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Sukh KHOSLA Obituary
1932 - 2013
Sukh Dev Khosla passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the age of 80 after a long and generous life on January 12, 2013. He was born in 1932, the fifth of six children to Har Narain and Rukman Khosla in India and remained proud of and attached to his humble beginnings. He is predeceased by his parents and dearest brother Dharam Vir and will forever be in the hearts of his siblings Bal Dev, Satya, Krishan and Dulari. Sukh Dev is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 52 years, Sudarshan (nee Kundra) and will be profoundly and deeply missed by his children Jay (Lisa) and Gautam (Sarah). He will always be an inspirational and cherished Dadaji to his grandchildren Jasmine, Samaya and Siena.
In addition to being a devoted family man, Sukh Dev was a scholar and outstanding student. As a lifelong learner, he began his academic pursuits through obtaining his Bachelor's and Master of Arts degrees from Punjab University as well as completing advanced post-graduate work at the Indian Statistical Institute. In 1960, he received a United Nations fellowship to attend the University of Cambridge, U.K. Following this, he became a Fulbright scholar while teaching and finalizing his post-graduate work at the Wharton School, University Pennsylvania. In 1966, Sukh Dev went on to become a Professor of Economics and Statistics at Queens University in Kingston. He then chose to serve to Canada by joining the federal public service in 1970 where he primarily worked at the Competition Bureau from its inception. He had a long and distinguished career while being instrumental in fostering the development of Canadian Competition policy that culminated in the bestowment of a Governor General's Award in recognition of his significant contribution to Canada.
Prior to and following his retirement in 1993, Sukh Dev was actively involved as a community builder through his membership in the Rotary Club, as a pioneer in Ottawa's Indo-Canadian Association, and in supporting the growth and development of the neighborhood of Kanata. Throughout his life, he was an exercise enthusiast and continued to participate in swimming, badminton, tennis and skiing activities and was a competitive bridge player, avid gardener and photographer.
Sukh Dev's keen mind, insightful observations, deep reflections on life and knack for building good will and friendships will be missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank their loved ones and friends for their support as well as the staff at the Queensway-Carleton and Ottawa (General Campus) Hospitals, where he received such compassionate care in his last few days. A very special thanks to Dr. Jake Majewski for his patience and kind attention to Sukh Dev's care over the past few weeks. Family will receive friends at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre (2500 Baseline Road) on Thursday, January 17, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral service with prayers will take place at the Pinecrest Remembrance Chapel on Friday, January 18 at 12:00 noon. Reception to follow that will be followed by prayer at 3:30 pm at the Gurdwara Saheb (Ottawa Sikh Temple), 25 Gurdwara Rd, Nepean, K2E 7X6.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Ottawa General Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
43 Entries
Gaurav Gulati
June 16, 2013
REMEMBERING CHACHA JI ON FATHER'S DAY
The untimely passing away of a loved one leaves you with a void that time can never fill.
As moments turn into hours and hours into days and months, one starts to look at what remains – memories from the past and what they mean to us.
My first memory of Chacha ji comes from looking at my own photo album as a child, when I saw pictures of him holding the infant me in his arms. I could see the joy and happiness in his face. My mother would tell me that this was Chacha ji who lived in Canada, and was visiting India around the time I was born.
During early years of my life, I heard Nana ji and Nani ji talk about his hard work and his determination and everything he did with it and made the family proud. He was a source of inspiration even before my first memory of meeting him.
I remember him calling on some evenings to talk to us from Canada, and talking to him and Chachiji about how far away I thought Canada was, and not being able to understand how it could be morning there and still be evening here. He took the questions very seriously, and we talked about the earth and the candle and globe experiment in the dark to see how it was possible. He was a very effective teacher even for the basic things in life.
