Beloved father and husband, chemical engineer, intellectual, mentor, poetry connoisseur, adventurous free spirit, best friend. Born Feb. 1, 1934, in Calcutta, India. Died Oct. 28, 2009, in Calgary of respiratory failure, aged 75.
The onslaught of eye-catching posters advertising Canada in the London Tube, combined with a particularly uninspired day at work, prompted a young Syamal Chaudhuri to visit Canada House in Trafalgar Square. A recent chemical engineering postgraduate in Britain, he decided to take high commission staff up on their offer of a trip to Canada for some adventure.
Arriving in time to catch Expo 67, Syamal, known as Ray, quickly acclimatized to the country. Exciting opportunities drew him West and he became one of the youngest plant managers at Co-op Chemicals in Saskatoon. Soon thereafter, he moved into Alberta's energy industry.
A talented and respected engineer and scientist, Ray worked across Canada, from Port Hardy, B.C., to Halifax, even partnering his own engineering outfit in Calgary. His enjoyment of harsh prairie winters, jet-set travel and camping in British Columbia orchards fused seamlessly with childhood memories of India. Having lost his father before his birth, Ray was raised by a remarkable mother who instilled in him a sense of integrity, dignity and a fighting spirit.
In the early 1980s, Ray was diagnosed with heart disease. Presented with no options for medical treatment or recovery in Canada, he refused to fade away. Undaunted, he and his wife Esha took control of an intense situation, travelling to California with their young daughter for surgery. Following successful treatment Ray thrived, perfecting a disciplined, healthy lifestyle and continuing to work across the globe, including in the United States, Asia, Europe and Africa. He said the experience strengthened his faith to never give up on yourself even when those around you let you down.
Ray's serious demeanour shielded a gentle and generous man. He helped many people find good jobs and provided accommodation, financial support and mentorship. Well read and thoughtful, he had a sharp intellect. Nature, poetry and his daily newspaper relaxed him. With mischievous twinkling eyes, Ray charmed friends into conversations on an array of topics including politics, natural history, sports and, his recent favourite, the CERN Large Hadron Collider. An amateur chef, he appreciated fine cuisine, even adapting tandoori chicken for the barbecue.
A family of three best friends, Ray, his wife and daughter shared an unbreakable bond as they faced life's joys and obstacles together. He said his family was his most precious gift and particularly cherished his daughter's achievements. Armed with optimism and faith, Ray made the world a better place than he found it.
Esha and Srimoyee Chaudhuri are Ray's wife and daughter.