Ernest E. Kirwan 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 to celebrate the life of Ernest E. Kirwan will be held on April 6, 2 p.m. at First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist, 3 Church Street, Harvard Square. All are welcome to the service and the social hour that follows. 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.