RAMANA (RAM) BALACHANDRA

Condolences & Memories (53 entries)

• My deepest condolences on the passing of Ramana to your family and loved ones. I still remember his smiling face at Narmatha and Krishna's engagement celebrations. There are no words to take away your pain. I did not know him closely but he has left this world to provide humour and happiness in God's court. He will be sorely missed. Kind Regards, Anjali, Sushil and Uday Chudasama - Posted by: Anjali Chudasama (Family Friend) on: Dec 28, 2014

• Bhamini, Balance, Brenda, Krishna & loved ones, A week ago we were saddened to hear of your loss. Ten years ago when Nigel called your house for the first time it was Ramana who answered the phone. Nigel clearly remembers the conversation he had with Ramana. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that the powerful, loving and almighty God will wrap you in his everlasting arms and give you comfort and peace. You are very near and dear to us. We Love you. Lydia (Pathmini & Nigel (Raju) - Posted by: Lydia & Nigel Rajadurai (Maternal) on: Dec 14, 2014

• I am more than sorry because Ramana passed. I knew Ramana as one of my close friends, and I truly enjoyed the friendship I had with Ramana. Throughout our friendship, we would normally talk about the latest films, which included international and animated films. We talked about film as a source of an entertainment and fun. I believe film, was the main focus of our conversations, because it was an interesting topic, and since Ramana showed me, he enjoyed listening to my opinions, and we both enjoyed his own. He was a creative person and a filmmaker. Some of my best days were spent with Ramana, especially during the production of his short films. On days that were quite dull for me, my friend Ramana brought a lot of enjoyment to my life. At the Tamil functions, I looked forward to meeting Ramana. Often at these functions, we would talk to each other say jokes, and laugh. I always looked up to Ramana, and saw him as a decent and great person. When Ramana was feeling unwell, I only knew several months later, and I did not know the depths of how unwell he was feeling. Since Ramana's passing, I wasn't sure how to write this because it brought on a lot of sadness. Ramana was one of the only persons that I could relate with, and I think about him each day. Ramana you and your family are in my thoughts, and I am deeply sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Pratheepan Kamaleswaran (Friend) on: Nov 14, 2014

• I miss you. I always miss you, but I especially miss you today. I need some of your humour. No matter what the situation you were always able to bring a smile to my face. You were the only one that could make light of a difficult situation and get away with making me laugh for hours. Even now as I read through all of our messages back and forth I laugh at the good times we shared with one another; and then I cry knowing I will never see you again, never talk to you again and I will never receive another message from you. As I sit here reading through all of our messages back and forth, my favourite has to be this: "So last weekend, I caught a bit of Twilight: Eclipse, and Dakota Fanning’s character totally looks like you! You should checkit out, and maybe start dressing like a vampire". I saved this and all our messages and pull them out whenever I think of you and need to put a smile on my face. RIP my friend. Love always, JLo - Posted by: JLo (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2014

• Dear Dr. Balachandra, I'm deeply saddened by the tragic loss of your beloved son, Ramana. In this tough times, I pray that you and your family will find strength to overcome the magnitude of this tragedy. I hereby offer my condolence. With respect Eunice Wanjiru. - Posted by: Eunice Wanjiru (Friend) on: May 18, 2014

• Bhamini, Bala and Krishna I have just heard of this terrible tragedy and wanted to express my deepest sympathy. As someone who lost a brother I have felt and witnessed the tremendous strength it takes to carry on after such a death. My heart is full of sadness for all of you. It is so hard to understand why tragic things happen to such good people. Laura Calhoun - Posted by: Laura Calhoun (Colleague) on: May 17, 2014

• Bala, Bhamini and family. We are so saddened by your loss. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Doug Hahn (friend) on: May 07, 2014

• Bala Uncle, Bhamini Aunty, Brinda and Krishna: I'm so sorry for the loss of Ramana. Ramana was such a kind hearted soul and he will be missed dearly. He was always so nice to me, and he was always the heart of our community because of his talents. I know the tamil community will miss him dearly. May he Rest In Peace. Uncle & Aunty: I've always been grateful for the help and guidance you provided my parents and myself when we lost Amu. And to hear now, you having to endure that same loss....my heart broke into pieces. I wish I could take away this pain you feel...your son was cherished by our community and he will never be forgotten. Ramana's legacy to the community will continue to live on. Both you and Brinda and Krishna are in our constant prayers. - Posted by: Anita Subramaniam (friend) on: May 07, 2014

