Kyle D. Erwin

I was born in and lived in Peoria, Illinois until graduation from Bradley University with a B.A. My entire career was in the claims/insurance industry with a company representing corporate self-insured clients, providing litigation management, claim administration, and underwriting auditing services. The job required much travel, both nationally and internationally. I was extremely fortunate to “see the world,” even though being on the road 150 days a year was grueling. On many occasions I traveled to the UK, allowing personal side trips to Ireland and Scotland.

In 2009 I met and married my wife, Paula. We live in northern Kentucky and I have discovered “My Old Kentucky Home,” where my ancestors once lived. I have a renewed interest in genealogy and have been able to research at local outlets.

I enjoy cooking, listening to classic jazz, watch and clock collecting, and shooting sporting clays.

John Patterson

Born the Grandson of Bessie (Irwin) Stewart, there is no denying the heritage from which I descend.  The Central Valley of California saw a large influx of Dust Bowl Migrants. As the children of these families began to have their own children, I was among the hoards born in Bakersfield, Ca.

Working for the Bakersfield Fire Department provided a well rounded experience in Community Relations and Public Service.  This experience lead to several roles in Community and Religious Non-profit Groups.  I was honored to serve as Director and Trustee for a religious youth camp and a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 442.  My experience in these areas spans more than three decades.

While searching for activities for a Scouting event I came across the Highland Games hosted by the Kern County Scottish Society.  The event was a hit with the Scouts; soon they were begging to paint their faces blue and stage their own games.  What could go wrong with a Troop of boys running through a field staging mock battles?

As my interest in the Scottish Societies activities grew, I happened across a gentleman who had  put pen to paper and documented his family’s history.  As I read through his work it dawned on me that I recognized some of the people and places in his story.  In fact we were able to identify a common relative a few generations back.  Such was my introduction to the Clan Irwin Association.

Following my retirement our family moved to Meridian, Mississippi to be close to extended family.  With the time that retirement affords, I am looking forward to sharing the history and culture of our Scottish roots.

Kenneth Erwin

I was born and lived in Colorado until high school graduation, where I was the valedictorian of my high school class. Wanting a career as a Nuclear Engineer, I attended the University of Missouri, one of a most well-known nuclear engineering schools in the U.S., and later Penn State University for my graduate degree. I came to CIA through my father, a long time member with a keen interest in ancestry.

I have worked for the federal government for more than 25 years, first as a nuclear reactor regulator at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and now in a more supportive role for nuclear power as a part of the Department of Energy.

I live in Arlington, VA with my wife and our Golden Retriever, Maggie. My hobbies include travel, snowboarding, and of course tasting rare scotches and whiskies. I am learning Portuguese and speak beginner level German.

Leslie Smeathers

As a nurse since 1982, I have worked in Intensive Care, the ER, as a Flight Nurse, and as an Occupational Health Nurse. Currently I am the Deputy Coroner for our county. My degrees are from Kentucky Wesleyan College and Western Kentucky University.

My husband of 28 years and I, together, have 5 adult children, 16 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. We have a hobby farm where we operate an apiary, raise chickens, and have a new greenhouse where I plan to grow medicinal herbs, flowers, and vegetables.

Genealogy has been an interest since I was a child helping my mother research for her DAR membership, prior to computers. Being interested in my Irwin/Erwin heritage, I have visited Drum Castle twice. My hope is that Clan Irwin Association will continue to grow and preserve our heritage and use current (DNA) and future technology to reveal even more.

Michael Erwin

I am a Georgia native and have called several states home, including Arkansas, Kentucky, and Indiana. My career has centered on helping churches and nonprofit organizations strengthen their missions through strategic planning, fundraising, and leadership development. I serve as Executive Director and President of Church Campaign Services, a consulting firm founded more than 70 years ago to help congregations fund their visions for ministry.

My lifelong interest in family history began with my mom’s genealogical pursuit into her own family. I’ve traced my own lines back to early North American settlers and even some lines across the pond – Sassenachs however! My genealogical journey has accelerated recently with connection to Clan Irwin and especially to the Y-DNA study associated with our name. I joined the Clan Irwin Association to honor a shared heritage and to help others discover their own connections.

I’m the founding president of the Evansville (Indiana) Bourbon Society and a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Association, where I enjoy exploring the craftsmanship and history behind fine spirits. I also enjoy photography, cooking, and watching elite road cycling races. As Membership Secretary, I look forward to welcoming new members and helping our association continue to thrive.