During my early school years, Chachaji visited India. This is my first recollection of meeting him in person. He was a lot taller than I had initially imagined him, and appeared to be a very active person with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I wanted to be like him, all full of excitement and happiness and full of activity! I talked to him about school, life at home, and God knows what else. I still remember his full undivided attention towards me, in a conversation that anyone else would have considered trivial talks of a pre teenage boy. I still feel touched at his active participation in my discussions, and constant encouragement I got from him. He talked about how everyone should find a purpose in life, and pursue that desire with all your heart to feel happy and satisfied. I have learnt a lot from those words. In this whole conversation and the examples he gave me, he did not even once mention the great things he had done in the past or was still doing, but made it sound like anyone could achieve anything provided you tried for it.
Then came a time during my medical training, when I got an offer to visit Canada to present my research. I remember talking to Chachaji and Chachiji about it, and the limitations I had to find an agency to fund my trip. I did not want to spend my parents' money to pay for the trip and was looking for a sponsor. They were both very excited and encouraging, and wanted to make sure I attended the conference. Chachaji thought it was very important for me to attend the conference and be exposed to this side of the world. I remember them calling the conference organizers and repeatedly requesting them to help out and make sure I could attend. I finally got the funding from India to attend the conference, and Chachaji and Chachiji insisted I stay over with them and that they will take care of all the transport and travel I needed to do to attend the conference in Ottawa.
On my way to Canada, I had many conflicting thoughts going through my mind. It was my first overseas visit. I wondered what life in Canada might be like. I was confused about the prospect of liking Canada, and the option of working overseas in North America. I wondered what Chachaji and Chachiji had gone through when they first immigrated to Canada? How does a person adjust in a new country? I was going through a tough time.
To this day, I remember – Chachaji was standing at the bus station, smiling and beaming with joy to see me. He had hardly changed since I last saw him many years ago. He picked me up at the bus station, and when we got into the car, he switched on his player. It was Manna Dey's voice – singing the song “Kya gaon main?” I never have and perhaps never will feel so comfortable coming to another country. Seeing Chachaji being himself in his country, made me realize that you could live anywhere and still be the person you wanted to be.
We were both surprised – he wondered how I knew Manna Dey's “oldies” being the new generation, and I wondered how this simple piece of music could clear so many doubts and make you feel so comfortable. We had a common liking, and we would listen to Manna Dey in the car when he would come to pick me up or drop me off for my conference. To some, the song would have been a simple song, but to me it was a life changing experience. I also learnt that Chachaji had a great voice when he would sing along the music. This has been a life changing event for me, and the reason I could feel comfortable coming over to North America. It sounds weird but it's true! I still play Manna Dey driving my car a lot, and it still transforms things around me.
I remember Chachaji was always concerned that I should not have to wait after the conference to come back. He was always rushing to pick me up when I came back, and dropping me off to the conference venue to make sure I reached before the start. He once waited nearly two hours just so he could pick me up after the evening get together at the conference - something I found out only when I came out and was about to call him. Chachiji was always waking up early in the morning to make sure I got breakfast before I left for the conference.
Chachaji also showed me his garden during my stay in Canada. He was a perfectionist and his garden and every detail in it could tell you that. He was a great gardener. When I called him last year around new years' I had mentioned my growing interest in gardening and he had a lot of suggestions, seasons to watch for, manuring and tilling the soil, the frost and harvesting bulbs before the winter to replant.
I remember him always telling me to pursue my dream of making a difference and then giving it my best. As Uncle Jay said, he also mentioned “Success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.” He said it was not a question of “if” for me, but more a question of how and when. I have gained a lot of confidence from this belief he had in me, back when I was not even sure what I wanted to do.
When I look back today, Chachaji has left so many impressions on me and everyone else. I feel he lives through what we have learnt from him. Simple things in life remind one of how he influenced our lives and made such a huge difference. I always remember Chachaji as one of the hardest working yet modest and a sincere person ready to try out anything and everything. He continues to live in my heart and will always do.
He has been and will always be a source of inspiration to all of us.
