Traverse City, Michigan - Matthew Michael Irish, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49 on April 30, 2026 at Munson Medical Center, with his loving family by his side. Matthew had a kind and compassionate heart, always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a beloved son, father, brother, uncle and friend, who will be deeply missed by so many. Matthew was born on September 3, 1976 at Munson Medical Center to Randy and Kim (Jakubeck) Irish. He was raised in Traverse City with his younger sister, Carrie, where he made lifelong memories and friendships. He graduated from Traverse City High School in 1995 and went on to attend college classes at Northwestern Michigan College and University of Nevada.

Matthew was never afraid of adventure; his travels took him across the country to Nevada on a motorcycle at 19, as well as trips by car, train and plane to Florida, Louisiana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Texas. Although he loved to travel, his greatest joy was found close to home with his children, friends and family, whom he cherished. Matthew loved all things automotive and four wheel drive, enjoying hours of garage time for a chance to spend the day at a mud bog or four wheel drive event. If there were no events to be had, he was always up for a trail ride in the 80's, even if it meant taking a less than capable daily driver and risking a long walk home.

Matthew always treasured spending time in nature. All his life he enjoyed walks from his family home through the forest to Acme Creek. He loved hunting and fishing with his friends and family whenever he got the chance. Matthew is survived by his children, William (Mayson) Irish and Nichole Irish; father, Randy Irish; mother, Kim Irish (David Swift); sister, Carrie (Luke) Delk; nephews, Brecken and Crew Delk. Also survived by his aunts, Connie (Mark) Drake, Leslie Irish, Eleanor Craft; uncle, Gary (Karen) Irish and many cousins and friends.

Matthew was joyfully greeted in heaven by his family who had loved him deeply and been waiting to see him again. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Galetta and Mike Jakubeck, Lester Irish and Barbara Kendall; aunts, Barbara Bridges, Virginia Bramer, Josephine Powell, Lori Irish and Bernadette Giuffre; uncles, Lloyd Bridges and Michael Giuffre, as well as multiple cousins and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 from 1pm to 5pm at Ranch Rudolph 6841 Brown Bridge Rd. Traverse City MI 49686.