April 1, 1955 – June 23, 2025

Born on April 1, 1955, in Norwalk, Connecticut, to Ralph Edward Ireland and Eileen Marie Connors, Dave spent his childhood summers raising a little mischief in the woods and waves of the East Coast. But his heart was drawn westward, where he fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and set out for gold in Colorado.

In 1994, overlooking Sapphire Point and surrounded by chipmunks, Dave married Mary Ellen Shanahan. They soon welcomed their daughter, Alice Rose, into the world. A skilled carpenter by trade and a devoted fisherman at heart, Dave was a man of many talents. After promising his mother he’d trace her roots, he became the family historian, capable of uncovering even the most obscure ancestral hometowns—like your great aunt’s second cousin’s neighbor’s birthplace. His sharp wit, generous spirit, and encyclopedic knowledge of secret fishing spots will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Alice Ireland, of Grand Junction, Colorado; his brothers Ralph Ireland (Oksana) of Norwalk, Connecticut, and John Ireland (Anne) of Longmont, Colorado; his sister Donna Ireland (Jerry Obijiski) of Easton, Connecticut; nieces and nephew, Mohini Yalanis, John David Ireland, and Grace Ireland (Luke Duggan); grand-nieces and nephew, Nicholas, Anna, and Katie; and fishing buddy, Jack Shaughnessy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Eileen, and his brother, Danny.

Dave leaves behind a wide circle of friends who will feel the lasting impact of his friendship. And of course, Sundays won’t be the same without his running commentary on the Broncos. He bled orange and blue, but win or lose, he was always there to remind you, “it’s just a game.”

A gathering in his memory will be held on Friday, August 22 at 10:00am at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, CO. A burial will take place at a later date in Norwalk, CT. Donations in his memory can be made to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.