• So sorry to hear of this terrible news. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. - Posted by: Priya Rajani and Sammy Barakat (family friend ) on: May 06, 2014

• Please accept our most sincere condolences in the recent passing of your beloved Ramana. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Marilyn and Dave Wardell (Friends) on: May 06, 2014

• We were truly sorry to hear of your son's passing. Our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. - Posted by: Ted and Gwen Deresh (work ) on: May 06, 2014

• As Jenny says ‘when parents die we become orphans, when our partners die we become widowers or widows.’ When parents die, they live in us, when our partner dies they live in our children but when our children die we die with them and we die a thousand times. Ramana is as other people wrote was exceptionally bright but most of us, and I certainly did not understand him. Now we are all dying with him we still do not understand him. What we will keep though, is his bright flame of laughter burning in our memories. Putha - Posted by: Putha (Uncle) on: May 06, 2014

• I looked up to Ramana growing up in Winnipeg. He was a few years older but was always kind and friendly with the younger Tamil youth, and his good humored nature made his company something to look forward to. On a few occasions he gave me good advice on life, which I still and will continue to appreciate. He will be sorely missed. I am grateful for what good memories I have of him. - Posted by: Parthipan Kamaleswaran (friend) on: May 06, 2014

• I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of your beloved son Ramana Balachandra. I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. My deepest condolences, prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with you and your entire family. May God comfort you and keep his arm around you; Ramana shall be remembered with much respect and affection. Rest in peace! Anju Sen - Posted by: Anju Sen (Professional relationship) on: May 05, 2014

• The death of your precious son Ramana is a tragedy. The pain and anguish you feel are very real. This is a terrible adjustment for your mind, body and spirit. We share the common knowledge of the agony that comes with the death of a child. Our son Justin was very fond of Ramana and loved to hang out with him and George and Felix and Bhavesh - unfortunately Justin’s life was also cut too soon. Dr Balachandra, when our son Justin died, in December 1999, you gave us some sound advice which we took. We wish we still lived in Winnipeg so we could offer you and your family some comfort and guidance as you grieve the loss of your cherished child. To recover from the death of a child may take a lifetime but the most crucial period of the grieving process is the first several years. As you are both well aware, grief is not a condition that can be “treated”. It is a healing process that takes a long time—much longer than most people would expect, and requires on-going support, understanding, and friendship from those who have “been there”. We are still on our grief journey after all these years: but we have found that recovery is possible through The Compassionate Friends. Further on down the road you may wish to check out the TCF Canada web site http://www.tcfcanada.net - they offer hope. May the thoughts of sympathy help ease your pain at this difficult time. Darlene & Allen Augustson, Vernon, BC - Posted by: Darlene & Allen Augustson () on: May 04, 2014

• Ramana, I remember the first day you came to our grade one class and the teacher told us to make friends with the new kid. I remember, as a six your old boy, I went up to you, shook your hand and said "hi my name is Felix, I will be your friend" From there, began a lifetime of adventures and memories. From riding our bikes through the neighbourhood to playing all the sports in school, you were always there to be my partner. My partner in gym class, my partner in school, I never had to worry because you were always there with me. As adults, my wife Melanie grew immediately fond of you, with that great big smile of yours. You will be greatly missed Ram. You will always remain a big part of me. Your Friend, Felix - Posted by: Felix (Friend) on: May 04, 2014

• Dr. Bala uncle and family. Our family is very sorry for your loss. We can only imagine the emotional trauma that your family is facing. I remember playing at your home when I was a little boy with Krishna and Ramana. Days that we were all care free and fun loving kids. Ramana was full of energy and a lot of fun to be around. He touched many people's lives and will be missed. Please take care of each other in this time of need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Ratheesh Chelliah (Friend) on: May 03, 2014

• My deepest sympathy to the family. Ramana was loved by many and will never be forgotten. I will cherish every memory I have of the times I spent with him. I wish there were more. - Posted by: Matt Webber (friend) on: May 03, 2014

• Our deepest condolences to the Balachandra family. Our thoughts are with you all as you go through this very difficult time. - Posted by: Maribeth Relano (friend) on: May 03, 2014

