Wayne Irick

Wayne Irick was born on October 9, 1934, in Carrington, North Dakota, to Ralph and Beatrice Irick. In 1935, the family moved to Wahpeton, North Dakota, where his sister Judy was born. He graduated from St. John's Grade School and Wahpeton High School, where he served as Junior Class President and editor of the school newspaper.

A man of boundless energy and curiosity, Wayne embraced a wide range of interests throughout his life, including hunting, fishing, boat building, skiing, golf, tennis, and fencing. From an early age he worked alongside his father, a farm manager, and held many jobs as a young man, from newspaper carrier and storm window installer to bulldozer operator, drugstore clerk, busboy, usher, pinsetter, painting contractor, and roofer. He began his college education in engineering at the University of North Dakota, served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1956, and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from North Dakota State University in 1958.

In 1958, Wayne married Carol Savageau. The couple moved from Fargo to Chicago, then to Fairbanks, Alaska, where their daughter Paula and son Steve were born. In 1964 they settled in Denver, Colorado. Over a long and varied career, Wayne worked as an industrial engineer, estimator, draftsman, plumber, mechanical design engineer, project manager, and district manager. He earned certifications as a journeyman and master plumber and as a NEBB Testing & Balancing Supervisor, taught plumbing apprentices, and contributed to the revision of Denver’s refrigeration code. He was an active member of many professional and community organizations, including ASHRAE, ASPE, NEBB, MCA, PHCC, SMACNA, the Knights of Columbus, and the Optimist Club.

Wayne and Carol shared a deep love of travel, visiting countries across Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, and many cities throughout the United States. He cherished time with family and friends, enjoyed gardening, home projects, reading, puzzles, cards, movies, and gourmet dining. He published a monthly wine guide for those close to him and took great pleasure in his collection of cars. Carol passed away in 2024 after 66 years of marriage.

Wayne is survived by his children, Paula Gutzmer and Steve Irick, both of the Denver area, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His sister Judy preceded him in death in 2022. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family.