Name: JA Snow Funeral Home
Address: Halifax, NS

The entire UPEI community is saddened by the death of Dr. Satadal Dasgupta, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, who passed away on May 27, 2018 in Halifax, NS. Flags on campus will be lowered to half-mast in his honour.

The depth and the enduring impact of Dr. Satadal Dasgupta's career at the University of Prince Edward Island are difficult to match.

“Dr. Dasgupta shaped the Sociology and Anthropology department,” said Dean of Arts Neb Kujundzic. “During his accomplished and extremely influential presence in the Department and the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Dasgupta touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and friends. He has left a huge legacy and was a huge source of inspiration at UPEI.”

A past chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr. Dasgupta also was past president of the Association of Retired UPEI Employees and past chair of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. While highly regarded as a teacher and mentor to his students, Dr. Dasgupta was equally respected as a researcher and collaborator with colleagues. His research interests included peasant and rural societies; community; kinship and social organization; South Asia; social and cultural change.

UPEI extends condolences to his wife Krishna; children Kaberi, Mohua, and Keya; and six grandsons. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 1 at 2 pm at JA Snow Funeral Home in Halifax, NS with a second memorial service to take place in Charlottetown in July.


We’re all so sad. I have so many lovely memories of your father with one thing in common his twinkling eyes, his wide smile and his deep chuckle. Whenever the ‘phone would ring we’d practically cheer when you told us your parents were in town, you just knew the fun was about to begin. He was so much the life and soul of the party we’ll all miss him.
What an honour to have the flags fly at half-mast at UPEI it is a testament to his life and work and the impact he made.

Greg 


Dear Kaberi,
Juan told us of your father's passing - our deepest condolences to you, Krisna, and your whole family.
I read the obituary this morning and was touched at how many people your dad was such a positive influence on. He touched us all too; he was a lovely man- even Teddy was remembering how fun he was this morning.
I am sorry for how sad you must all be feeling at his passing, but keep thinking that his was definitely a life well and fully lived, and that this must be a source of some comfort to you all.
Much love,
Lara and Greg


Our first home in Canada was in Summerside, PEI. We moved in December, it was our first Canadian winter. 

Once the Christmas revelries were over and the snowstorms grew stronger, we started feeling the first pangs of missing Bengal. That was when a friendly neighbour gave us the very welcome news- that there was a very nice gentleman in Charlottetown, a professor, and a good singer, named Dasgupta! 

Like many other islanders, he was on holiday, so we left a message on his phone. Our joy knew no bounds when a few weeks later he called back to ask us over. 

That was the start of a delightful friendship with two unique people, Krishnadi and Satadalda. Their warmth and kindness erased the distance between our two cities and the countless delicious meals accompanied by stimulating discussions and of course, those quintessential addas, changed PEI life forever for us. 

They introduced us to the Halifax community and Durga Puja. It was their enthusiasm and encouragement which led to the highly acclaimed productions of the Sagarika Gosthi. 

The Saraswati Pujas and the New Year parties were only a few highlights of the very many times we met at their house. 

They invited my parents over too, and I am so glad that they managed to meet up during a Kolkata trip as well.   My father grew very fond of Satadalda. Now both of them are no more. 

Sometimes God creates unique individuals and then breaks the mould. We can only feel blessed for coming in contact with them, grateful that our lives were enriched because of them and cherish the memories when they are gone. 

Thank you Satadalda, you will be missed.

Dear Krishna and family;
We were very saddened to learn about Satadal's passing. We have very fond memories of the time that we all  had to spend together and Don's long association with Satadal as a colleague at UPEI.  He was a person with a wonderful spirit, great generosity, with a ready and luminous smile. He touched the lives of so many people in such a positive way. And he was a man of deep commitments who contributed so much to the growth of the University and to an atmosphere of true collegiality. We will miss him as will many, many others.
Please accept our deepest condolences.  We look forward to joining you for the memorial for Satadal in Charlottetown next month.
Love,
Don & Anne

Satadal (Uncle) Dasgupta was a great man. He was a great orator, always jovial at the right moments. Most times he was able to give me and other people a reassuring look that everything would be fine even when things looked hopeless. 

I really feel his loss deeply. He was a very lively Master of Ceremonies at one of our most important annual religious functions. Always kept us smiling and attentive to what he was saying. There was never a dull moment with the man. He always kept us entertained. I can't imagine a world without him. I feels so empty.

I feel very fortunate to have spent many quality years with this wonderful gentleman. May his body and soul rest in peace in heaven.

Sorry to hear of Satadal's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 

Bernard, Harriet and family.

I know there are no words to describe or console the loss of such a significant person, and his memories will always be everpresent. My dad passed away five years ago and I still have daily thoughts and memories and he visits me in my dreams. So in that way he will live on as will your dad in your heart and mind.

