NORTH YARMOUTH — Alvah S. “Al” Irish, 61, of North Yarmouth, died on Friday, May 13, 2011, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice with his family by his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Portland, the son of Millard and Mary Jane Armstrong Irish. He attended Gorham schools graduating from Gorham High School, Class of 1967, and also was a graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering from Southern Maine Community College, South Portland.

Mr. Irish was employed for 35 years for the former S.D. Warren Paper Company, now Sappi Paper, until his illness.

He had a great love for landscaping and he enjoyed the serenity of the outdoors. His family stated, “Al was well versed when it came to recognizing many variety of plants, shrubs, flowers and trees. It was truly a gift he developed over the years.”

He also had a great interest in working on automobiles, especially Corvettes; they were his favorite. He was a devoted husband and father spending time with his family.

Besides his wife of 34 years, Nancy (Rolerson) Irish of North Yarmouth, he leaves his mother of Westbrook; two sons, Ryan Irish of Casco, who is expecting his first child in October, and Shaun Irish of Bluffton, S.C.; two sisters, Jill Pease of Westbrook and Jane Meggison of Gorham; and one grandchild.

A celebration of Al’s life was held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, with the Rev. Philip Shearman officiating. Interment will be private. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Al’s guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: The American Cancer Society New England Division, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham, ME 04086.