
Born with a fascination for how things worked, Irving Graif graduated from mechanical engineering at McGill University in 1959. His early career led him to Toronto in 1961, before returning to work in Montreal six years later. In 1979, he embarked on his own venture, founding Irving Graif & Associates, a mechanical engineering firm that he proudly operated for 46 years.
Irving spent 43 remarkable years teaching engineering in Architectural Technology at Vanier College. He was one of the department’s original teachers, having started teaching in 1979 (only 6 years after the department’s founding) before retiring in 2023.
Beyond his work, Irving embraced life with passion. A lifelong oenophile, he delighted in discovering new wines and sharing bottles with friends. For over 50 years, he found joy and serenity on the beaches of Maine with his family.
Irving passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on November 5, 2025, surrounded by family. He will be remembered for his generosity, his intellect, his gentle humour, and unwavering devotion to the people and pursuits he cherished. His legacy lives on through his family, his students, his colleagues, and the countless projects shaped by his hand & mind.
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