Irwin, Peter
Irwin, Peter Hamlyn
August 10, 1945 – November 15, 2025Irwin, Peter Hamlyn passed away peacefully at home in Guelph, Ontario, Canada on 15 November 2025, at the age of 80, with loving family at his side.
He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife and companion, Clare Irwin, as well as his children, Graeme and Helen Irwin. Peter cherished his role as a grandfather and is fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Eva, Peter, Sophie, Greta and Rowan.
Peter was predeceased by his parents, Hamlyn and Peggy Irwin, and his brother, David Irwin. He is survived by his sister Penny Irwin and brothers Richard and Charles Irwin, along with his nieces, nephews, and extended family who will all miss him dearly.
Peter led a remarkable life. He grew up and went to boarding schools in England and spent school holidays with his parents in Malaysia and various African countries where his father was working as a pilot. Peter’s childhood memories were often ones of adventure: snorkelling and spearfishing in exotic waters, venturing into jungles and adopting various injured wild animals. Inspired by his father’s career, he completed undergraduate and MSc degrees in aeronautical engineering at Southampton University in England. While there, he joined the Air Squadron, where he learned to fly and took up gliding. Upon graduation, he accepted a research position at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough, England. While at Southampton University, Peter met Clare. They married in 1970 and in 1971 immigrated to Canada where Peter began a PhD in aeronautical engineering at McGill University in Montreal.
Following his PhD, Peter joined the National Research Council (NRC) in Ottawa, Canada. While in Ottawa, he and Clare welcomed their two children. Those years at the NRC were formative—not only for Peter as a young father, but for the field of wind engineering itself. His boundless curiosity and gift for simple, elegant solutions led to some of his most influential work, including the development of the Irwin Sensor. This innovation fundamentally changed how wind tunnels simulate natural wind, and it remains a cornerstone of wind engineering practice around the world today.
In 1986, Peter co-founded Rowan, Williams, Davies and Irwin Inc. (RWDI). In many ways, RWDI would not exist without him. Known globally as one of the founding fathers of modern day wind engineering, Peter helped move the discipline from theory into real-world practice. His work shaped the way the world’s tallest buildings and most ambitious structures are designed, and he established the technical foundations that continue to guide the industry.
Peter never sought recognition, though it often found him. His expertise supported the design of some of the world’s most iconic structures (e.g., Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Taipei 101, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai Tower), and in 2018 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada—one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. This was just one of many awards and accolades Peter received throughout his impressive career, each earned quietly and with characteristic humility.
To his colleagues, Peter was far more than a brilliant engineer. He was a gentle, thoughtful mentor who took genuine joy in helping others grow. He was a listener more than a talker, a collaborator by nature, and someone who never sought personal acclaim. His legacy endures in the innovations he pioneered, the professionals he inspired, and the culture of curiosity, rigour, and care that continues to define RWDI today. Most of all, it endures in the countless people—family, friends, and colleagues—whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.
Outside of work, Peter pursued activities inspired by wind and water: he was an avid power boater, joining the Guelph Power and Sail Squadron and taking the family on Georgian Bay adventures. He also took up windsurfing and adopted Canadian activities such as canoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, all of which he shared with his family. He enjoyed staying fit, including running and regular games of squash. In 2001, Peter and Clare traded in their boat for a cottage on Georgian Bay and this became a beloved family gathering place for their children, grandchildren and extended family. Family gatherings were always elevated by Peter and Clare’s shared love of good food, wine, opera, cryptic crosswords and watching international tennis tournaments.
While somewhat reserved, as British gentlemen often are, Peter’s positive and encouraging outlook, his practical and determined approach to problem solving and his wry sense of humour even under challenging circumstances were an inspiration to his family, friends and colleagues. An extraordinary man, wonderful father and loving grandfather, Peter will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service, and cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Wellington.
