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This memorial website was created in the memory of our Dear Dad, Hari, Narayana Rao, who was born in India on 03 June, 1933 and passed away on 03 August, 2015 at the age of 82.
Dad lived life to the fullest until the age of 82 when he was unexpectedly taken away. He was the greatest Dad one could ever ask for. He was always supportive of everything we did. He ensured that both his children had the best life possible and did everything in his power to accomplish that.
Dad was also a wonderful husband. He always ensured that Mom regularly took her medicines and had her food on time.
Dad was a super Grandpa to his children. He always wanted to hug and kiss despite any physical pain he was going through. He enjoyed playing Chess with his grandson and grand daughter.
Dad had several passions. Following the stock market, discussing politics, and reading were a few of them.
Dad spent at least 4 to 6 hours a day following the stock market during weekdays. He had a portfolio of stocks he would follow and keep track of movements by writing them down.
Dad was fascinated by Indian politics and especially local Tamilnadu politics. He would avidly discuss local politics at home with his daughter-in-law, Vijaya, and her Dad.
Dad was an avid reader. His most favorite author was Frederick Forsythe. He would read close to 2 books a week and was constantly looking for good spy or legal novels. The last few books he picked up from the library included Frederick Forsythe's Vertran and Kill List and John Grisham's Summons as well as Brad Meltzer's Fifth Assassin.
Dad has left a deep void in many of our hearts by leaving us unexpectedly. We hope he rests in peace knowing that he has done well in his lifetime and accomplished much for his family. We will all miss him deeply and cherish his memories forever.
Mom
Dad adored Mom and did everything he could possibly do for her. He ensured that she ate well and on time and avoided food that was unhealthy for her.
When he traveled he ensured that he packed medicines in an organized way for mom and himself. He had enough medicines packed for each month in a separate container and labeled the month. This organization has made it easy for us to pick up where he left.
Dad and Mom spent 53 glorious years together and together they accomplished a lot and travelled widely.
Grand Children
Both his grand children, Tejas and Shreya adored AJJA. Tejas and Shreya enjoyed playing chess with him. While Tejas was able to compete with his Grand father at an equal level, Shreya would always win a chess game by proxy as Ajja would ensure that happened.
Children
Dad ensured that both his children had the best life possible. He was always positive and looked ahead despite all setbacks.
Dad ensured that his daughter, Vanitha, was well settled in Los Angeles in a very kind family. He ensured that she was married to Sridhar, who has a very kind heart and is a gem. We were very happy that Sridhar would always look out for Vanitha and care for her. When Vanitha was young, Dad made sure she had all the resources necessary to bring her many talents to light. He encouraged and put her in classes for Dance (Baratha Natyam), Veena, Painting, Sculpting, Baking, Cooking. He encouraged her participation in Dance performances all across India including at Rashtrapathi Bhavan in Delhi. He also ensured that she had skills including Data entry, Typing. We remember Dad taking Vanitha everyday to the bus station to drop her work at TeleData in Chennai before she got married. Vanitha is now working in a good organization in Los Angeles utilizing all her skills.
Dad ensured that I was well settled both in my professional and family life. He was the guiding force behind my education and career. I remember him taking the time to teach me Mathematics, Science, and English. He ensured I got the concepts right. Without him, I would never have accomplished anything in life. Now thanks to all his guidance and encouragement, I stand a chance at getting ahead and making a difference.
Vijaya (Daughter-in-law)
His Daughter-in-law, Vijaya, lovingly called him Yoda after the Star-wars character. He cared for Vijaya a lot and always wished the best for her. Vijaya enjoyed his straight talk and guidance. They enjoyed several discussions over time. A topic of temples constructed by Pallavans was one of the last discussions they had.
His Extended Family
Dad enjoyed taking about and spending time with his extended family including his brothers and sisters and their family and Mom's brothers and sisters and their families. He would try his best to attend all events and functions when in India despite his age. Dad was always proud when he spoke about all his family members. I know that deep down he wanted to spend quality time with each and every member of his extended family, but realized that it was practically impossible given the distance and age.
I know that whenever he could he wanted to spend time with the family of Raju, Jeyanthi, Subash, Mohan, Premila, Durga, and Krishna. He reminisced a lot about Susheela, Ranganna, Manjula, Saroja and Bhava. He spoke fondly of all his nieces and nephews. He had a special place in his heart for Kavitha, Anitha and their kids and talked a lot about them.
He was fond of Guru and his family as well as Narasimhan and his family. There were probably many others that I am not naming here, but I know there were several others in his heart.
When in Canada, he enjoyed his visits with Vaishnavi, Dheep, Dheep's mom, Shobana, and Ravi. In addition to enjoying the Barbeques hosted by Vikram and Anita, he was also pleased to hear about progress and accomplishments of Vikram, Anita, Navin and Rachana.
Friends
Dad had several friends with whom he conversed on a regular basis. Savalappan, Ramachandran, Shekar (and Siblings), Shankaran, and Iyengar and family were among those with whom he maintained friendship for several years. Dad also maintained good friendship with Malini Rajan, Sugantha, and Vijaya - all of them Mom's friends.
Towards the end, in Waterloo, he treasured the company of my father-in-law, Mr. T.K.S Chari. He, Mr. Chari, and Mom conversed about different subjects for a very long time. All of them used to have breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner together.
Vijayakripa Apartments
Dad and Mom had very close relations with several people at Vijayakripa apartments. Prime among them were Bindu and family with whom they conversed on a regular basis. They also close relationship with Sivagamasundhari, Narasimhalu, Sridhar, Rajarajeshwari, and Raghu. All the apartment residents were very helpful to both Dad and Mom when they were there.
Professional accomplishments
Dad was an accomplished Civil Engineer by profession.
He was responsible for the design and creation of several pipelines, industrial plants, factories, offices, residential areas, villas, and palaces in several parts of the world.
When he was not designing and creating, he was responsible for purchase of material for the organizations that were involved in the construction.
Math and English Skills
Dad had the most amazing Math Skills. I was reminded of it today when I was going over some Integral Calculus concepts. I remember how he used to go over Algebra and Calculus concepts with me and take the time to explain how things worked. I ended up learning new things and got fascinated by Mathematics because of the way he taught Mathematics.
Dad's English skills were exemplary as well. I remember him writing a letter to me when I was in University. My room mates happened to read it and they were surprised by his level of English. I particularly remember how they liked that he used the word Notwithstanding.
Dad was born in Salem, India on 03 June, 1933.
Dad and Mom were married on June 21, 1962
Dad bought an Apartment in Chennai in 1981. At that time, it was a growing central location. Despite the years and a growing population, the central location has helped my parents survive in Chennai as the apartment was just a short walk from all basic needs.
Dad passed away in Waterloo, Canada, on 03 August, 2015 at the age of 82 with his spouse, children, daughter-in-law, and grand children by his side.
