HOLDEN - Irving Thomas Creath, 72, passed peacefully at EMMC after a cardiac event on July 24, 2018. Irving was born on August 7, 1945, in Lubec, to Phyllis (Tyler) and Ivan Creath. He graduated from Lubec High in 1964 and left the small town behind, but kept it always in his heart, to find work in Ohio and at Pratt Whitney in Connecticut, where he started his family, before returning to Maine.

Irving went to work as an apprentice plumber building EMMC and finished the job as a Master Plumber. He was a member of Local Union 321 Plumbers and Pipefitters and traveled all over Maine and the United States working at mills and nuclear power plants. After retiring from the Union at age 55, Irving established his own successful business, Creath Plumbing & Heating, which he continued to operate up until the time of his death, as well as performing general contracting and landlord to several properties. He often helped people who needed it, because he believed in people and their goodness.

Irving was a self-described, life long, avid poker player, having been taught the game by his grandfather, Jerome, at age 8. He enjoyed weekly games with his poker buddies and with his friends at the casino.
Irving loved his children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them, at home, at camp, at the drag races, teaching and loving them. Irving loved cars and cherished his 1963 split window Corvette, which he had for years, showing and racing it. Everyone who knows him knows the story of his 1967 Chevy Nova and the infamous chase through Blacks Woods. Irving loved to travel with his wife, Gail, and other friends and family, especially in Europe and spent many years vacationing in Aruba before choosing a winter home in Sarasota, Florida. Irving loved helping his family with the everyday tasks of life, no matter how big or small. He lived life to the fullest, had a fierce determination, a teller of tall tales, a jokester, a master negotiator and he will be deeply missed by his family and many close friends. Life was never dull around Irving.

Irving is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Gail (Baxter) Creath. He is also survived by his children, Ivan and his partner Mary, Carrie and her partner, Hollis, Mark and his wife, Brigette; grandchildren, Gunnar, Garrett, Hanna, Isaac, Tyrus, Jacob and Elizabeth; sister, Cindy, brothers, Michael and his partner, Ann, Bill and his wife, Cathy; sister-in-law, Lynn and her husband, Tom; brother-in-law, Robert; several nieces and nephews. Irving was predeceased by his parents, sister, Carmen, step-father, Carlton.

A celebration of Irving’s life will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, July 29, 2018 at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main Street, Brewer, with the Rev. Carl Schreiber, pastor of the East Orrington Congregational Church, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Rooms of Brookings-Smith, immediately following the service, Sunday. Private interment will be in Riverview Cemetery, Bucksport. Those who wish to remember Irving in a special way may make gifts in his memory to The Irving Creath Scholarship Fund, for a student pursuing a vocation in plumbing at United Technologies, c/o Camden National Bank, 15 Parkway South, Brewer, Maine 04412. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com

Now, pass the cranberry sauce.