Oliver Irby

Oliver Ronald Irby January 16, 1956 - March 13, 2018 A child of God. A disciple of Christ. A good man. A beloved man. A family man. A son. A brother. An uncle. An artist. A poet. A writer. A photographer and calligrapher. An avid reader. An athlete. A survivor. Oliver Ronald began his Christian journey at his family’s church homes, Beebe Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Church of All Faiths, both in Oakland. When he relocated to New Jersey seven years ago, he continued his commitment of service to the Lord and joined the Community Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Iselin. He was active in various church ministries and gladly shared with his family back home his love for the preached Gospel and fellowship with his new found church family. Ronald Oliver was born in Oakland, California, during the marriage of Oliver Irby and Laura Johnson. Ronald, as he was called by his large and extended family, graduated from Oakland Technical Senior High School in 1974. Because of his academic achievements, he was selected to be an exchange student in Berlin, Germany and was a member of a number of student organizations, including staff photographer for the school newspaper and yearbooks. A skilled athlete in high school, he lettered in basketball and football. After graduating, he was a journalism scholarship recipient to San Francisco State University. He also played first string football at San Francisco State. Although he did not graduate from San Francisco State, he recognized his passion and gift as a visual artist and continued studies at the Art Institute of San Francisco. For a number of years, he was in business as a professional photographer and graphic artist. Later, he worked as a graphic artist and media specialist for the California Department of Transportation. He retired due to health issues. Ronald was devoted to his family and loved to share their accomplishments - especially his siblings, nieces and nephews. They, in turn, were very proud of the accomplishments he achieved, especially in spite of severe health challenges throughout his life. Through challenges as a transplant recipient (kidney and pancreas), having both legs amputated and permanently losing most of his eyesight, he remained optimistic. Later he agreed to undergo an experimental procedure to restore some of his eyesight. The procedure was successful in restoring a good portion of his eyesight. Oliver’s parents and one sister, Beverly Battise, preceded him in death. He will be remembered with love and longing by his sisters, Linda White (Sacramento, CA), Michele Battise (Albany, CA), Arlene (Frank) Torrence, (Minden, Louisiana,) Deborah Irby (Oakland); brother Bruce (Eleanor) Brown, (American Canyon, CA); an aunt, Inez Chafford, (San Pablo, CA); and his partner, Lea Frazier and her sons, Dondrey and Ayman. Other relatives, childhood friends and extended family will fondly remember and miss Ronald. Oliver Ronald Irby lived his faith, kept his determination to live a good life, connect with other good people and seize any opportunity to enjoy a good laugh. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 21, Kyle’s Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, 912 Florida Street, Vallejo, California. .