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
Jocelyn Laidlaw
Shira Gertsman
Kusum, Nina, Jasmine, and family - I am so saddened to hear of Anand's passing. In my short time working with him he was such a kind and supportive teacher and always brightened my day with his enthusiasm for his work and for his family. He will be so very missed. Sending my utmost condolences to you all.
Janick Lauzon
Kusum, Nina and Jasmine, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May you find strength, comfort, and peace in the memories you shared and the love that surrounds you. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
Pierre Charest and Danielle Brule
We remember fondly our interactions with Anand when our kids were at Westboro academy together. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences to Kusum, Nina, Jasmine and their family.
Murali Menon and family from Cochin kerala
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Anand. My family's heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared together and strength in the support of your loved ones. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bhakthan Family (Anupama, Manoj, Prem)
Dear Acharya and Menon Families:
We only very recently came to know of Anand’s passing. We are truly and deeply sorry for your loss. Although we had not seen him in many years and were not aware of his illness, he’s forever imprinted in our memories. My brother Prem and I were reflecting on the times we’d spend at sleepovers as kids, at the Langley farm with Anand and Anjali and he’d always be the one who made us all laugh with his humour and pranks. His smile was infectious and it’s still visible to us in our mind’s eye. He showed us how to feed and take care of the cows in the shed, take care of the dogs, and I’m pretty sure was one of the few that may have even taught us some 'colourful metaphors’ in Konkani :-). He was one of a kind and a class act, and his love of family and friends, his positivity, warmth and kindness will never be forgotten. Wherever you are, know that you were loved by all.
Gino Di Clemente and Rupa Kamath (London)
We are so sorry to hear belatedly about Anand- we remember meeting Anand’s parents and sister in London: we send our heartfelt condolences to dear Jana bhav and family
Steve Saunders
Anand was always a kind, gentle, calming presence at RMC in 5 squadron, a much appreciated differentiator among the screaming and disciplinary types … while I was unsuccessful in completing RMC academically, due to dealing with what turned out to be thyroid cancer (always wondered about the SEEMINGLY “higher than the statistical average” number of cadets that had cancer later in life … I’m sure there is an epidemiological study in there somewhere, relating the amount of asbestos in the old dorm and classroom buildings, as well as the asbestos-impregnated “fire blankets” we were all forced to sleep with for 4 years) and we lost touch over the years, it’s with great sadness I read of the passing of this great man … my deepest sympathies to the family …
Anand was the smartest, most humbly ambitious senior in my high school class. Everyone knew he would soar. And did he! His loss is achingly unfair. I send my most sincere condolences and love to his family.