Lynn Ahmad
February 11, 2013
It is with such a heavy heart that I am learning of your loss. Mr.Khosla was a loving, compassionate and generous man who had a special place in my heart. To Mrs. Khosla,Jay and Gautum I am thinking of you all with very fond memories and send you all my deepest sympathy and love. Please know that your your Dad/husband will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sincerely, Lynn (Elliott) Ahmad
Alison Gardner
February 1, 2013
Dear Gautam, Mrs. Khosla & Jay - I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Khosla's passing. I have many warm & funny memories of time in the Khosla household with all of you. I know his presence will be deeply missed.
S.D. Khosla (Right) & K.D. Khosla (Left) In their early 20's
Anurag Khosla
January 25, 2013
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Anurag Khosla
January 24, 2013
I was so sad when I heard the news. It was such a shock as I had just spoken to him a month or so earlier on Skype when I was in India.
Over the following week I tried to recall all the interactions I had with Chachaji and could only remember fun-filled times.
My earliest memory of him was when I was around 4 or 5 when he came to visit everyone in India. I remember thinking that he was the tallest person I had ever seen and was in complete awe. He took me to the shops and bought me a small toy car which I still remember seeing when I went back to India on my most recent visit!
I vividly recall another instance from my childhood when he was standing on a bed (again in India) and he decided to pick me up and put me on his shoulders. It was a lot of fun but my head nearly hit the ceiling fan! Needless to say, he didn't try that again despite my repeated requests.
I also clearly recall my two trips to Canada. Those were some of the most fun-filled times in my life to date. I recall going with Chachaji for a long walk into the woods in the winter and slipping numerous times on the ice despite the use of a walking stick. He, however, did not even slip once and I remeber be amazed at how this was possible. We must have been walking for about 1.5 hours and all through out he gave me lessons about the different variety of trees and plant life as well as his well known propensity for general life advice.
I will sorely miss Chachji. He was a true Khosla male and if I can adopt his attitude towards work, his thirst for knowledge and adventure, and his sense of humor; I will turn out to be a very successful man.
Paul Gorecki
January 23, 2013
I have many happy memories of working with Dev at the Bureau of Competition Policy in the mid-1970s.
PREM AND USHA CHOPRA
January 23, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Melissa Khemani
January 21, 2013
Dear Darsh, Jay, Gautam and Family. I am very saddened to hear of Dev's passing. I vividly remember his warmth, kindness, and generous hospitality towards me over the years I was growing up in Ottawa. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. With love,
Prem, Anjum and Ron
January 19, 2013
Mami Ji,
We are extremely saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mama Ji. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this extremely difficult time. Words fall short of expressing our sorrow for your loss. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, please know that you are very close in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We are thinking of you and send our sincere condolences.
Jagjit & Amrit Khosla
January 19, 2013
We are mourning the loss of Sukh Dev ji, a through gentleman who has been an elder brother to us over the past 15 years since we met him. His smile, love and empathy for others has won our hearts and made us feel like a part of the family. His absence has left a large hole in our hearts and we will miss him dearly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sudershan ji, Jay and Gautam and their families during this very difficult time.
January 19, 2013
very saddened to learn passing away of dear Dev. my heartfelt condolences dear Sudershan, Jay and Gautam and family.it was great knowing him,always remember his smile and graciousness.
May his Soul rest in peace and may God grant strength to all family members to bear this great loss!
sunita Gandhi
Kamal & Yash Chopra
January 19, 2013
Dear Sudershanbhenji,Jai,Gautam & Family,
We are deeply saddened by the sad news of beloved brother Sukhdevji. He always had smile on his face. We remember him as loving, affectionate and wonderful man. Heartfelt Condolences on the sad and untimely demise of dear Bhai Sahib. It is a great loss to the relatives, the friends and the community. We pray to Almighty God to give endurance and courage to you all to bear this irreparable loss.
Kamal&Yash Chopra, Gaithersburg,MD USA
Susan Hopkinson
January 18, 2013
Dev was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.