• Dear Dr. Balchandra our deepest sympathies and condolences on passing on of your beloved son and a promising young man. We pray to all mighty to bless the passing soul peace and divinity and grant the grieving family peace and strength to bear the loss. - Posted by: Moudgil family (Family Friend) on: May 03, 2014

• On behalf of all the staff at Crisis Response, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies for the sudden loss of your son. We are all deeply sadened by the magnitude of your loss. - Posted by: Elliott () on: May 03, 2014

• To the Balachandra Family Our deepest sympathy on Ramana's passing. Ramana was a wonderful young man and a small part of our family and he will be terribly missed but yet not forgotten. We always enjoyed having Ramana over at our home gatherings when he could make it and we will missed his joyful and infectious laugh. He has left us all with broken hearts and in his short life he was here he had succeeded many accomplishments. Our thoughts are with you, and may your memories of Ramana give you peace and comfort. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way. Bessas Family - Posted by: Bessas Family (Family friends) on: May 02, 2014

• Words cannot describe the pain when parents lose a child. It is so doubly sad when it happens again and again in the same family. We have been a very hard working and honest family who always excelled in studies and work, yet fate would have it that way, within a generation we have lost three of the most promising offspring under tragic circumstances. It started in our native Sri Lanka, continued on to the UK and now in Canada. Not even time can heal the wounds. It will remain as permanent bullets lodged in our hearts, causing untold agony at every turn of life. Ramana will always be remembered as a cute and rather shy but always smiling child in our hearts. - Posted by: Vignarajah and Chandra (aunty and uncle) on: May 02, 2014

• Dear Dr.Balachandra and family: my deepest condoleances on the loss of your son. - Posted by: Camelai Stefanovici (Collegue at DSM/HSC) on: May 02, 2014

• Ramana stood as an individual in a world that seems so often determined to assimilate. He was a character. As a friend he was kind and generous, and he was honest. He loved fun, and we had great fun. He was funny and quick and we laughed hard. It is a privilege to have known Ramana and to have had his friendship. - Posted by: Christian Rankin (Friend) on: May 02, 2014

• Ram, I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing earlier this week.   When I heard, I went to look for my old yearbooks and came across the necklace that you got for me during your trip after University.  I remembered how you told me not to tell anyone because you only brought back gifts for a few select friends.  I was honored and it made sense since you were one of only a few people I kept in regular contact with after high school.  I remember the first time we hung out.  Jon and I were watching a girls basketball game and you walked up and invited us out with you, George and Bhavish.   We had such a great time the 5 of us started to regularly get together and the group expanded to include Gavin, Felix and many others.  You have been in all our thoughts this week as you will be every time we reminisce about those great memories.  Thank you for being the bond that brought us all together.  You will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Bryan Sinclair (Frienf) on: May 02, 2014

• Dr. Balachandra and family: My sincerest sympathy on the loss of your precious son. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Jan Allary (co-worker of Dr Bala) on: May 02, 2014

• Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and hoping your treasured memories of Ramana bring you comfort day by day. God bless you!! Bala, Susheela and family. - Posted by: Susheela Balasingam (Family Connection) on: May 02, 2014

• Dr B and Family; The sudden loss of your son has saddened all of us on PY3N and all of the psych-health staff at HSC. Please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences. Your friends and co-workers on PY3N. - Posted by: PY3N () on: May 01, 2014

• I only met Ramana on a handful of extended trips and visits with his university buddies, but he was a true class act and a fast friend. Smart, funny, and kind in equal and generous measure- he'll be missed. Deepest condolences. - Posted by: Daniel MacLellan (friend) on: May 01, 2014

• May The Lord Jesus Christ, God of Comfort and Peace, minister Grace unto your hearts. We offer our sincerest condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Samuel and Beverley Findlay (co-worker) on: May 01, 2014

• Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. May the God of Comfort and Peace minister Grace unto your hearts. You have been a good friend, Bala and it's been a pleasure to get to know each of your family in some way. - Posted by: Samuel and Beverley Findlay and family (co-worker) on: May 01, 2014

