Marcus Paul Irwin

Marcus Paul Irwin, age 55, passed away on April 8, 2026.

Born June 7, 1970, in Olympia, Washington, Marcus grew into a man known for creativity, independence, generosity, and a wonderfully quirky spirit that drew people to him throughout his life.

Marcus attended Cascade High School, where he became something of a legend among the Cascade Bruins from 1984 through his graduation in 1988. As both an offensive and defensive lineman, he was known for his remarkable strength and presence on the field. One spectator famously remarked, “I've never seen anything like it… they have four guys on him and they can't get past him.” That strength carried into other sports as a natural athlete. A classmate said, “without much effort or dedication,” Marcus lettered in football, track (shot put), and wrestling, going on to win state championships in both wrestling and track.

During his junior year, Marcus decided to enroll in Sno-Isle Trade School to study welding, where he used artistic and technical skills to ultimately win a state championship in welding. He also holds an unbroken weightlifting record at Cascade, a lasting testament to how strong he was.

Yet Marcus’s strength was matched by something equally memorable—his thoughtful, philosophical spirit. Those who knew him saw both sides of him clearly: a man capable of extraordinary strength, and at the same time a gentle thinker who was insatiably curious, living for conversation and reflection about life’s quirkiest or deepest subjects.

After high school, he pursued creative careers. He became a professional chef, completing culinary training at the Seattle Culinary Institute, earning certification in culinary arts. His passion for craftsmanship of every genre continued when he attended the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, where he refined his woodworking skills and deepened his appreciation for precision and beauty in the marine industry. His talents in the culinary arts and woodworking benefited friends and family throughout his life. He clearly enjoyed his on-call role, creating menus, providing world-class catering, recipe help or—even rebuilding a family rowboat using beautiful woods that transformed it into a work of art.

When it was time to get more serious, Marcus attended Central Washington University, studying land use, geography, and cartography—fields that would shape his “real” career. He earned his degree in 1997. Marcus began his early career working at the Port of Everett and then with Snohomish County engineering firms, where he developed a reputation for blending technical precision with artistic presentation. In 2004, he launched his own consulting business, providing drafting and visualization services to civil engineers involved in planning and land development projects.

He became known for developing a plotting file called MPI.CTB, based on his initials, which applied artistic shading to two-dimensional engineering drawings. It is used by many in the engineering field today. His work elevated technical plans into visual presentations that stood out for their clarity. During one public hearing for an 18-unit subdivision, a Land Commissioner reviewing the plans remarked, “These are the best drawings I've ever seen.”

Marcus’s creativity extended far beyond engineering. He was a philosopher at heart—someone who loved to explore ideas and express them through song lyrics, poetry, and thoughtful writing. He was also a prolific artist, filling pages with sketches and drawings, as well as carving intricate ice sculptures.

His hobbies were as diversified as he was. Marcus passionately pursued the perfect outcomes for a cup of coffee or the ultimate oyster. He channeled his curiosity into coffee roasting, mushroom farming and, most famously, oyster farming. He tended to his “babies” in the nurseries he built out on Camano Island beaches and invited many people to participate in visiting and harvesting them.

He enjoyed a beautiful relationship with longtime love, Liz Smith, for nearly two decades.

Marcus had no children, but he built something equally meaningful: community. Some of his closest friends created what became known as “Camp Marcus,” a roaring, multi-day annual gathering filled with large bonfires, music, and philosophical conversations that stretched late into the night—along with stories that will remain forever secret. As one friend wrote, “All who are his friends are blessed.”

Marcus was a dog whisperer and natural trainer, forming deep bonds with his loyal canine companions throughout his adult life. Congratulations to Tucker, and later Luma, who won the Dog Lottery when they picked him from their respective shelters. We know they were the first to greet him and now stand on each side of him as he explores his new world beyond this one.

Marcus is survived by his parents, Kathie and Paul Irwin of Camano Island; his sisters, Jan Clayton (Ron) of Redmond, Washington, and Mindi Babb (Jason) of Lake Stevens, Washington; and his beloved nephews, Nicholas Clayton (Kristen), Carson Babb, and Brady Babb, who will carry forward his stories and spirit.

Marcus will be remembered as an incredibly good man— generous, fiercely independent and unforgettable. His life was marked not by a single path, but by the many things he built, created, and shared with others. Each person who knew him is forever enriched by knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 9, 2026 at 3pm at the Camano Country Club, 1243 Beach Dr, Camano, Washington.