Irvin Winston Sweeney was born April 3, 1926 in Fort Bidwell, Calif., to Lawrence and Maggie Sweeney. Irvin went to school in Bidwell until the age of 16 when he went to Oakland to work as a welder on a shipyard and as a mechanic at a car dealership.
After finding Oakland not to his liking, he moved to Midas to live with his brother Paul on the Squaw Valley ranch. There he met a girl who loved horses and lived just a few miles away. Irvin would ride his brother's horse for miles in order to court her. On March 23, 1947 Irvin married that girl, Ardis Wilkerson in Winnemucca.
In 1948, they were living at the DH ranch in Paradise Valley where Irvin was working. Their first child Larry was born at this time, four other children would bless their household over time. Irvin worked and lived at two mines, Getchell and later, Tungsten. Their family moved back to town and Irvin got several different jobs such as for the City of Winnemucca. He later was employed by Humboldt County as a mechanic and retired from there. During his life, he had other various jobs in Winnemucca including Nachiondo Motors and Western Truck and Tractor.
After retirement, Irvin bought a second home in Fort Bidwell. He enjoyed visiting here with his family and going to the lake to fish. Irvin also had an interest in mine claims.
Irvin is survived by his brother Herbert. Children: Larry, Gary (Joy) Sweeney, Michael (Sharon) Sweeney, Bernie (Kathy) Sweeney, and Lisa Sweeney. Grandchildren: Nicole Sweeney, Megan (Ricky) Parry, Dustin Caumiant, Jami Caumiant, Cody Caumiant, Winston (Melissa) Sweeney, Lydia Sweeney, and Elizabeth (Cody) Fitzgerald. Great grandchildren: Brandon Sweeney, Desiree (Dusty Morris) Parry, Bethany Nichols, Gavin Parry, Ashton Parry, Isabella Caumiant, Mackenzie Dockins. Great-great grandchild: Draven Morris. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.
Irvin is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Maggie (Rothgeb) Sweeney, his wife Ardis (Wilkerson) Sweeney, brothers Leithead (Grace) Sweeney, Paul (Maxine) Sweeney, Austin Sweeney, Otis (Sarah) Sweeney. Sisters: Erma (John) Burgoyne, Violet (Roy) Baty, Ruby (Ernest) Green, Lillian (Dalton) Poff. Grandsons: Paul Sweeney and James Sweeney.
Irvin passed away on August 7, 2012 in Battle Mountain, Nevada. He will be always remembered by those who loved him as being an excellent storyteller, jokes and lover of all sweets.
Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, 2012 at the Albertson Funeral Home in Winnemucca. Those wishing to share memories with the family may do so at albertsonfuneralhome.com.
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