• My fondest memories of Ramana is my first trip to Sri Lanka, I was only 7 years old and I remember carrying him around in my arms. Who would have thought we would meet a few years later when Uncle Bala, Aunty Bamini, Brinda, Krishna and Ramana came to stay with us. My brothers and I were elated to have extended family and fun in our home. It is a part of my childhood that I hold close to my heart. Ramana was an adorable and loving child and that is how I will always remember him. Uncle Bala, Aunty Bamini, Brinda and Krishna – I am at a loss for words and so deeply saddened by our tragic loss. And when he sees me in all, and all in me, Then I never leave him and he never leaves me. And he, who in this oneness of love, Loves me in whatever he sees, Wherever this man may live, In truth, he lives in me. - Bhagavad Gita, VI:30-31 Ramana will never be forgotten and forever memories of him will be carved in our hearts. My deepest sympathies and love. - Posted by: Meera Vignarajah (Cousin) on: May 01, 2014

• I'm saddened to hear of your loss Dr. Balachandra. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the happy most fond memories of your beloved. Ariane & Donovan - Posted by: ariane bruyere (HSC Staff) on: May 01, 2014

• I first met Ramana when he had just come to Canada and was in my son's class at Buchanan school. Ramana had already had a great deal of life experiences by the time he came here. Through the years he was a part of the gang that hung out at 842 Buchanan Blvd. My son Chad and Ramana did not attend school together after middle school, so it was a few years after that I had the pleasure of hiring Ramana as a STEP student with Manitoba Health. He was given his own project to do and completed it well. Ramana returned to Manitoba Health a few years later and again we made contact. I was always Ms. Roberts to him, even though he was told he could call me by my first name. I guess he was taught to respect his elders. A young life gone way too soon, my heart goes out to his parents and siblings. So sorry Ramana, rest in peace. - Posted by: Tracey Roberts (old neighbor) on: May 01, 2014

• Dear Drs (Mr & Mrs) Balachandra, We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of your brilliant son RAMANA. We pray for the peace of his soul. Our thoughts are with you. We are presently away from Winnipeg and will be unable to participate in the service on Saturday. With best Regards, Ganpat & Manju Lodha - Posted by: Ganpat & Manju Lodha (Friend) on: May 01, 2014

• When parents die, children become orphans. When a partner dies, the one left behind becomes a widow. When children die, there is no word. There is no word because nothing can ever sum up or describe the void, express the sorrow or name the pain. It goes against the grain of life and there is no word because it's not meant to happen. With happy memories of Ram. - Posted by: Jenny Pathmarajah (Cousin) on: May 01, 2014

• Dear Uncle and Aunty, Mom and Dad told me the news yesterday and I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ramana. It has been many years since I last saw Ramana but my fond memory of him remains that of a very talented young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and the whole family. - Posted by: Rajan (Family Friend) on: Apr 30, 2014

• So very sad to learn about Ramana's death. While no words could ever undo the pain of loss that you are all undoubtedly feeling right now, I do offer my most sincere condolences and I hope that you can find some measure of comfort in the memories of happier times with Ramana. Hugs for you all. Gerald - Posted by: Gerald (Family friend) on: Apr 30, 2014

• Dear Uncle, Aunty Krishna and Brinda. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of my cousin's death. I am so sorry that I can't be there to mourn with you, but please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts every day. I remember Ram visiting us for a family holiday in the UK. We met again at Grandma's funeral, I never thought it would be the last time we would see each other. Although I will not be with you physically at the funeral, please know that I shall be with you in spirit. My love to all the family. - Posted by: Rebecca Rathy Pathmarajah (Cousin) on: Apr 30, 2014

• We were shocked and saddened by your unexpected loss. We are still trying to accept it. You have our deepest sympathy at this very sad time. - Posted by: SHYAMALA & JANUSHA JAYABALAN (FRIENDS) on: Apr 30, 2014

• Our deepest condolences for this tragic Loss of your son. May he attain the ultimate bliss! Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your family at this hardest time of your lives. PREMI, RAJIVE, RANDHIR & AMMA - Posted by: PREMINI BENEDICT (FAMILY CONNNECTION) on: Apr 30, 2014

• We saw Ramana as a baby in Sri Lanka when we came to visit my brother and his family. He was so cute and loving. When my mother passed away in March 2007, he came with his Dad and stayed with us in our flat in London UK. He helped me to assemble a sofa settee which we are still using. I will treasure it in his memory. I am still unable to accept that he left us all. I keep thinking that it is a bad nightmare. We still remember when you came with us to meditation session and how deeply you were able to concentrate and meditate. Ramana, I used to address you, as Ramana Maha Rhishi when I ask about you from your parents. You are always in our hearts. May your soul rest in Peace and have eternal sleep. With Love from your aunt and uncle. Aunty Rani and Uncle Jega - Posted by: Dr S & Mrs Indrany Jegarajah (Ram's aunt and uncle) on: Apr 30, 2014

