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Honoring Irving Gill: A Belated Tribute to a Pioneering Architect
November/December 2024
 Rev. Dr. Mark Hargreaves officiating. Photo by Karen Austin |
On October 7, 2024, a long-overdue yet deeply meaningful ceremony took place at Mount Hope Cemetery in San Diego. It marked the 88th anniversary of the passing of San Diego architect Irving Gill, whose ashes finally found a proper resting place, thanks to the Irving J. Gill Foundation. The foundation’s James Guthrie retrieved Gill’s recently discovered ashes, which had inexplicably languished at a nearby mortuary since October 1936.
The public event drew many admirers and supporters of Gill’s legacy, including SOHO staff, Marston House Museum docents, and those who cherish Gill's architectural contributions in San Diego and elsewhere. Robin Lakin, Marston House site manager and historian, said on behalf of SOHO during the memorial, "We express our deep gratitude to the Irving J. Gill Foundation for ensuring that his ashes have found their final resting place here at Mount Hope Cemetery, alongside so many of San Diego’s cherished figures, including [his peers] George Marston and Kate Sessions."
Irving Gill's story is interwoven with San Diego’s history, starting with his early involvement in restoring Mission San Diego de Alcalá, a project initiated by George Marston through the Landmarks Club. This collaboration led to Gill, then a partner in Hebbard & Gill, designing the Arts and Crafts-era Marston House for George and his wife Anna Lee (née Gunn), which stands as a testament to his talent and creativity. As Robin noted, "My husband and I are fortunate to live and work today as caretakers of this masterpiece. We know firsthand what it means to reside in a work of art."
The belated memorial service served not only as a moment of closure but also as a celebration of Gill’s life, quirks, and influential architectural portfolio. While Gill is renowned for his trailblazing early Modernism rooted in innovation and simplicity, attendees learned personal details about the man behind the designs. For instance, Gill, affectionately known as "Jack" to his friends, was a bit of a fashion iconoclast, known for his green shoes and fondness for cats. He even trained his pet cat to perform tricks, adding a touch of whimsy to his otherwise serious public image.
Rev. Dr. Mark Hargreaves, rector at St. James-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla and the author of The Sacred Architecture of Irving J. Gill, officiated. Among the speakers were Guthrie and architectural historian Diane Kane.
Joining Robin from SOHO were board member and Gill expert Erik Hanson, staff member Dean Glass, Marston House caretaker and facilities manager David Lakin, and Marston House docents Linda Fitts, Cindy Haines, Jennifer Macdonald, Joanne Ward, and Kathleen Weinstein. After the ceremony, they paid their respects at the Marston family plot, a fitting homage to the enduring connection between Gill and Marston.
The event highlighted not only the architect’s architectural landmarks but also the ongoing commitment of the historic preservation community to keep his legacy alive. As Lakin stated, "It is up to all of us to ensure that his contributions—his vision, his buildings, both public and private—are preserved and protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy, keeping his indelible mark on our region’s character alive."
One can only hope that, somewhere beyond the veil, Jack Gill was reunited with old friends for an afternoon and found joy in the long-awaited tribute. The ceremony provided a moment to reflect on his extraordinary life, celebrate his distinctive character, and renew our dedication to preserving the innovative spirit he brought to architecture.
Read more about the recovery of Gill’s ashes and his funeral
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