Satya & Dev
Raj, Reena and Satya (Dev’s Sister)
January 17, 2013
Dear Mami Ji, Jai & Gautam,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of our respected Uncle and the younger brother of Beeji. At this time there are not enough words to express the sadness in our hearts. Everyone will be holding onto memories of his smiling face and our last visit with him when he came to Toronto in 2012. We had warm conversations late into the night and many cherished remembrances of old times between Beeji and Mama Ji of their childhood. We know he has gone to a place of more love and comfort in the lap of God. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you, Mami Ji, Jai and Gautam during this difficult time. May the love of all of us help you through the days ahead.
Don and Susan Mercer
January 17, 2013
To the Khosla Family and Sudarshan,
Very saddened to hear of Dev's (Sukh's) passing. I worked with Dev in the Competition Bureau along with Rob Anderson and others who were involved in implementing the application of the new Abuse, Merger and strengthened conspiracy provisions under the Competition Act, 1986. Dev was a gentleman, a scholar and a pioneer in advancing the application of economic analysis to the then new competition law. Dev and Sudarshan were consummate hosts at their home in Kanata, where Dev was also a community leader. Dev truly made a difference. Deep condolences from myself and Susan to the Khosla family. Don and Susan Mercer, Vancouver and Ladysmith, BC
Jyoti Chopra-malhotra
January 17, 2013
He was a truly wonderful man, it was such an honor to know Uncle. He always had a smile on his face, and would always see the goodness in any situation. He was a true inspiration. My heartfelt condolences to auntie and the family.
Kathy McCrea Scotiabank - Beaverbrook Branch
January 17, 2013
Mrs. Khosla, I wanted to offer my sympathy for the loss of your husband. May all your cherished memories of him, help you and your family through this difficult time.
Sunanda & Amar Singh
January 17, 2013
We are deeply saddened by the news. Our sincere condolences to Sudarshan Ji and the Khosla family.
January 17, 2013
To Jay and family,
Our thoughts are with you. God bless your father.
Dale and Louise Eisler
Harry Chandler
January 17, 2013
I also worked with Dev for several years. He was a true gentleman, self effacing, unfailingly good humoured and a bulwark of the economics unit at the time. My condolences to Dev's family.
Parshotam & Bindi Lal
January 16, 2013
Dear Sudershanji,
Heartfelt Condolences on the sad and untimely demise of Dear Bhai Sahib. It is a great loss to the friends and the community. We pray to Almighty God to give endurance and courage to you all to bear this irreparable loss.
Parshotam and Bindi Lal
January 16, 2013
Dear Sudershanji, jay and Gautam ,
Heartfelt condolences on the sad and untimely demise of dear Bhai Sahib. Its a big loss to all the friends. We pray to Almighty God to give endurance and courage to you all to bear this irreparable loss.
Anjala and Alka
January 16, 2013
Dear Aunty, Gautam and Jay, We are deeply saddened to hear of this loss. Alka and I have been sharing fond memories of uncle over the past few days. Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Anita Barewal
January 16, 2013
Jay, Gautam and Sudarshan Aunty, Ross and I are thinking of you. Dev Uncle was such a part of the Indian community, but it was the night that I saw him at a Rotary club meeting that I realized that he has contributed so much in his life. Reading his obituary, I realize that Dev Uncle was also an incredible academic. In spite of his accomplishments, his first questions to me were always "and how are the kids? And you, Anita, how are you doing? How is Ross?" - a humble and special person. He is in our thoughts.
Sunny, Deepak, Neelam, and Aleena Ahuja
January 16, 2013
We will always remember Uncle as a kind man with a generous spirit and always eager to help his friends in need. He will be missed -- our fond memories of him will live on in our hearts.
Sucha Mann
January 16, 2013
Bhanji Sudarshan, Beta Jay and Gautam
Our thoughts are with you.
