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
Ernie Lam
Colin Keiver
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.
Yale Cheng and Hermina Wang
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.
Judy Charles
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.
Marcel-Cristian Voia
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!
Ravi Menon
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.
Martin Hickey
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.
Shawn Aaron and Karen Wolfish
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.
Giguere Samson family
So sorry for your loss - we're all thinking of you.
John & Catherine Jerry
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.
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.