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
Jim Wells
Phil & Tracey Cameron
Anand had everything: the brains, definitely, the piloting ability, for sure, but for us it was always his heart that stood out most. We remember 28 years ago in Winnipeg when our son was a month old, having Anand over for dinner and seeing the joy he had in has face while he held our son. His smile said it all. His contagious positivity is what we will always remember him for, and the recognizable smile that he always wore. His upbeat attitude travelled with him everywhere he went and his warmth never failed to leave a lasting impact whenever our paths crossed. Our condolences to Kusum, Nina, Jasmine and the entire family. Certi provehendi, Chinthe forever.
May Siu and Stan Lee
We will always cherish the fond memories of our yearly trips to Lake Louise and visiting the Post Hotel together. Anand was a smart and kind man, and a great friend. He always reassured me about how safe flying in an airplane is, and never made fun of my silly questions about flying. He is so dearly missed. Sending our condolences to Kusum, Nina, and Jasmine.
Dan Rawlyck
So very sorry to hear of Anand’s passing. We served as Pilots together with 435 Squadron and later with Air Canada. I will always remember him as a true Gentleman and a man of integrity.
Wayne McNicholl
My deepest condolences to the entire family. I was Anand's first instructor in Moose Jaw and his intelligence, humour and great spirit were exemplary. We crossed paths many times at Air Canada and we were always able to enjoy a nostalgic my moment together. He was an outstanding person and he will be missed by all. Flown west too soon. Godspeed.
Denise Walters
Anand was a true gentleman and scholar. It was always a great pleasure to fly with him or just enjoy a casual conversation during our commuting. He was always positive in general and a professional in the cockpit. He will be missed.
Sarah Kerridge
Anand was a dear family friend from Fernridge Crescent. We younger Bonds looked up to him when we were kids. He was so good at everything he did and also was such a good person. Anand continued to be a talented, accomplished and wonderfully kind person throughout his life. His Fernridge family friends will miss him dearly and think of him often and fondly. All our love to Kusum, Nina and Jasmine and to Anjali, Padma and Jana. XO
Malcolm and Stephanie Bond
Kusum,Jasmine,Nina ,Padma and Jana..we are so sorry for your loss.
Anand’s early life in Langley was intertwined with ours. Such a lovely young boy that became the exceptional man that so many have spoken of here.
We have all lost a “good” one! Thank you for being a part of our lives.
Steve Lamarche
Kusum, Nina and Jasmine, I am so sorry for your loss. I flew with Anand at 435 Sqn and I have so many fond memories of our time. Blue skies and tailwinds, Anand.
Mary Lou Kelley Kelley and John Cosgrove
Anand was a neighbour at Greystone and while we did not have the privilege to know him well, we saw him in and around the condo. I experienced him as a lovely man who radiated calm and kindness. Reading the comments from long time friends and colleagues, I can see he was loved and respected by many. I wish I had known him longer. Our condolences to Kusum, Nina and Jasmine.
Jana and I joined Air Canada within weeks of each other in 67. In our new homes in Burnaby we were almost neighbours; us on Maywood and the Acharyas on Willingdon.
It wasn't long before we were almost neighbours again in Langley BC with them on 22 ave and us on 42. It was different in Langley because there was work to be done on new homes and yards. Jana and Padma's yard was acres and I was sometimes drafted to work in that 'yard'.
In that yard I often saw and talked to both Adnand and Anjeli and it was apparent from the first that they were both the product of an exemplary couple as parents.
I never flew with Adnand but often crossed the Atlantic with Jana in the cockpit of the DC8 and know how professional Adnand would have been; just like his father.
Jana, Padma I wish you strength and peace in your sorrow at this time.
Jim Wells