Asit Kumar Hazra, cherished husband, devoted father, adoring grandfather, and respected colleague, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at his home on July 21, 2024, in his favourite place. He was 78 years old.
Asit was born in 1946, in Chaitanyapur, West Bengal, India, to Nripendra and Mira (nee Raychaudhury) Hazra. From a young age, he developed a passion for nature and the environment, which led him to pursue a career dedicated to preserving Canada's natural beauty. Asit graduated with a bachelor’s degree of technology from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay and furthered his education by pursuing a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University. A dedicated public servant for 36 years, Asit spent most of his career at Environment Canada.
In 1979, Asit married the love of his life, Shoma (nee Roy). Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Asit was a devoted husband and cherished their close bond throughout their 45 years of marriage. He grew up with a deep sense of responsibility and a strong commitment to family. In 1982, Asit brought his parents to Canada, where he worked tirelessly to provide for them and ensure their happiness and well-being throughout their lives.
His dedication to family extended to his own children, Samir and Tia, whom he lovingly guided and supported. He worked diligently to put his children through medical school and law school, instilling in them a love for learning and a strong work ethic. Asit was a loving father to his children, as well as a doting grandfather to his granddaughter, Mira, whom he adored spending time with and sharing his love of mangoes.
In addition to his commitment to his family and career, Asit had a passion for gardening. His backyard garden was his sanctuary, where he spent hours cultivating vibrant flowers and vegetables. He took great pride in sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and friends, fostering a sense of community through both his love for gardening and his support of the Indian Community. A longstanding member of the Deshantari Bengali Association, he was heavily involved in community events, outreach and twice served as president.
Asit was known for his warm smile, his raised eyebrows, his kind eyes, his generous spirit, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He had a natural gift for storytelling and could captivate an audience with tales of his adventures in India, Canada, and across the world. He was fun and funny, with a deep sense of religion and duty, and a big laugh that could light up any room.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shoma; his children, Samir (Casey) and Tia (Sailesh); his granddaughter, Mira, and a large extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
A funeral service to celebrate Asit's life will be held at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home (1411 Hunt Club Road in Ottawa) on July 26, 2024, at 12:30 PM (visitation beginning at 11:30 AM), followed by a reception. His funeral may also be viewed live or for replay at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/96128
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, an organization that Asit supported passionately throughout his life.
Asit Kumar Hazra’s legacy of love and dedication will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the beauty of the gardens he so lovingly tended and the family he was so devoted to.
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