Atwal, Onkar
Passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by his side on Tuesday, July 16th, 2019. Onkar in his 90th year, was the beloved husband of Devinder Dana, loving father of Nina (Gerry), Preeti (Bradley), Seema (Ajit) and Randeep and adored grandfather of Evan. He will be sadly missed by his brothers Pritam and Rachpal with whom he had an exceptionally close bond and his extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Karnail and Bhagwanti and sister Amarjeet.
Onkar was a dedicated professor emeritus of veterinary medicine at the University of Guelph for 29 years and around the world in India, Afghanistan, Mexico, Ecuador, St. Kitts, Alabama and at his alma mater Davis, California.
Onkar’s love of animals extended to his canine family Rex, Satchi, Sidney, Daphne and Gryffen. He had a passion for music, Urdu poetry and ghazals and especially singing which was a much anticipated event at family celebrations.
Onkar was a world traveler starting in Kenya where he was born and continuing through many countries in Asia, Europe, and North, Central and South America but his heart was always at home in India where he spent his formative years. He had a spontaneous and adventurous spirit — traveling alone with his brother by ship from Mombasa to Bombay en route to boarding school, jumping up on stage and singing with Joan Baez in Berkeley and driving with his family through the Khyber Pass.
He will be remembered as a great conversationalist, a lover of history and biography, an avid sports buff and respected professor.
A service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 762 Woolwich St, Guelph, on Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m. Reception to follow at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society. Donation cards are available at the funeral home (519-821-5077), or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Onkar Atwal Tuesday July 16th 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Guelph, Province: Ontario