 “Now, he has departed from this strange world a little ahead of me. That means nothing. People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present and future is only an illusion, even though a stubbornly persistent one.”       Albert Einstein 


Now we have reached a moment in our journey through life when one of our family members is unable to continue with us, and we are all deeply affected by the absence of his expressions and his exchanges with those near. Fortunately for us he has left a wealth of moments shared with him that will always be recalled, and for those very close to him, it will always be possible to hear his nice and clear voice singing sweetly to them. We shall overcome this initial moment of separation, and develop new emotions to provide us the means of communicating by remembering what was shared during a very fertile lifetime.

I lost my own father 5 years ago. I hope that you can have the relationship with your father that I now have with mine. It is rare for a day to pass without my thinking of him, but these are not negative or sad thoughts. I keep him in my life close to me.

Losing a parent is never easy at whatever age it happens. I hope that you can find solace in the memories and shared experience and with your family.  It is in moments like these that we need to slow down if only for a little while and take the time to reflect on the importance and comfort our families bring us and how they help us stray grounded when we get caught up in our daily to do lists.

I wanted to reach out and let you know that not only I, but no doubt many people, have you and your family in our thoughts. Family gives us strength when we are faced with life’s many challenges, they hold us up, they make us want to be better people and they celebrate in our joy and good fortune. I have no doubt that this past week you and your family have been through an emotional roller coaster ride, but through it all, you are surrounding your father with love and hope. Family is forever, whether they are with us in person or in spirit.

He will be missed not only by his family but all of us whoever came into his orbit – erudite, intelligent, witty with the middle class Bengali sensitivities of the enlightened times. Our hearts go out to all in his family.

We sang Beatles songs at so many parties, he wanted to be John Lennon an I was Paul McCartney, I loved Satadal so much ... his family was my family .... so now I will sing Let It Be one more time for my dear departed friend...and remember the sheer joy and positive energy that he brought to my life and the many others he touched!

It was really shocking to believe that my Kaku is no more. My heart felt condolence for Kaki and the whole family. I lost the person who, with his care, love and guidance never let me feel that I am far away from home. When I got the news I was driving back home from Colorado and it was difficult for me to hold back tears remembering how he used to give me driving instructions on our trip from Charlottetown to Halifax. You with your evergreen smile will always stay in my heart kaku.

A truly wonderful person with an awesome personality and with an amazing zest for life! He was so welcoming and had the magic touch to light up umpteen number of parties held in their home and entertain countless number of friends with laughter, light hearted chit-chats and cracking of jokes with his distinguished humor and of course participating in full swing in many light hearted musical sessions followed after Krishna's fabulous meals with warm smiles making sure the friends are at ease and totally relaxed. We would all dearly miss you Satadal. 
God's peace and rest be yours.

Mohua, Keya, and family, we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Although we only met him a few times, it was always easy to see what a positive and loving man he was with his family and friends.

Keya this was so lovely. In the few times I met your dad I thought he was just an awesome guy. I recall watching India’s version of American Idol with him for fun and him sharing the importance of the Guru in the competition and in Indian life in general. This was of course following an amazing meal, cooked by your mother, at your father’s table. What a great memory. Thanks and you guys are in my thoughts.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Dr. Dasgupta lived an exemplary life. He left a great legacy of excellence and grace. I know this loss will be most difficult for everyone who was close to him, especially his dear wife Krishna didi. May God shower his mercy and peace on the family.

Our heartfelt condolences to you Kaki & the entire family....This is a huge loss & he has left a void that can never be filled. He had such a special place in our hearts...a gem of a person....touched so many lives with his warmth & embraced us like we were his family from the first day we met. Praying for his soul to rest in eternal place & for you all to have the courage to bear this huge loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man and always welcomed me into his home and put up with all our play mess. He had a great sense of humor. He made an impact in many people lives.

Professor Satadal Dasgupta was my colleague at UPEI, he was my respected Guru and friend. We (me and my family) have lots of wonderful and happy memories with Satadal Da. He was a well known professor and researcher at UPEI. We will miss him a lot.

I am very sorry to hear about Satadal. I was thinking of him just a few days ago. He was a great professor and a wonderful colleague! Such a great sense of humour! My thoughts to Krishna and all of the family.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. He’ll be missed by all of us. He was such a wonderful soul, full of life. I’ll miss our book talks , the singing sessions, those long Addas! Things won’t be the same without him.

A true gentleman. I loved seeing his face light up when speaking about those he loved. And how can I ever forget our countless tours of his beloved garden? Everything seemed to thrive under his gentle, loving hand. Sending so much love to you all.

Dear Krishna and family:
Maryanne and  wish to express our sincere condolences on the passing of Satadal. He 
was a fine colleague,  always smiling and with a friendly word of greeting. I served on Senate with Satadal where he was an active and constructive member. He had a wonderful sense of humour which he often used to make an important point.

