Troy Irwin , 46, Minot, died Friday, December 23, 2016 in a Minot hospital.

Troy was born December 12, 1970, in Great Falls, MT to Lane and Cheryl (Mavis) Irwin. He was raised in Surrey, ND where he graduated from Surrey High School in 1989. He played basketball and baseball in high school. He played for the Sawyer/Surrey Legion Baseball Team, who claimed the State Class B Championship in 1989.

Troy helped his dad install carpet for many years and lived the motto "Anything worth doing is worth doing right!" Troy received his Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in History and Physical Education and a minor in coaching from Minot State University.

Troy was united in marriage to Helga Waldbauer. This union was blessed with two sons, Brett and Cade. His greatest accomplishment and joy in life were his boys. As a father, he found his true calling. His love, respect and strong character will live inside his boys forever. Troy began his career with Minot Public Schools in 1998. He was passionate about his job as an 8th grade history teacher at Erik Ramstad Middle School. He loved his students and was always able to see the best in them while teaching them to love history as much as he did.

Troy will always be remembered for the great man he was and the love and passion he felt for life. His infectious booming laughter could be heard upon entering the room, making everyone feel like a friend. Troy's passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Royals along with his passion for all sports was well known to all who knew Troy. He didn't believe sports were just a game to play; he believed sports were a way of life and were the key to many valuable lessons.

Troy had a passion for his hobbies. Dungeons and Dragons kept him a child at heart and gave him the ability to lose himself in storytelling of mythical lands and creatures. Troy found a reason to be happy every day of his life; he always believed happiness was a choice and he practiced that belief daily. He showed a great love for his family who gave him the best possible start in life. He loved his significant other, Lilly, and her two boys unconditionally, as he was a great believer in unconditional love. Troy enriched countless lives through his work with students, athletes, friends, family and colleagues. They will always feel the loss of his untimely death because he cannot ever be replaced.

Troy is survived by his children, Brett and Cade Irwin; his love, Lilly Taylor, and her boys, Nick and Alex Taylor, all of Minot; parents, Lane and Cheryl Irwin, Minot; sister, Staci (Mitch) Van Vleet, Fargo, ND; brother, Travis (Jamie) Irwin, Minot; nieces and nephews, Halie, Sam and Karli Van Vleet and Porter and Pryce Irwin; aunts and uncles, Rande and Joe Scott and Marlys Remington; cousins, Brent (Nancy), Jason and Jodi Scott and Dwight (Pam) Remington.

Troy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lee and Mabel Irwin and Roy and Olga Mavis.

Funeral Service : 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2016 at First Assembly of God, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to an education fund for his children. Donations can be made to the Troy Irwin Benefit at any Gate City Bank location.