Brian William Irving

IRVING-Brian William Irving, 78 academician, father, grandfather and husband - died in the presence of his wife, Lydia Perea Irving, and family, on November 20th, 20th. Brian, a California native, was born in 1932 to Petra Bemister Irving and E.V. Irving. He was born in Eagle Rock and grew up in the San Fernando Valley with his brother Donald and sister Virginia and graduated from UCLA in 1956, followed by graduate school in Wesleyan. While he was attending UCLA, he met his first wife, Toni Montesano, to whom he was married for 18 years. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air National Guard, stationed in Misawa Japan during the Korean War. Following the War, Brian and Toni first settled in Connecticut to raise their two children, where he taught at University of Connecticut. The family moved to Puerto Rico, where he first taught History at the Inter-American University. He later became the Dean of Academic Affairs, Vice President and Executive Dean and finally Chancellor of the San German campus. Brian remarried in 1994. He and Lydia Perea-Irving lived in Puerto Rico, where they raised his three step-children, David Martinez, Marilyn Medina & Renaldo Medina. He left the University and went on to head the Fajardo Academy in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Upon retirement, Brian & Lydia moved to New Mexico, where they lived in Roswell and ultimately Albuquerque. Brian continued to teach in various capacities in the New Mexico University. Brian was passionate about history, politics and was an educator to the core. He deeply loved his friends and family. He chose to spend his final years in New Mexico because of his passion for the people, culture, history and beauty of this State. Brian is survived by his children and their spouses Kevin and Stella Irving; Bruce Irving and Mary Rowell; David Martinez; Marilyn Medina; and Renaldo and Angie Medina. Brian is also survived by his grandchildren - Reuben, Aida, Shika, Tyshawn, Chayenne, Diona, India, Cecilia, Lucia, Andre. The Irving family would like to extend a special thanks to all the friends who assisted with his care, including John Hinkle, Claudia & Joe Avila, Deanna Coulter. Brian’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010