Irving was born to Irving and Melissa Johnson in Villa Park, IL on January 2, 1933. Before he was a year old the family moved to southwestern MI where he grew up. After graduating from South Haven High School, he studied at Western Michigan College (now University) in Kalamazoo earning a degree in Music Education with a minor in history. The next several years were spent teaching music and history in Indian River, Bridgman and Whittemore, Mi before moving to Colorado in 1965. In Colorado he taught in Bayfield and Woodland Park. Wherever he was, there was always a church needing a choir director so there was never a time he wasn't involved in that. He also directed and/or sang in many community choruses and played string bass in several symphony orchestras. To the end he still played his bass and trombone in groups for senior activities and retirement homes.

In 1986 he married Joyce Dickerson, whom he met while singing in the Colorado Springs Chorale. They spent many years working, playing, traveling, and making music together.

He is survived by Joyce and a sister Clara Start as well as children from a previous marriage, Mary Kay and William (Teresa). He was preceded in death by sons Philip and Jay, his parents, siblings Mildred, Rose and Harold. He is also survived by many grand, great, and great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. When he and Joyce married he added her adult children and their families to his - Jordan (Joyce), Jeanne (Mark), Robin (Leo) and Aileen.

Besides his love of music, Irving has always been interested in outdoor activities. He loved being in the woods cutting firewood and exploring the many trails and abandoned railroad grades in Colorado. He loved going on trips to national parks and other scenic places with Joyce, then sharing the experiences and beautiful pictures with others. He also enjoyed visiting family and friends from both their families. He was an avid model railroader, taking part in several local and national activities. Many people enjoyed seeing his impressive model layout. In 2009 Irving was awarded the Master Railroader Award by the National Organization (MRA).

He was a member of a number of churches during his lifetime, not only being choir director but a member of their leadership. He was named a Civilian Volunteer of the Year at Ft. Carson for his musical contributions, receiving the Commander's Award for Public Service in 1991.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 26, at 2:00pm, St. David's Episcopal Church on Edlowe Rd and Hwy 24.

Memorial contributions can be made to Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden, CO; TCRAS, Divide, CO; Woodland Park Senior Organization; or Teller County Senior Coalition, Divide, CO.