Inder Nath Kher
October 12, 1933 – July 1, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Inder Nath Kher, cherished husband, father and friend, on July 1, 2023 at the age of 89.
Inder leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Salochna, his daughter Rshmi, his son-in-law Kevin, and his son Gautam. Inder is predeceased by his parents Gopal Dass and Kaushalya Devi, his sister Kamla and his brothers Narinder and Ravinder.
Born in Wazirabad, Pakistan (pre-partition), Inder grew up in India with a zest for education and a desire to study abroad. He immigrated to Canada in 1965 to complete his Master’s Degree in English at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. This was followed by the completion of his PhD in English at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. Inder taught at the University of Calgary for 30 years and retired as Professor Emeritus in English. Inder’s passion for literature, writing and teaching made a huge impact on his students and colleagues. Internationally he received numerous accolades and recognition for his literary contributions. He authored a book, titled The Landscape of Absence: Emily Dickinson’s Poetry.
Promoting the Indian cultural mosaic in Calgary, Inder served in many organizations such as the India Canada Association of Calgary, the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the Hindu Society of Calgary. Being of service (Seva) at the Temple (Mandir) was a significant life value he shared with his loved ones. In February of this year Inder was honored to be awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his community service.
Inder enjoyed music and sang ghazals that were an extension of the emotional landscape and poetry of life in which he lived. He loved having family dinners and watching Indian Idol together. His family lovingly remembers many amazing memories of family and friends that have enriched Inder’s life.
A life well fulfilled, we celebrate and honor an incredible man of resilience, character, wisdom and integrity. Inder gave of himself, tirelessly, to his family, community and his academic pursuits. He will be greatly missed and remembered in our hearts with love, fondness and affection.
Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality
~Emily Dickinson~
13 Comments
Bhabhi ji, Rshmi, Kevin & Gautam,
What a glorious tribute to Bhai Saheb. He definitely deserved it. I can’t forget the support we got, when we first came to Edmonton in 1968.
I know you, all are devastated by his passing. Just think he is out of the suffering. May God Almighty give peace to his departed soul and lots of courage for all of you to bear this loss.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We’ll see you soon.
Dear Auntie Rshmi, Gautama and Kevin, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Inder Uncle. Our prayers are with you. Love Ritu and George Walker.
Gautum, sad to hear of the loss of your father. He lived a remarkable life, and his positive imprint on you and others is lasting. Hugs to you and your family. I hope you sense peace that your Dad’s character lives on in you and your family. Hugs.
Really very hard to hear about demise of Uncle. May God give strength to family to bear the loss.
I am sorry to hear about Kher Uncle’s passing. I have lovely memories of him throughout my childhood, from Diwali Puja at the Kher house, to cultural functions, to a symposium he invited us to at U of C with Gorbachev (!) present, and of course many many dinners and barbeques. My condolences to Salochna Aunty, Rshmi, Gautam and the rest of the family near and far.
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss! Such a inspiring and humble man who loved his family and his passion in his career…
Om Sadgati Raam Naam Satya Hai Aatma Shanthi
My thoughts are with the family who have lost their loving father, husband, and father in law.
I am so sorry to hear about Kher uncle’s loss. I met uncle and auntie for the first time before embarking on my journey to study at University of Calgary, in Dec 1989. I met them at Haryana Bhavan in New Delhi. Uncle and aunties love and frienship to my dad Yash Pal Chaddah was so evident after so many years of separation. When I arrived in Calgary they embraced me with love. I also met Rosie and Gautam. Even though I was there for only two years the memory and love has prevailed. Uncle lived a very accomplished life and he will always be remembered by my family (even my kids know him even though they never met him). This I believe is a legacy he left behind.
Mrs. Kher and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. I fondly recall Dr. Kher’s kindness when I first came to Calgary. During my brief time there he helped get my academic career started. He was a wonderful mentor, generous with his time and guidance. May his soul rest in peace.
His humility and kindness will always be remembered.
My prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. We dearly miss Dr. Kher and his guidance.
I lost my fatherly, friendly brother of mine, just 3 years elder, who was a dashing, dynamic, charming, warming, loving, a philosopher, a guide to many in personal life. I don’t have now anyone, on whose shoulder, I can cry at the time of my adversity times of my remaining life. Wow, what a pious day, when he left us, 1st to 3rd July, 2023, the whole world is celebrating Guru Purnima days, he was a pious soul too and at least I am confident & pray that his soul has gone to my GURU LOTUS FEET, to shower blessings to all his loved one. Satish Ohri, Gurugram, India. 9871340999
Dear Mrs. Salochana kher, Rashmi, Kavin and Gautam.
Very sorry, to hear that dear Dr. Kher has left for heavenly abode. Please accept our deepest condolence to the family. We prey to almighty God to rest his soul in peace and give strength to family to bear this big loss.
Rita and Prem