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Thiruvenkatachari Viraraghavan
Thiruvenkatachari Viraraghavan
Obituary
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Thiruvenkatachari Viraraghavan Obituary
It is with much sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Thiruvenkatachari Viraraghavan. Dr. Viraraghavan passed peacefully on August 23, 2015, at the age of 81. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Saroja, daughter Roopa (married to Suresh), son Praveen (married to Binita), two brothers and two sisters, four grandchildren, other close relatives, many personal friends and numerous professional colleagues, all of whom will miss his companionship and always remember him for his gentle demeanor, generosity, intellect, wisdom, humor and storytelling abilities.
Dr. Viraraghavan was a Professor in the Environmental Systems Engineering Program, as part of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Regina from 1982 until his retirement in June 2000. He remained a Professor Emeritus at the University, where he successfully graduated numerous undergraduates and over 44 Masters of Arts and Science, 2 Masters of Engineering and 11 Ph.D. candidates. He was also an associate editor for several prestigious international journals in his field that have generated a tremendous influence on advances in various areas such as water/wastewater technology, climate change, water quality and hydrogeology. Additionally, Dr. Viraraghavan has served as a consultant to his city, province and country in regards to research and higher education programs for drinking and waste water treatment, and disposal systems. His teaching, consulting and research accomplishments have been widely recognized, most notably by his receiving the Dr. Albert E. Berry Medal, the pre-eminent award of the Environmental Engineering Division of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, in 2006, for outstanding contribution to furthering the "objectives of protecting public health and the environment while preserving our air, water and land resources for future generations." He received a congratulatory message from the Premier of the Government of Saskatchewan for this award. He was also honored as a Life Fellow by numerous professional institutions in Canada, the United States and India, as the recipient of the University of Regina Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Research in 1998, and earned the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan in 2000 as well.
Funeral services for Dr. Viraraghavan will be held at 9 a.m. this Thursday, August 27, 2015 at the Memory Garden Memorial Park and Mortuary located at 455 West Central Avenue, Brea, CA. PH: (714)-529-3961. In honor of his generous spirit and passion for research, Dr. Viraraghavan's family respectfully requests that anyone wishing to send flowers or other remembrances make a donation to the American Cancer Society in his name instead.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ganesh Rao
August 19, 2024
Amazing coach, guru, and guide. His impact is lifelong for those who were fortunate to know him.
Dr S Sundaamoorthy
September 12, 2021
He started the Sewage Reuse Pilot Plant in Chennai in 1965 and migrated to Canada after few years. I tookover and completed it in 1978 and gabe protype shape by supplying renovated sewagetopetrochemical industry for cooling watermakeup in 1992. As of this 2021, as much as ten percent of Chennai seweage is reused thus and indirectly saves precious freshwater. Proud farewell to you sir. You mustbe really happy to read this in heaven
T.R.Kothandaraman
August 21, 2020
Reverence to you sir. I wanted to renew old old contact of our good old Madras days in August 2015 but unfortunately could not . It was unfinished task.
Venkata Boggavarapu
Venkata Boggavarapu
April 15, 2016
I was associated with Professor Viraraghavan as a post doctoral fellow at the University of Regina. His deep knowledge of the subject, lasting patience in listening and gentle conversation style and steady encouragement have remained in my memory long since my assignment ended in 1993. May his soul rest in peace!
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Ganesh Rao
April 11, 2016
My condolences to the family and deepest sympathies in the passing of Dr. Raghavan. He leaves many pleasant memories with his coaching and mentorship of students like me who arrived straight from the tropics in ice-cold Regina. Dr. Raghavan's formidable memory led to many an evening of teaching through story telling at his office door. He had a knack for connecting the dots and bridging experiences that inspired and motivated those of us who were fortunate to interact with him as graduate students. His standards for writing and science were exacting and made me more appreciative of the art and science of environmental engineering. We were beneficiaries of his warmth and guidance, and his guru-sishya style has made me enjoy learning to date.
With deep appreciation,
Ganesh Rao
Damodar Pokhrel
March 22, 2016
I was shattered to learn the passing away my professor who has given so much but taken nothing. Professor T. Viraraghavan had depth and breadth of knowledge in Environmental Engineering field. He was always up to date and was very ethical person. I consider myself lucky to have him my Ph. D. supervisor. Dear professor, you were great and I will always miss you.You are no more with us but your contributions in the field will always be remembered for generations to come.
With great respect,
Damodar Pokhrel, Ph. D., P. Eng.
Regina, Saskatchewan Canada
Deepa Rao
September 22, 2015
It was my privilege to have worked with such a humble and nice person. He was epitome of knowledge. We are deeply saddened by the news of professor passing away. I was his master's student from 2002- 2005. He was such a nice person. He supported me when I lost my mother during my research time. He is not only my mentor but was a father figure who guided me, supported me throughout my stay in Regina. I did four papers with him and he motivated me constantly during those days when I was doing my papers and loss of my mother and her memories used to haunt me.
