Peacefully at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on March 10, 2024, at the age of 88 years. Son of the late Vedula Venkatesam and Vedula Achyuta Lakshmi (Peri). Sadly missed by his wife of 53 years, Bonnie (Wyman). Dear father of Anjali (Gerry) and Martin (Meaghan). Predeceased by his three brothers V. Lakshminarayana, V. Venkata Subbaram, and V. Balagangadhar. Dear brother-in-law of Shelley and David Ireland and Vedula Durga. He will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
He graduated with a PhD in chemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Following post-doctoral research at the University of Southern California, he was a lecturer and teaching research associate at Carleton University, Ottawa from 1967 to 1972. He subsequently worked as a research scientist at Natural Resources Canada. Over the course of his career, he published eight books and nearly 200 scientific papers relating to corrosion and corrosion inhibitors. His research and publications benefited a broad spectrum of industries including oil and gas, coal transport, minerals and metals processing, aerospace and water treatment.
He loved the game of cricket and won several trophies for his prowess in cricket bowling during his early years in Ottawa. You honour his memory by finding pleasure in the everyday, appreciating the simple things, and believing that there is power in gentleness and generosity.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Sunday, March 17th at 10:00 a.m., following the Celebration of Life, all are invited to share a time of fellowship and refreshments in the reception area of the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association, to a charity of your choice - or simply a random act of kindness would be appreciated by the family. For those who are not able to attend in person you’re invited to please register for the livestreaming by following this link.
Digital Guestbook
William (Bill) Tyson
Neville and Yvonne Moses
Please accept our sincere Condolences in the passing of Sam, he will be missed by all who knew him. May his Soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine on him.
Ann Lupiano
Bonnie—You already know how sad I was to hear of Sankar’s death and that I’ll support you in any way I can as you navigate through the pain and grief of losing your life partner.
Anjali and Martin—The loss of a parent is a complex and overwhelming experience at any age, stirring up a flood of emotions—shock, disbelief, profound sadness —mixed with memories both cherished and painful. Regrettably, I won’t be able to offer you my condolences in person, but I shall be thinking of you and your mother during Sunday’s Celebration of Life.
Kathy Wallace
Bonnie and family - my deepest condolences for your loss. Sankar obviously had very active work life. I am sure that he will be missed.
Murlidhar Rao
We knew Dr. Vedula Sastri and Bonnie as friends in Ottaw for many years. We used to meet at our Telugu/Andhra Cutural Association (India) for many years. He was a great scientist, teacher , lover of Cultural art dance and karnatic music and above all a great gentleman and friend.
May his soul rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends.
Dr. K.S. Subramanian
I will not be able to attend Dr. Sastri's funeral services on March 17. Sorry.
I have collaborated with Dr. Sastri in some of his research projects. During this time, we became friends. I remember him as warm, gentle, helpful and very witty. I pray that his soul rest in peace.
Isabelle and Lynnea
We were very saddened to hear of Sankar’s passing. We’ve had the great pleasure of being his and Bonnie’s neighbours for 26 years. We’ll hold fond memories of his culinary talents, his friendliness and his sense of humour. He would always make us chuckle by asking “what’s for dinner?” every time we would walk by. Unfortunately, we are travelling and will not be able to offer our condolences in person. You are in our hearts Bonnie and family.
Ajit Thomas
My brothers and I met Dr. V.S. "Sam" Sastri in the 1980s. He was the one who introduced us to the cricket community and we were grateful for this fortuitous meeting. Sam was a much liked figure in the Ottawa cricket fraternity. He was a respected "elder" and will be missed by many of his friends who played with him or spent time with him over the years. Condolences to his family on this great loss. May his soul Rest in Peace.
Sanjay Thomas
My Condolences to the family. Sam was the person who introduced me and my two brothers to Ottawa cricket in 1986. We initially played with him when he was a member of Canterbury CC and then later in competed against him for many years. He definitely loved the game and played cricket well into his 60s. He was a tidy spin bowler and a gritty lower order bat with a stout defense. The Ottawa cricket community is infinitely poorer with his passing. May he RIP.
G Powell
A quiet, kind & gentle soul, who demonstrated his expertise in his research. Cheers to having lived more years in retirement with wife, family & friends, than spent in the working world.
I am unable to attend on Sunday, but wish to send my regards. I was a colleague of Sankar's at NRCan (when it was EMR) and, although we were in different sections, I remember him as a warm and bright scientist. May he rest in peace.