Obituary of Professor Hargopal "Harry" Dhand

PROFESSOR HARRY DHAND

1934 – 2022

We respectfully announce the peaceful passing of our wonderful father, Professor Hargopal (Harry) Dhand on November 18, 2022, in Saskatoon, SK. Surrounded by loved ones from near and far, he was 88 years old at the time of his death after two years of courageously living with ALS. Dad is deeply missed by his family, Rajinder (wife), Amar (son), Ruby (daughter), Dipesh (son-in-law), Charlene (daughter-in-law), Asha (granddaughter), Daphne (granddaughter), Benedict (grandson), Jaigopal (brother), and Gita (sister-in-law) along with many family members, friends, and colleagues in the community.

Our Dad was a Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, Department of Curriculum Studies, Faculty of Education for over 35 years. He was a patient, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and professor. He was incredibly generous in his way of guiding and mentoring people towards their dreams. Not only was our Dad an inspiration through his dedication to his family, friends, and students, but he was also a deeply caring person. There are countless examples of his contributions to the Saskatoon community. Professor Dhand remembered all of his students' names years later, mentored many newcomers to the community, and steered them towards their chosen career paths. He had a huge heart and always treated others with love and compassion. His commitment to service and community brought people together. He and our mom Rajinder warmly welcomed everyone into their beautiful home. We dearly miss hearing his stories and his love of people, food, gardening, and animals.

Professor Dhand's extraordinary passion and dedication to learning allowed him to lead an incredible life! In 1962, at the age of 27, he arrived in Canada from India to pursue his love for teaching and learning. He worked as a high school teacher in small town Saskatchewan (Hodgeville and Blaine Lake), while commuting to finish his Ph.D. at the University of Montana. He joined the University of Saskatchewan in 1967, becoming a Full Professor in 1977. Being a professor was his "dream job." Professor Dhand wrote 16 books and over 100 published articles. He taught many high school and elementary teachers and supervised multiple graduate students in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Dad's teaching and research garnered many awards and recognitions throughout his career. He was a passionate advocate for teaching human rights, social studies education, Indigenous education, teacher education, equity, global education, creating inclusive classrooms and multi-disciplinary research. He helped develop and implement multiple teaching education programs and the social studies curriculum in the Saskatoon school district.

Professor Dhand inspired many to become teachers and professors including his wife, children, and their partners: Rajinder Dhand (Art Teacher and Creator of RD Studios Art School), Dr. Amar Dhand (Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School), Dr. Ruby Dhand (Full Professor, TRU Faculty of Law), Dr. Dipesh Prema (Associate Professor, TRU Faculty of Science), and Dr. Charlene Ong (Assistant Professor, Boston University Medical School).

We have fond memories of watching him teach, and we cherish all that we have learnt from him throughout the years. We deeply miss his love, mentorship, support, and encouragement. Until his very last days, he was a devoted husband, who had our mom, Rajinder in the center of his mind and soul.

We honour our Dad's legacy by celebrating his love of family, community, learning and helping others. We appreciate your support and kindness during this time.

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, their light remains." - Unknown

Published by The Globe and Mail from Mar. 29 to Apr. 2, 2023.

Celebration of Life: Thursday, August 17^th, 2023 at 3pm

Edwards Family Centre, 333-4^th Avenue North

Courtesy Parking at Saskatoon Funeral Home directly across the street.