Bhaji Sukh Dev was our very dear family friend, I always consulted for advice as my elder brother. Bhaji was a great social worker, Rotarian, Great Canadian, pillar of Panjabi-Canadian community, was always their in motivating Punjabi Heritage Foundation of Canada to hold cultural events to enrich Canadian Heritage. Sucha, Baljit, Mitu Mann
we will remember
Colin Hopkinson
January 16, 2013
my condolences to all the family, he was a great man and will be remembered i will be there on friday to say good bye, my love and best wishes go with you all.
Akua Arthur
January 16, 2013
A great friend, father and idol is lost. My heart is saddened. Dear Su i imagine your pain of this loss. May your heart be filled with wonderful memories of joyous times together as you celebrate a life well lived by Dev. My sincere condoleances to you and the family. You are remembered in prayers. Take heart and be of good cheer
January 15, 2013
I worked for Dev for several years at the Competition Bureau in the early to mid seventies and enjoyed those years very much. He was a good guy to work with/for. My condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
Jack Leask, Ottawa
Sahada/Kobana Abukari
January 15, 2013
You were like a father to us (kobana,Sahada and Namawu and a grandfather to kataali, Timalma and Wunyiko. We will miss you dearly! but your good nature and memory will live forever. Your life is worthy of emulation. you left a good legacy and we are proud to have known you.
January 15, 2013
Gautam, Jay and Mrs. Khosla,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Anne Ouwerkerk
Stewart Wheeler
January 15, 2013
My sincere condolences Gautam, to you, to Jay, your families and to your dear mother. Your father will live on in the memories of our childhood as a kind, gentle, intelligent man with a wonderful smile. I am very sorry for your loss.
Meztly Abrego
January 15, 2013
Dev was a kindred spirit. With his smile and aura he always made me feel like a member of his family even though, I was really just his community lifeguard. Rest in Peace.
Earl Austin
January 15, 2013
Very sorry to hear. We are presently y out of the country and are sorry we could not be there. a great fellow Rotarian. Ear and Joanna Austin
Madan and Asha Joneje
January 15, 2013
We are deeply saddened by the news. Our sincere condolences to Sudarshan Ji and the Khosla family.
Andrew Klymchuk
January 15, 2013
My condolences to his family. I met Dev in 1977. I worked with him and joined him for a pleasant lunch almost daily for several years. His record and accomplishments, his generosity and kindness warm the memory of all who knew him. He was a gentleman in the best sense of the word.
Ritha Khemani
January 15, 2013
Deeply shocked at Dev's passing away and my thoughts are with Darsh and the wonderful times we had in Ottawa. Am sure he is a peaceful and happy place looking over all of us and I am privelaged to have been a friend.
Shyam Khemani
January 15, 2013
I am deeply sad to learn of dev's passing. He was a dear friend,who i also considered a 'elder brother', a mentor, and avaluable colleague when we both worked at the competition bureau. Over time our families grew closer. While we met nearly every year, time spent was never enough. I shall miss him dearly.
Robert Anderson
January 15, 2013
My wife, Ruth, and I were very sad to learn of the passing of Dev Khosla. He was a fine man and good friend. We had not seen Dev for some time but were very close to him and the family during our years in Ottawa, up through 1997. Our sincerest condolences go to Darsh Khosla and to Jay, Gautum and their families. Rob Anderson
Cathy MacGregor
January 15, 2013
What a very sad surprise for me in the papers this morning. Jay and Lisa, please know that I am here for you and extend my regrets to your family.
sawaran & kamal saini
January 15, 2013
In loving memory of wonderful friend, we love you and will always miss you. May Waheguru bless the departing soul, give strength to the family to bear the loss of loved one.
Stephen Alexander
January 15, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Jim Shearon
January 15, 2013
I am deeply sorry to learn of Sukh Khosla's passing. I am out of the country at present and unable to express my sorrow in person. I send my deepest sympathies to Mrs Khosla and to Jay and Goutam. J
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