Funeral to be Held for Historic San Diego Architect — 88 Years After His Death

The Irving J. Gill Foundation announced Thursday that they will be holding a public burial next month for their namesake.

Gill, who died in 1936 at the age of 66, was a pioneering architect who left a distinctive mark on San Diego with his innovative homes, churches, schools and civic buildings. Some of his well known works include the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, The Bishop’s School and the La Jolla Woman’s Club.

The end of Gill’s life has long remained a mystery. His ashes were believed to have been scattered by his wife Marion, but in 2022 it was revealed that his ashes remained in a cardboard box at Cypress View Mortuary.

According to a press release, the foundation has arranged a plot for his burial in Mt. Hope cemetery. The public is welcome to attend at 2 p.m. on Oct. 7 and pay their respects.

“The public is welcome to attend and pay their respects and to help honor a man whose
vision continues to shape the form, light, shadows, and spirit of meaningful buildings and
places,” the foundation said.