UPEI mourns passing of Dr. Greg Irvine
The University of Prince Edward Island received the sad news on Friday that Dr. Greg Irvine, a dedicated member of the University community, passed away after a short and courageous battle with cancer.
Dr. Irvine retired from UPEI in 2019 after a 29-year tenure with the Department of Music as a professor of brass. He was a long-time member of the University Senate, including serving as vice-chair, and he also served as chair of the Department of Music for several years. A tuba soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player, he was well known to the campus community and beyond for his love of teaching and performing music. He sang with the St. Peter’s Cathedral Choir and enjoyed performing with many ensembles during his career, including the PEI Symphony Orchestra. He composed Fanfare, a brass instrument piece played after the robes of office are presented at the installations of chancellors and presidents at UPEI.
The UPEI Department of Music posted this moving tribute to Dr. Irvine on social media:
“The musical community both here on PEI and beyond were heartbroken to learn of the passing of Gregory B. Irvine on Thursday, February 15th, 2024, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. The UPEI Department of Music extends our most heartfelt condolences to Sue and Adrian first and foremost, as well as all of Greg’s family, former students, colleagues, and friends.
“Greg came into Islanders’ lives in the Fall of 1990 when he joined UPEI’s Department of Music as professor of brass. During his 29-year tenure at UPEI, in addition to mentoring a generation of Applied Brass students, Greg taught Brass Techniques, Brass Pedagogy, Conducting, Classical/Romantic History, twice directed the Concert Band/Wind Symphony, and served as Chair of the Department for several years—all while remaining active as a tuba soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player.
“A fine musician and pedagogue, Greg will be fondly remembered for his cheery disposition, wonderful sense of humour, and genuine concern for others. His legacy will live on through the fine brass playing of his students and successive generations of musicians who will perpetuate a tradition of excellence in brass pedagogy and performance rooted in the simple yet powerful concept of ‘Song and Wind’.
“Forever in our hearts and never forgotten.”
Read the obituary for visitation and funeral arrangements at the Maclean Funeral Home Swan Chapel.
The campus community extends heartfelt condolences to Dr. Irvine’s family, friends, and colleagues. The UPEI flags have been lowered in his memory.