Glenn and Maryanne Palmer

We had a friendship spanned over five decades
For a dying friend - who is now lost"
" HE will die soon.
A day or two, the doctors say.
He will be free
                           of all that ailed him.
Heart disease, complications, pain, search for good shoes,
Smiling children, friendship with booze.
My friend is now free
But what will I do?
Shed a few tears, gulp a drink or two?
Scribble poems, go on a writing spree?
What will I do ?
What can I do?   


I share with many others feelings of loss and sadness at Satadal's death. Years of friendship and collegiality at UPEI have created fond memories, never to be forgotten. I send my sympathy, love and support  to all of Satadal's family; you will be in my thoughts tomorrow and in the days ahead.

Please accept my sincere condolence to the Dasgupta family. I had high respect for Satadal as a good friend and great academic colleague at UPEI. 




Krishna,
So sad to hear Satadal,s passing away. It is a very hard time for you and your family Kaberi, Mho and Kaya and their spouses and grandchildren. My very sincere and heartfelt condolences.
We have known you and your family for many many years in PEI and enjoyed your hospitality,  company and friendship and get-togethers. Lots of laughter, songs by Satadal and jokes. He was always in the centre stage.
I pray for his soul find peace and you and your family find the strength to accept this loss in living with his wonderful life full of memories.
 Ravi

Dear  Krishna and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies.
Satadal will be greatly missed but his warmth,kindness,and gentle spirit will be remembered forever.
Suresh Sharma,Suraj Kumar

We want you to know how sorry we are for your loss... We are thinking of you Krishna, as well as your Daughter's, and your Grandsons!. We are going to miss our little conversations about the weather or whatever news that was on the tv that day or in the newspaper that he would be reading when we showed up!. He was so very sweet and kind. He will be missed dearly!. Sending our Love and hugs.. 
Lorna and Jennessa

Dear Krishna and family, 
It is with sad hearts that we heard of Satadal's passing. 
 Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
 May our condolences bring you consolation.

Lorna and Wolfgang

Dear Krishna, Keya and family: I am so deeply sorry to have learned of Satadal's passing. To say that he had a profound impact on me during my time at UPEI would miss the mark; he was a teacher, mentor and friend of the finest quality. His advice, his humour, and his gracious mentorship were the hallmarks of my education at UPEI. My wife and I would have been all the poorer without his support and goodwill during our early years together at UPEI, and it was a joy to have him and Krishna at our wedding. I know that I am not alone when I say that Professor Dasgupta's commitment to his students and our well-being helped shape the person I am and we are today. I am certain that our gratitude is just as strong today as it was when we sat in his classroom, or his office, or the lounge on the fourth floor of Main Building, where his smile and his guidance helped us learn and grow. He was a pillar in my education, and a dear friend, and it is with a profound sadness that Wendy and I offer our condolences and great respect on his passing. Please know that your husband, father and grandfather left an indelible and positive memory with us, one for which we are deeply grateful.

Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of Dr. Dasgupta. He taught me when I was an anthropology student at UPEI. His intelligence, warmth, and concern for his students was always prevalent. He took great pleasure in passing on his immense knowledge about people and their unique cultures. 

Dear Krishna: our condolences are with you on the passing of Satadal.  I will always remember him and his nice smile every time we met at the Farmers Market.  I always enjoyed my conversations with Satadal, and enjoyed his great sense of humor. He was a kind man and we will miss him. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.  Mamdouh and Margot Elgharib

Dear Kaberi and family; words fail me, I am so very sorry. Your father must have been an amazing man who will be greatly missed for a long time. Yet it is true that all the great things about him have been passed on to all of you. The intelligence, determination, sincere kindness and deep kindness that I see in you and your family are all eternal gifts that live on. You are in my thoughts and prayers as I send you a big hug. Sasha Bernatsky

Dear Krishna and family:  My condolences are with you on the passing of Satadal.  I enjoyed him both as a colleague and friend.  I will always remember how he welcomed the Vet College and our family, in particular, when we first came to PEI.  His great mediating skills helped the original UPEI faculties accept the AVC as an integral part of UPEI in the early growing years.  We will always remember your and his interest in our children and meeting with you both at events at Colonel Gray High School.  Getting together at PEI cultural events was always special as well.  I always enjoyed conversations with Satadal, especially his broad and welcoming vision of society.   He was a very special man and will be missed.  May the wonderful memories of his life sustain you during this time of loss.  John 

Dear Krishna,
Please accept my most sincere condolence. I hope that your happy memories will give you strength to cope.
Much love,
Susanne

OBITUARY

Satadal Dasgupta

September 25, 1937 – May 27, 2018

JA Snow Funeral Home

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