Biman Bihari

Jan 8, 1935 – July 9, 2021

With heavy hearts for the loss, but profound gratitude for his life and mentorship, we bid farewell to our husband, father, grandfather.

World traveler, aspiring artist and handyman, Mr. Biman Bihari was born in Motihari, India, at the border with Nepal, the middle of nine children.

He studied Automobile Engineering at Dayalbagh, Uttar Pradesh, then obtained a Master's degree in Geology at Aligarh University.

Work at Atomic Energy, India followed and then a second Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, Australia, after he married his life partner, Sheela Biman. On weekends, in order to see the country, he hitchhiked in his dress shirt, tie and blazer. He slept in barns, an apple packing shed and picked up Aussie slang.

Daughter, Birubi, was born in Australia and less than a year later the family moved to Northern Quebec, travelling by train from Vancouver to Montreal. Shortly thereafter, their son, Aapool was born and the family was complete.

Work as a Metallurgist followed at Campbell Chibougamau Mines, then at Patino Mines, and Hindustan Copper Mines in Rajasthan, India. He retired from Rio Algom Mines in Elliot Lake, Ontario.

Retirement to Ottawa heralded a new career as Indian Cuisine Instructor, and as Technical Advisor to the National Museum of Science and Technology. Eight years ago he and his wife moved to Thunder Bay.

Mr. Bihari was predeceased by his parents, Shri Madan Bihari and Smt Nagina Devi, by four brothers and two sisters, and son, Aapool. Left to mourn are his wife of 57 years, Mrs. Sheela Biman and daughter Birubi (Harshad Telang) and grandson, Akshyn. Also feeling his loss are his younger brother and sister, and many dear nieces and nephews around the world.

Immense gratitude is extended to Dr. Jon Johnsen, Dr. Kevin Miller, Dr. Geoff Davis, Dr. Marie Capello, Dr. Jeremy Mozzon and the family health team at Fort William Clinic, and Palliative Care Unit for their care and compassion. Special thank you to the nurses at St. Joseph's Hospital, and to Alexa and Ruth.

Cremation has occurred. If friends so desire, a donation to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre or St. Joseph's Hospital can be made or to a charity of your choice.