EVERETT—Barry Boyle, Owner of the Irishmen pub in Everett, tragically passed away on March 26. He was 50 years old.
Boyle was known by his friends and family as being genuine, caring, funny, and extremely active with the local Irish American community, as a member of the Irish Heritage Club of Seattle and the Irish and Celtic Society of Snohomish County.
“As in life, he only wanted to give to others and make sure they were all ok. He was given a hero’s walk as an organ donor in hopes that his kidneys would give someone a new life. He was surrounded by love, strength and family as he passed peacefully to the next adventure,” Boyle’s family released in a statement.
Boyle was born in Belfast, North Ireland, on March 1, 1975. He first visited Seattle, Washington, in 2001 to visit a friend but “fell in love with the place” and decided to stay, he told the Lynnwood Times during an interview back in 2022.
After working in well-known Irish establishments in Seattle for several years, Boyle opened the Irishmen in Everett in 2007, which he Co-owned with his wife Heather, wanting to open an authentic Irish pub of his own.
Boyle informed the Lynnwood Times that he decided on Everett for an Irish Pub because it was a smaller, more accessible, and affordable option than Seattle.
The Irishmen has grown to be a beloved staple of downtown Everett known for its authentic food, lively atmosphere, and the warmth that Boyle brought to every one of his patrons.
Boyle loved to cook traditional Irish food, growing up learning how to cook from his mother, Anne, when he was just a young boy in Ireland. Many of these traditional Irish dishes he brought with him to the Irishman with very little changes to the original recipe.
Boyle took great pride in educating his staff on Irish history and culture.
He often had his loyal dog with him while he worked – Bobby, named after Bobby Sands, an IRA soldier who died from hunger strike while protesting Ireland’s removal of special category status.
On Wednesday, April 2, the community gathered at the Irishman to share a pint of Guinness and a song in Boyle’s honor. A book of memories was open for people to sign where many wrote of his kindness and generosity.
One Irishmen customer, Christine Malone, shared on social media that she frequented the Irishman after her divorce in 2013 where she got to know Boyle well.
She shared a story of when she asked Boyle if she could bring in a life-sized art mannequin for a photo shoot and Boyle not only enthusiastically agreed, but contributed to a whole narrative consisting of the mannequin – who’s name is Jules – had too many and was kicked out.
After attendees had their chance to laugh, cry, and sing, Boyle’s remains were paraded down Colby Avenue, Irish flag proudly displayed, and followed by a crowd of more than 600 people.
His family said his ashes will remain in his second favorite place, the Irishmen pub.
On behalf of the Lynnwood Times staff: “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”
Our condolences extend to Boyle’s friends and family.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
