Som's nickname was 'Ananda' which, in his native Bengali, means joy. Anyone who knew him, knew he manifested his name. He loved to laugh (his giggle was infectious!), to make others laugh, he went all out pampering and caring for his loved ones and delighted in a tasty morsel of gossip. Most of all though, he was the most stoic yet upbeat person you would ever know. He had a stellar career in the restaurant industry as a high-level executive running a fine dining restaurant for years and his customers regularly fell in love with him. He was also, to quote his nephew TJ, 'wonderfully, brilliantly, colorfully, joyously, fashionably Queer' and claimed his identity with conviction and courage in a culture where this part of identity was not socially sanctioned or accepted. He was and is an inspiration for this as well myriad other reasons.

Life dealt him some nasty health challenges at a young age, but he took each one head on, with his chin up and a smile at the ready. His tolerance for pain was outstripped only by his love of life and he wrung every last drop out of what he was given. 

On April 2nd he finally rested. 

The previous few months were unexpectedly full of light and joy: he truly enjoyed the retirement home to which he had moved. He was very well cared for there and relished the many comforts it offered. (Shout-out to Mani and Rita for making this happen with sheer will and Herculean effort). 

He was reasonably well until he was not and then slipped peacefully away, with very little pain and with the grace and ease that he deserved. Those who believe in the afterlife may find comfort in the thought that his beloved parents, aunts and uncles are welcoming him to the party that will only now start with Ananda in the house! He's going to keep on making people smile. 

The family is utterly grateful to the friends in Toronto who came to be family (or possibly even more). People like Mani, Rita and before that, Sumana, who gave endlessly of their time, effort, kindness and love to care for his every need. The multitude of friends who enriched his life will also not be forgotten.

Please share your memories, photos and videos here to keep his memory alive. 

We love you Ananda: you may be gone but will never be forgotten. This is our promise to you.

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