I don't have words to express my gratitude. Even today I remember we used to chat for hours about Madras, his cricket, his IIT days. I used to visit him and Saroja aunty used to make me coffee.
Please accept my sincere condolences aunty. He will be greatly missed.
Jayant Rao
September 21, 2015
I have no words to express how I am feeling having come to know today (after so many days through a friend) of Dr. Viraraghavan's passing away. Dr. Raghavan as we used to call him was the hero of his students, many of whom can never forget his outstanding achievements in the environmental field. I was his Masters student from 1999-2001 and have excelled in the field through the foundations that were built under his direction. I sincerely pray that his soul rests in peace. Dear sir, you will remain in our hearts and minds as long as we are alive.
Respectfully and sincerely,
Jayant Rao (Email: [email protected])
September 7, 2015
Dearest Saroja, Roopa and Praveen
It was with the greatest shock that we received the news about Dr.Viraraghvan's passing away. Just last year we spent a wonderful evening with both of you...We remember, Dr.Viraraghvan was stunned that my father in law could recollect his younger brother's name. We can just picture him reclining on our sofa with that twinkle in his eye and that wry sense of humor. Just can't imagine that he is no more with us. Those wonderful couple of years that we spent with you in Regina, Canada is still green in our memories..Our heartfelt condolences to all of you...We shall miss him forever in our lives...
Sheila & NagaRajan
T" R. Kothandaraman Kothandaraman
September 5, 2015
It is with shock, I came to know of the sad passing away of Professor only today through one of his past P.hd student.I was an understudy way back in T. Nadu Public works dept in 1960- 1965. while he was working as a Junior Enginer in Madras. I lost contact subsequently. It is an irony of fate that after a chance of getting his whereabouts only in Last August through a friend of mine who was one of his P.hd student in uni. of Regina, I wrote a e. mail to Professor on 13th. August 2015. This is after 50 years time gap trying to renew contact with him. Regretfully, I couldnt be aware of his serious illness.Now, I learn of his loss. My humble Homage.
Krishna Rao
September 1, 2015
Dear Saroja Aunty, Roopa and Praveen,
I am sorry to hear about uncle's passing. Please accept my deep sympathies and condolences. I have many fond memories of him while growing up in Regina.
August 31, 2015
I had the good fortune to work with Raghavan at the U of R. He was a real gentleman and one I admired greatly. I read many of the Thesis that his M.Sc students prepared and they were always very well done. He made a big contribution to U of R engineering students. A big lose to everyone.
Art Opseth
David YF Ho
August 30, 2015
A renowned engineering expert, a kind man, a good husband and father!
I'm grateful for the blessing of your care and mentoring over the years.
Amr Henni
August 27, 2015
It is with great sadness that I heard that Dr. Viraraghavan has passed away. As a colleague I have enjoyed his company and many discussions around a coffee. His research contributions in water treatment are world class. He will surely be missed by many colleagues here at the Faculty of Engineering-University of Regina.
On behalf of many of his colleagues at the faculty of Engineering, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family.
August 27, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of a respected expert in the environmental protection field. While he is no longer in this world, Dr. Viraraghavan's valuable body of works and his other lasting legacies will continue to be shared and benefitted by many generations to come.
Best Regards,
Thon Phommavong
Dr. Viraraghavan's graduate student (1992-1995)
Ondiveerapan Thirunavukkarasu
August 27, 2015
To
Mrs. Viraraghavan, Mrs. Roopa and Mr. Praveen
Myself/my family are deeply saddened by the news of Prof. T. Viraraghavan passing. I know Dr. Viraraghavan since 1997 and did Ph.D. (topic: arsenic removal from drinking water)from 1998 January to 2002, Dr. Viraraghavan was my supervisor/professor/mentor. My thoughts and prayers are with you/family. I don't know how to express his greatness, achievements, etc. I am speechless now, I truly miss him. I always remember him for his intellect, wisdom, mentorship and his support during my Ph.D program/later. Please accept my condolences and I will never forget my professor.
Suresh Kikkeri
August 27, 2015
Lakshmi, Abhijit and I are sad to hear the demise of my beloved Professor, Dr. Viraraghavan. I was his graduate student at University of Regina from Jan 1987 to Dec 1988. I learned a lot from him both prefessionally and personally. He remains in my thoughts and prayer.
GN Mathavan
August 26, 2015
Mrs. Saroja Viraraghavan, Dr. Roopa, and Mr. Praveen:
Vaidehi and I are shocked, deeply saddened, and sorry to hear the passing of Dr. T. Viraraghavan. Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to you all.
Being his first doctoral student at the University of Regina in 1989, I wanted to say what a wonderful teacher and mentor he was. He made a lasting impression on me; I will continue to cherish and practice everything he taught.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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