Anand Acharya

From the time Anand was an A320 first officer overnighting in Edmonton to his most recent role on the Triple 7, we always talked airplanes I will miss Anand’s insights and these conversations over a full-bodied glass of red.

I had the privilege of flying and working with Anand all those years ago at 435 Squadron in Winnipeg. He was a gentleman and a mentor but most of all he was a friend. He made all of us better simply by being who he was. Fair skies and tailwinds Anand.

Anand will be remembered for his big smile, bright sparkling eyes and his contagious love for life and good food. He will be deeply missed. Our sincere condolences to Kusum, Nina and Jasmine.

This picture is exactly how I remember Anand- smiling that broad smile and doing something athletic. Notwithstanding his condition, he remained cheerful and full of life . Though I knew him for only a short time, I will remember him for a very long time. That is the kind of person he was.

I feel that I lost a person that was very important for me, Anand was not only a student, a colleague for me, he was a very dear friend. I learned many things from him, not only about his professional conduct, but he helped me concur my fear of flying. Anand, was the best student I ever had, was an excellent colleague and a very dear friend!

Anand was the post positive, hospitable person I have ever met. From the time we were young adults, to his time at CFB Edmonton and Winnipeg and through his time as a wonderful husband, father and friend, I enjoyed every second and will miss his warmth. Flying was in his blood and so were wonderful bottles of wine and tasty coffee.

Kusum, Nina and Jasmine. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Anand over the years all loved and admired him. My first trip to the high arctic when I was a brand new first officer on the Hercules was with Anand as my aircraft commander. He was just so great to fly with! I remember thinking to myself after that trip to Alert, "I want to be just like him, that's how you treat people." I was grateful to be able to sit down with Anand last year over coffee and relate that story to him, I think it brightened his day. I also told him I tried to read his PhD thesis, and got a headache! He laughed. :-) He sure touched a lot of people, I'm sure going to miss him. Clear blue skies ahead for you Anand.

We have been good friends with Anand and Kusum ever since they moved to Ottawa. Anand was an intellectual, a conversationalist, an economist, a skilled pilot and a committed anti-authoritarian. But most of all, he was a great friend. We will miss the great wine, fantastic espresso, and stand up paddle boards around the lake. But we have many fantastic memories. Our sincere condolences to Kusum, Nina and Jasmine.

So sorry for your loss - we're all thinking of you.

Anand will be remembered by us as a true gentleman, a great father and husband who put those he loved first and foremost. You have left us far too soon friend.