BLOOMINGTON - Francis Irvin retired in 1985, but he never retired from serving the community. Irvin, who helped found Mid Central Community Action in 1969 and was described as a beacon for social justice, died Tuesday at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. He was 87. | Francis Irvin's obituary

"He had a passion for making things better for low-income people," said John Burrill, executive director of the agency that helps individuals and families reach self-sufficiency. "Some really important work was done.

Francis Irvin

"Over 42 years, he missed few meetings. He was an active member right up to this year. He still came and always had something to say," Burrill said.

Irvin was a "treasurer of information" about the history of the community and about people's needs, Burrill said. "He was a direct speaker and a kind person."

"He was a beacon in this community for social justice," said Bloomington Alderman Karen Schmidt, who attended Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington with him.

Irvin, the son of a coal miner who went on to earn degrees from Illinois State University and Columbia University at New York City, taught for 32 years in Heyworth.

"We all adored him," said Deidre Darnall of Heyworth, a former student. "When he walked into the room, I knew learning was going to be fun that day."

He served on the boards of Operation Recycle and Scott Health Resources Center; worked with the McLean County AIDS Task Force; organized the Bloomington-Normal Head Start Program; and most recently gave input to the West Bloomington Community Summit to improve the neighborhood where he and many of his friends lived.

He received the Rev. Martin Luther King award in 1980; Midwest Region Boys and Girls Club Service Award in 1994; Community Action Volunteer of the Year award in 1996; the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award in 2000; the Illinois Community Action Association service award in 2002; and the WJBC Don Munson Spirit of McLean County Award in 2004.

"His community impact was incredible," said Mike Matejka, government affairs director of the Great Plains Laborer's District Council and former Bloomington alderman.

He always had a stub of a pencil in his hand, taking notes at a meeting, Matejka said. Later in the meeting, he'd look at his notes and say, "Here are a couple of things to think about doing."

Irvin also had fascination with American and natural history, Matejka said.

"One of his retirement goals was to retrace the Lewis and Clark expedition," Matejka said. He would take trips along the rivers from St. Louis to the Pacific and eventually traveled the entire route.

"He had a gentle presence but was not afraid to tell the truth," Matejka said. "It is a rare combination to care passionately about something and not be obnoxious."