Obituary of Tilak Batra

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Tilak Raj Batra—a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, brilliant scholar, and one of the kindest souls to walk this earth. Surrounded by the love of his family, Raj passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born in Sargodha, India on December 11, 1936, Raj was raised in a humble household rooted in tradition, discipline, and compassion. From these modest beginnings, he rose to remarkable heights. In 1964, he was awarded the highly coveted East-West Scholarship with distinction, which brought him to the United States and allowed him to complete his M.Sc. at the University of Hawaii. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Illinois in 1968. His academic achievements were many, but it was his integrity, humility, and sense of purpose that defined him most.

Raj built a long and respected career, first as an academic at the University of Guelph, and then with the federal government in Ottawa, Canada where he was admired not only for his intelligence and dedication but also for his quiet leadership. Raj did not seek recognition; instead, he led by example—soft-spoken, thoughtful, and unwavering in his principles. He made family, grace and service as his guiding light.

Raj was a deeply agreeable man who found genuine joy in pleasing others. His greatest happiness came not from personal accolades, but from seeing those around him smile. Whether it was a kind word, a gentle gesture, or simply his calming presence, he had a way of making others feel seen, heard, and loved. His kindness was the very core of who he was.

For 62 beautiful years, Raj shared an extraordinary life with his beloved wife, Krishna. Krishna was the love of his life, and he loved her deeply. Though Raj was often shy and reserved, his love for Krishna was boundless. She was the perfect partner to his calmness—her fiery spirit and vivacious personality often pulling them into social situations, while Raj, content in the quiet moments, simply basked in the joy of being with her. It was a perfect match, a union that brought balance to both their lives. Together, they created a warm and loving home filled with laughter, stories, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked Indian meals—especially fresh roti, lovingly prepared side by side. Their bond was one of deep devotion, mutual respect, and endless joy.

Raj and Krishna also built a strong and vibrant community of Indo-Canadian friends, who became like extended family. Their home was often filled with the sounds of laughter, prayer, and celebration. Whether it was a walk in the neighborhood, a puja service, or a festive gathering, Raj and Kris cherished these moments of connection. Their friends were not just companions—they were brothers and sisters in spirit, and their community was one of their greatest sources of joy.

Raj was the proud father of Sanjay (Amy) and Serena (Sandy), and the deeply cherished grandfather of Jason, Justin, Jaya, Dylan, Rajan, and Jasmin. His love for his grandchildren was pure and profound. He often said they gave him purpose, a sense of legacy, and the greatest reason to keep going. In their laughter, he found energy. In their love, he found peace, and in them, his legacy of kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength lives on.

He shared a uniquely tender bond with his daughter, Serena—he never said no to her, not out of indulgence, but because his heart was so full of love for her. He was a true #GirlDad long before the phrase entered our culture, defined by his pride, his protection, and his unwavering devotion.

In retirement, Raj continued giving of himself, volunteering at the Ottawa Carleton Hindu Temple. His quiet faith, compassionate heart, and ever-present smile made him beloved by all who knew him. Even when faced with health challenges, Raj remained incredibly optimistic. He faced treatments and setbacks with courage, gratitude, and grace—always wearing a smile, even on the hardest days. He managed to bring light to others, right up until his final moments.

Tilak Raj Batra lived a life of quiet greatness. He was a man who listened more than he spoke, who gave more than he took, and who loved more deeply than words can say. His absence leaves a silence that echoes through the hearts of all who knew him—but in that silence is also the memory of a life lived with extraordinary love, optimism, and purpose.

 

May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.