Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
HARKIRPAL SARA Obituary
February 13, 1926 – September 28, 2012
It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Harkirpal S. Sara announces his passing in his 87th year. Harkirpal passed away at his home, peacefully during his sleep, with loved ones nearby. Harkirpal was predeceased by his loving wife, Shobha, of 57 years. He will be greatly missed by his sons, Hareesh (Andrea) and Saraj, grandchildren Teegan, Taneesha and Tyreese, and all of his extended family. Harkirpal was trained as a police officer in New Delhi, India. He came to Canada in 1955 after his marriage, where he started what would be a long career as a school teacher with the Vancouver School Board. Harkirpal was a devoted husband and father. Throughout his time in Canada, Harkirpal was dedicated to community service. He was actively involved in politics and spent countless hours helping people. Harkirpal believed in a strong and united Canada where citizens of all multi-cultural backgrounds are equal. Funeral Service to be held at Hamilton Harron Funeral Home, 5390 Fraser Street, at 10am on Wed., Oct. 3rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
12 Entries
Barbara Pritchard
October 10, 2012
Mr. Sara was on of my favorite teachers at Lord Byng. He presented us with a stern exterior, but occasionally he softened his image by telling us stories of his life in India. What a great man. My sincere condolences to his family.
October 6, 2012
Mr. Sara was a very caring and sensitive teacher who spent many hours after school helping us. I remember him with very fond memories even though I graduated 32 years ago!!! Thank you Mr. Sara for your committed time with us... sweet dreams.
Gayle
Laura MacDonald
October 3, 2012
I too would like to add my condolences on the passing of Mr. Sara. He was my math teacher at Lord Byng but he was also my Grade 6 teacher at Queen Mary Elementary. He taught us most subjects. He would periodically tell us with great pride that we were doing math at a Grade 9 level while we were only in Grade 6. However my favourite memory for me was in English. Our assignment was to write a poem I did my best but was unable to come up with a suitable ending. I can't remember the topic but his comment after reading my poem was "Nature is a beautiful artist". That became the last line in the poem and it is a line I frequently repeat whenever I recognize the truth in these words. All the best to his family and friends.
Monica Burrow
October 3, 2012
What a lovely man & a great teacher. I was in so many math classes where the good students got better & the ones like me, who didn't get it right away, got worse. I remember the beginning of the year in gr 11 when he made his speech about marks & held up the class register. He showed us the empty column where the previous year's marks would be entered & said he was purposely leaving it blank as he wanted to meet us on our merits that year & not prejudge us on our previous performance. We would have a chance to show him what we could do without any prejudice on his part. Harkirpal Singh Sara. As an indian man in a very WASP highschool in the 70's he taught me more than the fact that a C- math student could achieve a C+. He subtly explained that judging people before you know them is wrong and it's a lesson I have OFTEN thought of since.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Cleo Allen
October 2, 2012
Sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. Sara. He was an extraordinary man and an exemplary teacher. We feel privileged to have had him as our Math teacher at Lord Byng and enjoyed the stories he would tell us at the end of class. A remarkable man has left his mark on his students.
Cleo and Colleen (the twins)
Kia Schmitt
October 1, 2012
Thinking of you at this difficult and sad time. I wish I could be there and pay your dad's last respect. I am heartbroken about his passing and will always miss him. Love, Kia
Cindy Carter
October 1, 2012
Mr Sara tried his best to teach me maths, but even with his unending patience, I'm afraid I never quite got it. I will always remember his passion for the subject and his support for those struggling with it. This was the most precious and valuable thing I learned from him - his compassion and humanity - a memory which I will always cherish. RIP Mr Sara (Lord Byng, class of '77)
David Bideshi
October 1, 2012
I remember my school "daze" with Mr. Sara at Lord Byng well. He knew his stuff, pushed us to aim higher but I too enjoyed most of all and remember him best for his stories of his younger days in India.
Julie Hydes
October 1, 2012
Mr. Sara was my math teacher at Lord Byng and I always enjoyed his stories about life in India. He was one of my favourite teachers from high school and I remember him fondly.
Karen Kingsland (nee Plaster)
October 1, 2012
Mr Sara is one of the few teachers I remember from my school day. He always expected more from me than I expected from myself and encouraged me to aim higher. Best wishes to his family at this time.
Mike Taylor
September 30, 2012
A real professional....with passion.
Glad he took the time to care about us and that he lived a good long life. I always recall him telling us about being a cop in India. 35 years later we salute him as a great teacher!
September 30, 2012
Thank you Mr. Sara for teaching me algebra at Lord Byng High school and having the patience and taking the time to explain it to me after class to bring me from a failing grade in December to A- by the end of the year. I will never forget you. I wish also to add that Mr. Sara planted a seed of multiculturalism in me that anyone can see has come to fruition in the music I compose to this day. I express my condolences to the entire Sara family. – John Oliver
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
5390 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5W2Z1
Make a Donation
in HARKIRPAL SARA's name
How to support HARKIRPAL's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor HARKIRPAL SARA's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
