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ERNEST KIRWAN Obituary

KIRWAN, Ernest E. Of Cambridge, 90, died peacefully in his sleep after a magical final night surrounded by family, and concluding a life of love and meaning. Ernie was born in Pawtucket, RI to Charles and Alice (Aspinwall) Kirwan. His father died of pneumonia when Ernie was 3 weeks old, and he and his older brother were raised by their amazingly capable mother and under the influence of his grandfather, an authoritarian and strict moral guide. Showing design and construction talent from a young age, Ernie elected to study architecture, receiving two degrees from Rhode Island School of Design. At RISD, he shyly summoned the courage to ask fellow student, painter and graphic designer Connie Grant out on a date. Thus began a 68-year love affair, marriage and partnership, which in time included four children: Leslie, Christopher, Robert and Susan. Ernie's studies were augmented by a three-year stint in the Air Force, where he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the intelligence services and was responsible for creating strategic war-room maps used during the Korean War. After completing his BA, he earned a scholarship to attend MIT, studying under Buckminster Fuller, Louis Kahn and Gyorgy Kepes. Also at MIT he worked on the team for Monsanto's "Home of the Future," which became an attraction at Disneyland for many years. Ernie's teaching career began at RISD and continued at Harvard's Graduate School of Design, occasioning the family's move to Cambridge where he lived and served the rest of his life. After teaching, Ernie was partner and chief architect for Keyes Associates, a multi-state architecture and engineering firm. In 40 years with the firm, he designed over 150 projects for clients such as WGBH, Polaroid and Raytheon and many local schools and hospitals. His hallmarks were his elegant, functionally-driven modernist designs; tireless engagement with clients to make sure his concepts reflected their needs; and mentoring young colleagues. During his working life and into retirement, Ernie served on many boards and supported progressive causes and projects. Among them, he was a trustee of RISD, worked with Boston icon Mel King on affordable housing in the South End, and was an active member of First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Harvard Square for 50 years. In addition to championing his four children and six grandchildren, he loved cheering for the Patriots, Red Sox and especially his beloved Celtics, none more than his near-contemporary, Bill Russell. Ernie loved word games and puzzles, and playing hoops and pool with all comers at local venues. He once made 68 consecutive free throws at a full-size basket at Harper's Ferry to crowd chants of "Ernie! Ernie!" In addition to his children, their spouses (Ken Goode, Sanah Waheed, Bing Wang and Joe Keen) and his grandchildren, Christopher and Andrew Goode (and his wife Betsy), Sahara Waheed Kirwan, Liam and Connor Keen, and Ja Yi Wang Kirwan, Ernie leaves many relatives, friends, colleagues and students whose lives he influenced positively. He also is missed by his lovely companion, Mireille Holly of Newton. Ernie met Mireille after his loss of his beloved wife Connie, for whom he lovingly cared during her decline with dementia. Mireille gave Ernie a wonderful final chapter, sharing with him a mutual love of architecture, music, art, culture and progressive politics. A memorial service for Ernie is planned for the spring. Donations in his memory may be made to Rhode Island School of Design, Two College Street, Providence, RI 02903; or First Parish in Cambridge UU, Zero Church St., Cambridge MA 02138.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 19 to Jan. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for ERNEST KIRWAN

Not sure what to say?





2008

Barbara Passero

June 22, 2020

Oh, Heavenly.
Tall trees give welcome shade
To the porch where I lie looking up
From the gently swaying hammock.
The summer smell of the sea and beach grass,
And Connie and Ernie's voices
From inside the house,
Lull me gently into light sleep,
Peace all around and inside me.
Then the cooling day
And my friends wake me.
We walk down to the harbor.
It's low tide.
Scattered groups of people walk out
Toward the sun,
Leaving their shoes in the sand.

Connie and I dance to the music from steel drums,
While Ernie takes photos of the dancing children.
Then, among other sun worshippers,
We view the incredible patterns
Of the blazing sunnow visible, now hidden
Slipping down through horizontal layers of clouds.

Gold rays shine upward, while
Brilliant, glowing scarlet outlines
Their intricately scalloped upper edges.
We hold our breath.
Our hearts captured by the beauty.
When the sun drops below the horizon,
We walk back on another path
Through the tall grass.
The shoes are still there.
Heavenly.

Kristin Mitchell

May 12, 2019

To everyone dear to ERNIE WE SEND OUR CONDOLENCES and love. I and know you have all been enriched by our association with Ernie.i tried to contact him this week and could not. My husband and I have known the Kirwans since RISD years and loved and respect them both.
We all tried to get together last fall but we were sick at the time. I am so sorry.
Neal passed away on April 8, 1919 . I imagine them together in heaven now and send our blessings.
Lovingly, Kristin

Marjorie Swift

April 4, 2019

Another former student; Ernie is well remembered. Our sympathy to his family.

Christine Jiao

March 25, 2019

May you rest in peace Ernie.

Christine Jiao

March 25, 2019

My family and I send our deepest condolences to Ernie's family. We loved seeing him at church and he's such a wonderful gentleman. He will be missed dearly.

Christine, Jinghua, Sabu

Peggy Fox-Warren

February 1, 2019

We send our deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of your beloved father, and our dear friend of many years. So many cherished memories of creative collaborations with both your parents!
They will remain dear to our hearts forever.
Sincerely,
Peggy and Maurie Fox-Warren

Jason Munro

January 23, 2019

Leslie,

Your father seems to have led an amazing and very impactful life that touched many. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Mel Casey

January 22, 2019

Karen Stensrude

January 22, 2019

Dear Leslie and Family,
Knowing Peace, Comfort and Healing for you all as you mourn the loss of your father.
Ernie sounds like an incredible guy. Many Blessings on his Journey...

January 22, 2019

To The Korean Family:

Please accept My Sincere Condolences.

Sincerely,


John Garnhum

Michael Sullivan

January 19, 2019

To the Kirwan Family:

Please accept my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Sullivan

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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