Mr. Ram Narain Hira

On April 22, 1933, in Hyderabad, Sindh, then India, Ram Narain Hira was born to Narain Hira and his wife, Sundri. His father, Narain was a prominent businesman in Kenya, who emigrated to Kenya around 1919, convinced younger brothers to join him, and established a series of department stores throughout East Africa. Ram was soon joined by his only sibling, Kishu. Ram grew up in Mombasa, Kenya. In 1953, he obtained a law degree from the law college in Poona, India. In law school he met Nirmala (Nimmu) Mirchandani, one of the first Indian women to obtain a law degree. On completing law school, Ram returned to Mombasa and commenced practicing law at the age of 21. Smitten by Nimmu, Ram returned to Poona to marry her on February 15, 1957. They returned to Mombasa where Ram had established a flourishing law practice. Then came two children, Ravi and Rohini. Nimmu, enamoured by this beautiful country during her 1967 visit and recognizing that Kenya was changing, convinced Ram to visit Canada. In 1968, he did so. Ram so loved Vancouver that he decided to leave Africa, long before it was fashionable to do so. The BC Law Society assured Ram that his law degree and 14 years of practice in Kenya were recognized and that he would not have to Article as a law student. Regrettably, on the family's arrival in Vancouver, the Law Society reneged. Faced with supporting a family, Ram turned down kind offers by other lawyers to sue the Law Society. So after 15 years of practice, he Articled again and was called to the BC Bar in January, 1971. Ram was one of the first Indo Canadian lawyers in British Columbia. Again, Ram built a successful law practice. He was both a barrister and solicitor handling complex litigation and commercial transactions. Ram practiced law for 49 years until April 30, 2003. He particularly enjoyed the last 13 years of his practice, practicing with his son, Ravi. Fellow lawyers regularly commented on his gracious and gentlemanly manner of practice. Ram was involved in his community. He was counsel to the BC Federal Progressive Conservative campaigns of 1972 and 1974. He was an executive member of the nascent North Vancouver Community Arts Council in the 1970s. He was a member of the Lions Club for over 25 years, including a term as president. He continued his commmunity involvement sitting on various college and community boards. He was a commissioner of FICOM. Ram was an avid bridge player and became and ACBL Gold Life Master, a significant achievement. But, Nimmu brought out the best in Ram. They helped many families from Africa and India settle in Vancouver. Their house was an open house. Their entertainment style, not seen much in the early 1970s, is now de rigueur; large dinner parties with terrific Indian food by Nimmu, the finest of wines, with a variety of very interesting guests from all over the world. Ram was particularly proud of his children. Often he said that while others had money, his capital consisited of Rohini and Ravi. Then came Theresa Alexander, Ravi's wife. He was an immense help to her in establishing her law practice. She and Ravi produced his grandchildren, Ryan and Robin. Ram and Nimmu doted on the grandchildren. They were proud of Ryan's acceptance into law schoool, third generation of Hira lawyers, and Robin's athletic and academic determinations. Ram and Nimmu enjoyed traveling, visited every continent and particulary enjoyed their long sojourns with extended family in India. Sadly, cancer claimed Nimmu on May 22, 2013. Ram was seriously injured in October 2012 but continued valiantly. Rohini was instrumental in ensuring that her father was comfortable and happy in his final years. Despite his determination, Ram succumbed on May 1, 2014, just days after his 81st birthday. Ram was a truly extraordinary man who established successful law practices in 2 separate jurisdictions, was deeply involved in his community, helped many families, and inspired his children. There will be a religious ceremony to honor his soul at 10 am on Monday, May 5, 2013 at Hamilton Harron Funeral Home, 5390 Fraser Street, Vancouver and a celebration of Ram's wonderful determined life at 1 PM on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Hollyburn Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the BC Cancer Society. Dearest Father, may God continue to smile upon you and guide you.