It seems a waste

  14. Phil was the kind of guy who believed in giving back and in respecting everyone. He knew our community well, warts and all. A few weeks ago, he emailed me this encouragement and I dearly wish I could say it back to him in person. “Take good care and treat yourself to something special to honor all the good you have done. I know this has been hard on you. Stay strong my friend.” Rest in peace, Phil. I’ll never forget you. May your family find peace.

  15. Hey Burt, go spend some time in an African country and let’s see if you want to keep living, eh? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Comments like yours are sad. Seattle is nirvana compared to rest of the world and even other cities in the US. 
    Sorry for the loss of this family, and for the word horror you find on this comments. You people have NO soul or respect to a mourning family. 

  18. @Guest: while you make some good points to Burt, and Burt’s own unthoughtful attempts at humor, it sounds like Burt may be sending quiet messages about contemplating suicide himself.  Fence or no fence, a person who wants to commit suicide will find a way to do it.
    @Burt: please find a trusted person to talk with.  There are 1-800 phone numbers to call if you wish to remain more anonymous at this point.  Don’t wait until it’s a crisis to find help.

  21. I’m really sorry to hear this news.
     
    It’s nasty and mean-spirited to choose this time and place to say that the fence was a waste. It’s like replying to the report of someone tragically dying in a car crash that it wasn’t worth it to require seat belts in cars because look, it didn’t save everyone.

    Give the fence a couple years and then compare the statistics before you decide whether it was a waste or not. And then pick your knuckles up off the ground and consider posting your comments about it someplace other than below the dignfied annoucement of a community member’s tragic death.

  22. I wasn’t kidding.  No, I’m not planning a swan dive off the bridge anytime soon, but I do like to know that the option remains. Things are really crappy in this town now, and much of what’s wrong with it comes from the latest wave of morons who have arrived and ruined what used to be a nice place to live.  As it just gets worse and worse, and as options to avoid the crap dwindle, I’m glad to know there are some ultimate ways out that won’t be blocked off by the spandex mafia now running the city, just in case I ever need to go there. Life here used to be great. Not so much anymore – and if your yardstick is “compared to Somalia?” then that says a lot about how far things have deteriorated.

  23. I send my deepest condolences to the Irwin family, along with my most sincere apologies for the callous nature of some of the other posters in this forum.

  26. To the Irwin family- your dad was a great man, may he find peace wherever he is. You are all in my prayers forever.
    -a neighbor 

  27. I agree with you 99% Burt.  (Can’t see myself jumping off the Bridge.)  The nerd invasion has destroyed Seattle.

    This really has little to do with this story though. Sorry for the Irwin’s loss.

  28. Emily and family:
    I was provided the great honor of knowing your father. He was a man that treated me like nothing short of family, always with a smile, a hug and wisdom. I know how deeply he loved his children and that does not change regardless of this tragic event. Phil, you were a remarkable man and I will miss you deeply.

    Hugs, Erin

  29. My son just told me about Phil’s passing and I cried. He was such a good person and big part of the QA community for many years. I first met him at the local park, where he was playing with his children when they were really, really young. I was so impressed with the love and caring that he gave them. He coached my child’s soccer team and was involved with their school.  The world is a little darker with his passing.  My condolences to his family. Phil will be missed.

  30. Phil’s death is a great loss to us all. I worked with Phil and he was the most generous, intelligent and kind-hearted soul I have ever known. He loved his family dearly and was such a fine human being. Prayers are with his beloved family as they cope with this sad loss.

    As for the inhumane comments posted on here, it is appalling. They should hope that in their weakest moment, they don’t have vultures circling them in the same fashion.

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