It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Des Verma, who left us at the age of 98. He departed this world in peace, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and dedication.
Des was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Bimal, and is survived by his three sons Arun (Pooja), Anil (Sangita), and Manoj (Neera); and grandchildren Vanay, Evanee, Ria, Nikhil, Anya, Rohan, and Esha.
Born in Samundra, Punjab, India on October 3, 1925, Des was the first person educated from his village. He completed two Master’s degrees in Physics and Mathematics and taught Physics and Mathematics at several colleges in Punjab, India before embarking on a journey to Vancouver, Canada in 1959 to attend the University of British Columbia (UBC). While at UBC, he was offered a temporary position to teach in Kamloops. While teaching in Kamloops he fell in love with the people and area decided to call Kamloops home. He moved to Kamloops, BC in 1961 to begin his teaching career at Kamloops Senior Secondary (KSS), where he taught Physics and Math and raise his young family. In 1968, he completed his Master’s in Education at UBC and then was sent by the Canadian International Development Agency to Nigeria to teach Physics at the College of Education in Maiduguri (1968 – 1970) and University of Lagos (1970 – 1972). He returned to Kamloops to raise his family and taught at KSS until his first retirement in 1987. Throughout his years in Kamloops he was active in volunteering with children’s groups, indigenous schools, local, provincial and federal initiatives.
In 1990, he was appointed to the Immigration Appeals Board as a judge. He served for 7 years where his fairness and compassion and wisdom touched many lives, before retiring in 1997. Des was also a member of the Elks in the 1970s and 80s, a lifelong Rotarian, and actively involved in his sons’ activities as a soccer coach and cub leader.
Des valued health and vitality and regularly went for walks where he made numerous friends in the neighborhood. In addition, he went to his senior yoga classes and enjoying bowling with the seniors’ group in Richmond well into his later years. His competitive spirit, coupled with his friendly demeanor, made him a cherished member of the bowling community.
Des was a devoted family man, cherishing every moment spent with his wife, three sons, and his seven grandchildren. A man of deep spirituality and philosophical insight, Des found joy in the pursuit of knowledge and the sharing of wisdom. He was an avid reader and selfless soul always there to help his family and others.
Des’s presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, students and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, lifelong learning, and justice will continue to inspire us all. He was positive, kind and honest, a gentle man, always smiling.
