Longtime facilities director dies of cancer

A memorial mass for Michael Logan Irish, popular director of facilities at Portland State until last July 1, was scheduled at 1 p.m. today at St. John the Evangelist Church in Vancouver.

Mike Irish lost his battle with prostate cancer Nov. 13. He was born Nov. 12, 1940, in Seattle.

Irish worked as a project director at Portland State from 1985 to 1993 and returned as director of facilities beginning in 2003. On July 1, he stepped down and assumed the title of special assistant to the interim director, Robyn Pierce.

At the time he stepped down, Cathy Dyck, interim vice president for finance and administration, said, “He’s been a wonderful addition to the finance and administration staff. Mike has done a wonderful job of increasing morale among the facilities staff in spite of severe economic constraints.”

In his part-time position, Irish had planned to retire no later than June of next year.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, three sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren and other family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mike Irish Creative Award Fund at Portland State University Foundation. PO Box 243, Portland, OR 97207, or to the American Cancer Society.