Virender Kumar (Vir) Handa was a faculty member in civil engineering at the University of Waterloo from 1964 to 1995 with a focus on construction safety and management. Born in Lahore, India, his father was a lawyer and his mother a social activist. Handa obtained a BSc in physics, chemistry and maths at the University of Calcutta in 1949 and a second BSc in engineering at the University of London in 1954. Coming to Canada on a scholarship, he completed an MSc in civil engineering at Queen's University in 1958 and an MSc in applied mathematics at the University of Waterloo in 1962, followed by a PhD in in civil engineering in 1964.

In addition to substantial contributions to the development of the study of construction management, Handa worked with Waterloo colleagues to created several Expo 67 pavilions including Man the Explorer, Planet ad Space, and Man the Producer. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Canadian National Museums of Science and Technology, consulted for the Cree Housing Authority for more than 20 years, and held the position of Riding Association President for the Liberal Party of Canada. Handa was also active in the recruitment of students to Kitchener-Waterloo serving with involvement and chair roles in groups including the Canadian South Asian Chamber and the India Canada Association.

Handa died May 3, 2005 following complications from an accident two years prior, leaving behind wife Silvana and their two children, Dev and Aruna. A celebration of life was held on May 25, 2005 at Waterloo's University Club.