Dr. Arvind Himatlal Shah

Dr. Arvind Shah passed away in his sleep on February 20, 2024, at the age of 91. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Ranjan, after 56 years of marriage. Arvind will be dearly missed by his loving daughters Ketki (Bruce) and Seema, and his granddaughters Kamilah and Lineo. Arvind was a devoted son to the late Himatlal and Parsonben and a loving brother to his late sister Urmila, his late brothers Dhanvant and Pravin, and his brother Deepak, who survives him. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews throughout Canada, the US, and India.

Arvind was born in Cambay, India and raised in Mumbai. He went on to study Engineering, earning his undergraduate degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, his Master's Degree at Stanford University, and his PhD at The University of California, Berkeley. He eventually settled with his family in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1969, where he lived for the next 49 years and formed many deep and enduring connections.

As a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, at the University of Manitoba, Arvind taught both undergraduate and graduate students and was also extensively involved in research. He was universally well-respected and admired by students and faculty alike. In 2010, he received the honour of Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

Not only was Arvind an exceptional teacher, his enthusiasm for helping his students was incomparable. He made a difference in the lives of so many students during his 40-year teaching career. His dedication to his students often continued well beyond graduation, as he helped facilitate future career advancement for many.

A brilliant and passionate researcher, Arvind is recognized worldwide as an expert in Applied Mechanics and a foremost authority in the fields of Vibration Studies and Earthquake Engineering. He has received several prestigious grants over the years to support his groundbreaking research. He has published countless refereed articles and has also published integral textbooks in the field.

Arvind and Ranjan moved to Vancouver, BC in 2018 to be near their daughters, son-in-law, and granddaughters. His family was lucky to be able to spend the last years of his life with him. During this time, Arvind lived at Tapestry at Wesbrook Mall, UBC in Vancouver, where he was surrounded by many wonderful residents and staff members, and became part of the community there. His daily smiles, waves, and joking around are already missed.

Arvind will be dearly missed, but his memory will forever be cherished by his family and his many friends, colleagues, and students. And the legacy of his work will continue to live on.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton Harron Funeral Home, located at 5390 Fraser Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Arvind Shah can be made to the University of Manitoba. Contributions can be made to the Price Faculty of Engineering Endowment Fund online at give.umanitoba.ca or through the mail to 100-137 Innovation Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 6B6.