It is with tremendous sorrow that the family of Dr. Vembu (Gouri) Gourishankar announce his sudden passing on May 1, 2017 in Edmonton, Alberta. Vembu was born in Simla, India and spent his youth in Tamil Nadu. He obtained his Doctorate of Electrical Engineering in 1961 at the University of Illinois, Champagne. In 1965, he accepted a position of Professor, in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Alberta where he taught and carried out research in control engineering. He also served on the Board of Governors for the University of Alberta.Vembu is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Radha, and his two children, Arvind Gourishankar (Praneet Grewal) and Dr. Sita Gourishankar (Dr. Vivek Mehta) and the absolute joys of his life, his grandchildren, Kaetan and Sonya Mehta. He is also survived by his brother, Sundaresan, his sisters, Balam and Sachu and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.Vembu was a man of great integrity, kindness, sharp wit and humility. His generous and empathetic nature was experienced by many through his hours of volunteer work at the Edmonton Food Bank. He was a man of great spirituality, faith and a Sai Baba devotee. The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Fox, Dr. Andrew Nataraj, Dr. Mike Jacka, Dr. Dave Zygen, Dr. Craig Domke and all the staff of the Neurosurgical ICU and 3F2 for their excellent care and compassion.Memorial donations may be made in Vembu's name to Ronald McDonald House or Edmonton Food Bank.

Arrangements under the direction of Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Edmonton, AB.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune on May 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Vembu Gourishankar

Sponsored by Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium.

23 Entries

Eugene Cao

June 20, 2017

I am so saddened to learn the sudden passing of Dr. Gourishankar. I was a graduate student of Dr. Gourishankar from 1988 to 1990. I actually visited Madras (now known as Chennai) where Dr. Gourishankar earned his first degree and spend most of his youth there. Dr. Gourishankar had been a great mentor. Through his guidance and supervision, I had learned so much from him. I'd like to try the only Tamil word I know, Nandri Dr. Gourishankar for your kindness and support. My deepest sympathy and profound condolences to Dr. Gourishankar's family. He will be missed dearly.

Suedelle Baudais for Edmonton Food Bank

June 19, 2017

A generous gift was donated in memory of Gouri by Dr. Philip and Ginny Halloran to the Edmonton Food Bank! His many volunteer hours were also appreciated at the Edmonton Food Bank! Our sympathies go out to his wife and family and friends in his passing! He will be greatly missed!

Edmonton Food Bank

June 19, 2017

A donation was made to the Edmonton Food Bank in memory of Dr. Vembu Gourishankar from Dr. Philip and Ginny Halloran. Our sympathy is with you at this time!

Haiming Qiu

June 16, 2017

Professor Gourishanka was my supervisor in 1981-1983, when I was a Chinese visiting scholar in the Dept of Electrical Engineering, University of Alberta. Professor Gourishanka gave me great support in my study and research. His kindness to me will be always remembered. My deepest condolences to Prof. Gourishanka's family.

Dr. Don & Cathy

May 10, 2017

I have just learned of "gouri"'s death from my daughter. I have known him since we were both in Illinois and we both came to U of A as colleagues. He was always very calm, very honest, straightforward, and, above all very caring about people.. I was privileged to work with him and I, as well as my wife and family, mourn his loss. He was a man who made this world better. Our hearts and thoughts go out to Rahda and the family.

Kathleen Todoruk

May 9, 2017

Dear Sita, Vivek and family...my sincere and heartfelt condolences. May peace be with you and all of your happy memories in the days ahead.

Sham Oltikar

May 9, 2017

Our profound condolences to you all. We are very sad to hear about the demise of Dr Gourishankar. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. We have lot of fond memories of times spent with Dr Gourishankar & Radha in Edmonton & also in Puerto Rico when they visited us there. We are honored to have them as our friends . May his soul Rest In Peace!
Pratima & Sham Oltikar ( Austin, Texas)

Marianne Edwards

May 7, 2017

Dear Sita:
Dale and I send our profound condolences to you, Viv, Sonya, Kaetan, and your Mother at this time. We have known you and your family spanning several decades now. It has been so delightful knowing your parents both when we were kids playing basketball, then in med school together, then as adults with our own kids. I enjoyed helping your Dad with his vision in his late years, and we spent a fair amount of time discussing the nuances of tennis tournaments and strategy when the kids were playing! He was clearly a loving and doting Father and Grandfather.
God Bless,
Marianne Edwards, Dale Berg, Lorraine Edwards, and Julianne, Erika, and Sylvie

