Birth date: Jan 21, 1931 Death date: Dec 19, 2022
Renowned Architect, Doctor Iraj Etessam, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday December 19, 2022 at his home in San Jose, California. He was born on January 21, 1931 in Gorgan, Iran and married Irandokht Rahimi in 1961. Dr Etes Read Obituary
I saw him for the first time 58 years ago, while attending my first session at school of architecture. Ever since I don't remember seeing him without his sweet smile and kind face. Once in a lifetime people get to see a great teacher such as him. I was honored to have him as my project adviser on my final. In my mind and heart he is going to stay alive.
Nosrat
Dear Prof. Etessam, you were our respectful teacher and colleague during past 20 years at IAU. We always remember your honorable memory of your introduction on our book; Environed in Environment.
may God Bless Him..
Alireza Bandarabad & Azadeh Shahcheraghi, Jan03, 2023 , Tehran
Iraj jan , you inspired me with your kindness, generosity, and your emphasis on forgiveness. i always had a feeling that i know you from my childhood years , ....we called it " Hamdeli" in Farsi ( in english " empathy "), i was so surprised alway to see a person with such great personality and empathy, He will be sorely missed. ♥️ Armin Daneshgar _ Vienna _ Austria Jan 2023
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmZ3h40DMAf/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
Intelligent, clear thinker, well spoken, respectful, kind just to name a few. Dr. Iraj Etessam leaves with a memory of a unique human being with a positive outlook and an infectious appetite for life.
Our professional relationship morphed into a mutual friendship that lasted nearly 40 years. Dr. Etessam travelled often, and after each trip he would call me to share his experience and to hear, with his usual curiosity and interest my stories! I will miss him as a role model and a friend. May he rest in peace.
Hamid Hekmat
My sincere condolences to Professor Etessam'ss family. Mrs.Iran,lily and Shirin Khanoum.
He was amazing persona and kind gentleman, happy smile, being positive and great educators and architect. His accomplishment will be remembered always.
I had opportunity to know him since 1978, when he was Vice Minister of Housing and city planning of Iran.I was professor university of Tehran (business school) and Managing Director of “Agro Business Management Co,”Consulting Engineers.
We signed contract to install 10,000 square meters of prefabricated ”Miracle Span Building”
For immediate settlement of people of Tabass in Earth quake of 1978.
We brought 200 workers from Kordestan to complete the job very fast.
I had pleasure to meet him in united states. I am proud he signed his book.
“Secrets of Enchantment” with his excellent hand writing in July 31 2011.
We used to have lunch last thursday of each month with Mr.&Mrs Oromchian, Mr.&Mrs Ahmadzadeh and my family. When Dr.Etessam was in California. Dr&Iran khanoum used to join our team. Dr.Etesam knew them already from Iran.
God Bless him.
Reza &Malous Moghadam
When I think of a word that sums up Iraj-Joon, 'passion' comes to mind. Iraj was consistently curious and excited about life and creativity - not only his - but others'. His generous engagement of knowledge and overall Joie de Vivie was infectious, making anyone in his presence feel special. Iraj was a joyous and memorable man who will be missed by many. May he rest in empowerment and live in the hearts of his family and those he touched.
- Lisa Kristine
Dr. Etessam was such a wonderful asset to the academic and professional society of architecture and urban design. I worked on my MA project under Dr. Etessam's advice, he generously supported my work and provided me with his insightful thoughts, he was always happy to help. I will always remember his memorable smile and great soul. He will live on in our memories forever.
My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students. I have known Dr. Etessam for many decades. He was a great mentor who helped and guided me like an elder brother. I also know that he always helped and promoted his students and colleagues in different stages of life whenever they needed this support. Finally, I want to mention and stress his exceptional human quality. He was an incredible person, reflecting on his rare, impressive characteristics of love of helping others that I have not seen in anyone else. This is a significant loss for those of us, who have known him for a long time, worked with him, and kept in touch with him.
Ardeshir Anjomani
I share so many fond memories of my time with Prof. Etessam. What a gentle, humorous, generous, and engaging spirit! His dedication to supporting others, with such grace, has been a huge inspiration for me. He was a tremendous mentor for me as a PhD student in architecture at Berkeley. I had the privilege of spending several meetings with him in the Bay Area and in Tehran. We had long and thoughtful conversation on Iranian architecture and planning. His optimistic but critical ways of thinking about the built environment introduced me to new ways of thinking about our cities and society. He is a huge inspiration for me and so many people. I join you all in celebrating an amazing human spirit. How privileged I was to cross paths with this giant of humanity. I can't imagine what you all are going through. I am sending you all tremendous love and energy from Boulder, Colorado.
He was a very friendly person. Always would welcome you into his house with a warm smile. I will miss him. Thomas Smyth
