Remembering a Palm Springs hotelier and Robolights supporter
His home may have eclipsed his legacy, but Ken Irwin Sr. was a pioneer in the Coachella Valley.
On Friday, Irwin, 86, lost his battle with cancer.
Irwin’s family tells CBS Local 2 and KESQ he passed away at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, surrounded by his family.
Irwin Sr. ran La Mancha Villas for over 30 years and served on many boards in the city of Palm Springs, promoting the city. He also owned the famous Robolights home in Palm Springs, where son Kenny Irwin Jr. created a whimsical Christmas display that has gotten worldwide attention for nearly two decades.
“From my experience living with my dad for over 42 years he was clearly the most selfless, caring and loving person I have ever known,” says Irwin Jr. “He touched so many lives in such a positive way I cannot even comprehend how many people he positively affected.”
A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Our Lady of Solitude Church in Palm Springs, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the church at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Following the Mass, Irwin will be laid to rest at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City. All services are open to the public.