Prabhakar Krishnaswamy

May 6, 2017

I had the privilege of befriending Gourishankar Mama(uncle in Tamil), a room mate of my father for four years, when they studied Engineering at the College of Engineering, Guindy, Madras(India). Although Mama was two years younger, my father looked up to him for his simplicity, leadership & oratorical skills, family values, his high principles and for being an outstanding student. They shared a great friendship and my father fondly recollects anecdotes from those days to share with us. Due to my father's failing health, I had the privilege of being in touch with Mama by mail, to keep him updated of my father's progress from his many complications. Thus developed our friendship over the last many years. Mama had a deep concern for a fellow human, was highly mature in thought, humorous, appreciative and a great conversationalist. He would visit us during his annual trips to India. His magnetic influence greatly attracted me to him.

I am deeply saddened by his sudden passing, as are my parents and my siblings. I pray to God to give his family the courage to deal with this great loss and for Mama to rest in peace. Gourishankar Mama will hold a special place in our hearts for ever!

Subhash Karnik

May 5, 2017

Dr Sita and Family,
We were saddened by the sudden news of passing away of Dr Gourishankar. We had visited you with our mutual long term friends Sham and Pratima Oltikar a couple of years ago - which visit we cherish.
Our deepest condolences to you, Arvind, Radha and their families.

Subhash and Medha Karnik

May 5, 2017

We are shocked and sadden to learn of the passing of Gouri. His kindness and support to our family in our years in Edmonton will always be remembered. Our deepest sympathy to Radha, Arvind, Sita and the whole family.
Gladys, Elaine and Michelle Sang

Marianne van der Ahe (Englefield)

May 4, 2017

Thinking of you and sending our condolences to you all. I remember playing with Arvind and Sita when we visited your place many years ago! I remember your Dad and husband as a quiet and kind man. I know he will be missed and I pray that you will be comforted in your loss.

May 4, 2017

Dr. Sita & Family,
In ways big and small,your father's life changed our world and left it a better place,and touched too many hearts to ever be forgotten. And, throughout this difficult time,may you also know the deep sympathy and concern that is felt
for you and all your family.
With Love, Beverly Sharp-Samograd & Family

May 4, 2017

We worked together in doing Spiritual Services. I was deeply saddened to hear your death. It is a Great Loss to Family and Community. My condolences to Mrs. Gowri Shankar.
May your Soul rest in peace.
Jayaraman

John Lummis

May 4, 2017

Dear Radha, Arvind and Sita,
Abigail and John Lummis wish to send our sincere sympathy. Arvind and Sita were excellent students whom I enjoyed immensely.
John lummis

Sandra Pather

May 4, 2017

Sita
Thinking of you, Viv, kaetan, Sonya and your Mama G at this sad time. I remember you talking so fondly of your dad and missing him during your time in Hamilton. I remember finally meeting him in Edmonton with Kumie. I felt like I knew him immediately-he was such a kind and gentle soul. He took such good care of us during a stressful time. I'm sure he had that affect on everyone he met. He will be always be remembered. Hopefully these memories will give you all peace.
Love to you all
Sandra and Thea Pather

Tracey H

May 4, 2017

Sita,
No words can describe how saddened we are by your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time of sorrow.

Tracey and Suki

Frank Niscak

May 3, 2017

Dear Radha, Sita, and Arvind - we would like to offer our deepest and sincere condolences. We will always remember Dr. Vembu Gourishankar as a great man, teacher, mentor, and friend who has had very profound on our lives. We are truly sorry for your loss.

Sharon and Frank Niscak

Kathy Yetzer

May 3, 2017

Dear Sita,
Thinking of you and Viv and Kaetan and Sonya and Mama G with deepest sympathy. May your memories of the fun and joy you shared with Papa G bring you comfort and strength at this sad time. Love and hugs to all of you. Kathy

C.S. Balasubramanian & Mano

May 3, 2017

Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Sita Gourishankar & family

Freda Ainley

May 3, 2017

Dr. Sita, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Freda Ainley, Edmonton.

May 3, 2017

So sad to hear about Gouri . Just recently , we met
in South Gate when we were both having a walk . Had a wonderful and relaxed talk . Erika and I send you all our condolences . May God give u the strength . May his soul Rest In Peace ! Love
Sudarshan

May 3, 2017

Sita and family. So very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. Marj Thomson

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