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Tiruven Devanathan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Tiruven Devanathan
Sponsored by Gopal Devanathan.
25 Entries
shanker raja
August 31, 2015
To symbolize how his friendship contributed to my life
shanker raja
August 31, 2015
I still miss him. I never imagined a day may come that I will talk about him in the past tense. I am grateful to have known him. My love to Padma and his children
J B Subramaniam
August 30, 2015
I am saddened to learn of the passing away of my friend and former colleague at MCC Tambaram,Dev during 1954_56.Again I met him at Kansas when he had joined the university for his assistantship and doctoral program.My friend R S Krishnan and I drove all the way from Cleveland,Ohio to meet him and his wife.An intellectual and extremely pleasant person to engage with any discussion,I recall fond memories of those days at the chemistry lab.in Tambaram.May his soul rest in peace.
H. JAYARAMAN
October 17, 2014
I shall always treasure fond memories of my beloved friend, Dave. I will miss him very much indeed.
My heartfelt condolences to Padma, Lata and Gopal.
Harihar Krishnan
October 15, 2014
Dr. T. Devanathan was my intellectual guide and my mentor and I always looked up to him for comfort and advice whenever I was tormented by some problem. The years I and my contemporaries spent with “Dave” during our student days at the University of Kansas will always remain one of the happiest of our lives.
Dave never had a harsh word for anyone and won over all those around him with his powerful erudition, his towering intellect, his extraordinary kindness and his amazing spirit of giving. He was a man of strong principles and iron discipline and in this, he received fantastic support from his wife Padma, who remained his greatest companion and his main source of strength. The couple's love for their two children and the way they raised them will remain a textbook study for all aspiring parents.
Dave and Padma always loved to feed people, laying out grand feasts for their guests. Mrs. Dave's cooking is legendary and those of us who have enjoyed her culinary offerings are probably still smacking their lips. There was one rule in Dave's home that one dared not break – no smoking. He detested this addiction only because of his deep concern about the terrible harm the smokers were inflicting on themselves.
I had broken that rule a couple of times only to be subjected to his severe tongue-lashing from Dave. But I would also go so far as to say it was this disciplining from Dave that eventually helped me to quit the nasty habit. For this too I will always be grateful to this remarkable man. The last time I spoke to him on long-distance telephone, the first question he asked me was: “Krishna (he never called by Krishnan) swear to me that you are still off cigarettes.” He only continued the conversation after I did.
Everyone of his colleagues know that Dave was a giant of chemistry but some may not know he was also an erudite scholar of the English language which he spoke and wrote flawlessly. In fact, the best time to witness this unique talent and skill was when Dave was agitated or when he wanted to express an opinion with emphasis. The words, each so carefully chosen, flowed from his mouth like a torrent. One just sat there in total admiration. He used to tell me: “Krishna, one should always speak and write good English because that is the best way to respect that beautiful language. I can watch Richard Burton or Peter O'Toole movies endlessly if only to listen to their erudition and the way they delivered their dialogues. Burton can read the telephone directory and still hold you spellbound.”
Dave never tolerated narrow mindedness, prejudice or fanaticism in any form. Though a Brahmin, he openly and fiercely opposed the Hindu caste system or any other form religious separation.
Volumes can be written about Dave's other great qualities whose focus was always on kindness, compassion and giving as well as responsible citizenship. Designating his body for scientific research and educational purposes was Dave's final act of charity.
We have lost a very great man, who lived a full life despite his ailments. As a husband, father and friend, Dr. Devanathan was a role model for all of us. He will be sorely missed.
Let us all pray Mrs. Dave and her family find the strength to overcome this terrible blow soon. We all pray his soul will forever rest in peace and that he will continue to bless from here he is.
Harihar Krishnan
September 10, 2014
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and kind words. Much appreciated.
We will be holding a commemoration for my father this coming Saturday Sept 13, 2014 at the temple located at : 50 Kesmark, Dollard-Des-Ormeaux QC H9B 3K4 between from 10:30am-3pm (lunch served) 514-684-8030; www.hindumandir.com.
Please let me know by tomorrow (thursday Sept 11) if you would like to attend. Thx, Gopal 514-781-3204
September 2, 2014
he was a gem of a man, my friend. I was blessed to know him.
He was so spirited to talk about the ignorance nourished by religion. Bertrand Russel was our hero. Altho we corresponded only he was my security blanket. I still remember him since our Purdue days. A great soul has left us.
Kindly accept my condolences. please stay in touch and let me know about your mom's life. I knew her well too.
Raja
Ravi Srinivasan
August 29, 2014
Our condolences to Padma Auntie, Lata, Gopal and families. I remember Devanathan uncle well from many years ago.
kannan ramamurthy
August 28, 2014
We are sorry to hear the Demise of Devu Chittappa. We had recently met Aunt Padma during her visit to India and the discussions are fresh in our memory. Our Parents, Ramamurthy and Lakshmi, have been in touch with Devu from the Childhood in Chromepet, Chennai. They too are grief stricken.
May God give the strength to Devu family to bear this loss and overcome the grief.
August 24, 2014
will miss your smile.
Sekhar,
hema raman
August 23, 2014
An unpretentious, extremely kind person, he was always great fun to be with. Enjoyed many open discussions and debates with him. May he be in peace.
August 23, 2014
I am saddened by the news of the death of my friend and colleague, Terri (my special name for him). He was a man with a very deep knowledge and I enjoyed the many intellectual conversations we had together. My thoughts go to Padma and the rest of the family.
Don Montecalvo
Naraynan Ramamurthy
August 23, 2014
We are saddened by the sudden demise of Devu chittappa. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace!
Lucie ,Mario crevier-Laurin
August 23, 2014
Nos sincère sympathie mon cher ami Gopal a toi et a ta famille nous sommes avec vous et il seras toujours parmi nous ce n'est qu'un au revoir nous allons tous nous retrouvez un moment donné aux paradis tous ensemble mes sincère amitié Lucie Mario et les enfants .
Ravi Alagar
August 22, 2014
Devanathan uncle was a remarkable, kind man who I will always remember for his thoughtful insight in all matters of life.
CB Srikant
August 22, 2014
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Devanathan. Our sympathies to his wife and children,
omar behar
August 22, 2014
Dave was a remarkable and easy going man; you could always have a great laugh with him. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy goes to his family.
Omar
Linda and Pierre Archambault
August 21, 2014
Our sincere condolences to the Devanathan Family, he was a very kind man. He will be greatly missed.
Eric Archambault
August 21, 2014
I will miss him a lot ! He has been part of my family all my life !
Lana Mutic-Sajnovic
August 21, 2014
Dave is one of our teachers whom I will always remember fondly.
Linda Wright
August 21, 2014
Family Devanathan
My deepest condolences.
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Linda (Retired:Dawson Student Affairs)
Haniff, Dawson Chemistry Mohammed
August 21, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Govindarajan K
August 21, 2014
Mr Dev, was my cousin. I know him since my younger days as we lived nearby. He was passionate abt his Science. He encouraged us to study well. Our sincere condolences to Padma & Pappu who will miss him very badly. Pray to the Almighty to bless the soul.
August 21, 2014
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Devanathan for many years. His devotion to his family, his students, his community and most importantly his wife Padma was incredibly admirable. He will be so missed. Our thoughts are with the entire family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tina Dorfman and Staff
Anant & Sohini Soneji
August 21, 2014
Our sincere condolence. May God bless you and your family in the time of sorrow.
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