Anand Acharya passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2024 at the age of 55, after an almost two-year battle with brain cancer surrounded by his wife and daughters. He remained unbelievably positive and accepting throughout his journey and lived each day to the fullest, spending his time with family and friends, travelling, biking, paddle boarding, walking, skating and reading. Two days prior to his passing, when the doctor asked him how he was doing he told her with all sincerity that “he was living his best life ever”. While he reached great heights in his professional life including being a Captain in the RCAF on the C130, obtaining a PhD in Economics from Carleton and being an Air Canada pilot on the Boeing 777, the thing he was most proud of was his family which he always made his top priority. He is survived by his wife (Kusum), his daughters (Nina and Jasmine), his sister (Anjali) and his parents (Padma and Jana). His wish was to be remembered and not mourned. To this end, a Remembrance of Life will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Sunday, March 10th, 2024 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations for research may be made in Anand’s name to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada
Digital Guestbook
Sophie van Leur
Paul Lovisa
I met and got to know Anand a little on our many commutes from Ottawa to Toronto. He is one of those people you instantly like and know is a “great guy”. So much so, that when I was offered to fly the Dreams Take Flight in 2006, my first choice to complete the crew was Anand. We had a blast. It was then that I got to know one of the true gentlemen in my life.
Kusum and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Greg Furgala
My sincere condolences to the entire Acharya family. I had the pleasure of working with Anand at AC many times and he was the consummate professional and very well respected amongst his peers. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Ron Hilborn
What a gentleman and excellent person. Anand was an inspiration to us all and in particular the aviation environment. I will always hold special thoughts of Anand while serving with him at 435 Sqn in Edmonton. His wittty humor, exceptional knowledge, and infectious smile were qualities Anand displayed on a daily basis. My deepest sympathies for his family. Sic itur ad astra my friend.
John Horrigan
Anand's memory conjures competing superlatives. A brilliant mind, a warm and friendly gentleman, a skilled pilot and a walking, living example of a life well lived. Thank you my friend for the inspiration you brought wherever you went. The world is richer for your time in it.
Chris Baillie David
So sad to hear the terrible news. Anand flew with me at 435 sqn and i found him to be a both a pilot and officer of the highest standard. Had many good times on boxtop and while camping together in kilamanjaro national park. My sincerest condolences to Anands’ family.
Janet (Berkley) Burr
I only met Anand a few times over the years through his lovely wife Kusum. As a former colleague of Kusum’s I remember when she first spoke of him at the time they first met and then later got engaged. Over the years they settled into Ottawa life, building their family. Kusom was always one of my favourite doctors to work with and it was obvious that they made a strong couple and supported each other. My sympathies go out to Kusom, Nina and Jasmine.
Janet (Berkley) Burr
PICU and Cardiology, CHEO
Retired
Frances Woolley
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of talking about flying with Anand - my uncle used to fly with Anand's father - and about his economic research. He was a truly great man, and will be sorely missed.
Jeff Neely
Jana, so sorry to learn of your son's passing. Although I didn't know your son, it sounds as if he was a fine man, husband and father.
Owen Woodger and Lili Langevin
I was fortunate to meet Anand at Carleton when he supervised my research. I couldn’t have aske for a better mentor, and his thoughtful guidance at an important point in my life is something I will continue to carry with me.
Over the years he became a friend to me and Lili. As many have said, it’s hard to put together a list of Anand’s amazing qualities, but his curiosity, kindness, intelligence, witty sense of humour and generosity immediately come to mind.
We were lucky to enjoy long dinners with Anand, Kusum, Nina and Jasmine chatting about politics over red wine, and will remember how Anand’s perspective always boiled down to taking better care of each other. His seemingly endless optimism, kindness and love for life were not only qualities to admire, but also lessons on a life well lived.
We are so grateful to have known him and we will miss him. Kusum, Nina, Jasmine, our heartfelt condolences for your loss.
I had the privilege to meet Anand through Nina, as such a positive, enthusiastic, interested and good father. Kusum and him have always welcomed us, friends of Nina and Jasmine, with such open arms. He will be immensely missed. Sending all my love.