• We send our sincerest condolences. Ramana touched the lives of many including my own. I have many fond memories of Ramana during my childhood - he was a kind, gifted soul. I considered him my "little brother" growing up. He will be deeply missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this time of sorrow. Sanjeev Sockalingam and family (family friend) - Posted by: Sanjeev Sockalingam (Family Friend) on: Apr 29, 2014

• No words can offer comfort at such a dark time. But may it offer solace that few families could have endured so much in the past few years with the level of your grace and provided Ramana such unequivocal support and love. - Posted by: Tahmeena Ali (friend of sister, Brinda) on: Apr 29, 2014

• We send our sincerest condolences. Ramana touched the lives of many including my own. I have many fond memories of Ramana during my childhood - he was a kind, gifted soul. He will be deeply missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this time of sorrow. Sanjeev Sockalingam and family (family friends) - Posted by: Sanjeev Sockalingam (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2014

• I have the fondest memories of my young cousin from childhood. Uncle Bala’s family lived with us when they first arrived to Canada. I was so happy when they came because I had new brothers to play with. He was such a cute and lovable child. The house was so alive and filled with such joy when Uncle Balachandra and family lived with us. It was such a fun time growing up together. I remember when they moved to Scarborough, I’d always ask my parents to let me stay over at their house so I could be with Ramana and Krishna. When they moved to Winnipeg we did lose touch and I now wish we hadn't. I did see him in Winnipeg at a very young age and always thought we’d reunite again at his wedding. I will always love you Ramana, live with your memories and miss you deeply. - Posted by: Shanmuga Vignarajah (Cousin) on: Apr 29, 2014

• Dear Drs Balachandra and Bamini We were deeply saddened by the news of Ramana's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences to your family. Jayantha and Aruni - Posted by: Jayantha and Aruni Herath (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2014

• Dear Bala, Bhamini and family. We are so saddened by your loss. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Susan and Jim (co-worker and friends) on: Apr 29, 2014

• I first met Ramana in Dunning Hall at Queen’s University in Kingston. We were both transfer students and as a result, we were never really accepted into the fold of the Queen’s Commerce program - so we befriended each other. We were both helping out on Queen’s Solar Car and he started sending me these ridiculous emails. I would laugh and awkwardly reply back. It was this bizarre yet hilarious banter - Ram with the relaxed (but sharp), creative wit and me playing the role of stiff WASPy guy - that sustained our relationship. Ramana showed me how to have a good time, not take myself so seriously and see how fun life could be. Ramana had incredible intellect. He graduated in the top core of the class, yet he barely had to study. He was devilishly smart. To challenge himself, he once submitted an essay written entirely in Ebonics. It was still the best paper in the class. But that was Ramana, he could switch on both right brain creativity and left brain analytics without an issue. We travelled a lot together after school, alongside Christian (Cbass) Rankin. We were an odd crew, a tough-minded Maritimer who grew up on the salty shores of Newfoundland, an introverted and awkward Toronto WASP and a goofy Sri Lankan guy from Winnipeg. But we had some great times. Epic times. We travelled out west to go skiing and drive through the Rockies. We met in Halifax to tour through Cape Breton island. We loved this beautiful country and saw it together. Mind you, I don’t remember a lot of it, probably because I was either drunk, sleeping or laughing so hard it hurt. What I liked best about those times was I never had to be anyone but myself with those guys. What job I had or what car I drove - none of it mattered. There was no posturing. We were just a pack of 20-somethings trying to have a good time. As the years passed, it became harder to meet up and Ramana’s illness made it tough for him to travel. We talked on the phone, but like most dudes we could easily let 6 months slip by without checking in. I wish I had checked in more, God knows I worried about him. He came to visit me in Toronto back in November and Cbass came too, along with his cousin Justin (Jrock) Rankin. Ramana really wanted to see Cut Copy play, so we all went. I got engaged the week after and Ramana was to be one of my groomsmen. We talked about doing the bachelor party out in Cape Breton. One last hurrah I guess. I won’t see him again, with his big toothy smile and infectious laugh. Your life was far too short. We’ll all miss you buddy. - Posted by: Scott Dalgleish (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2014

• Such devastating news. Ram was an exceptionally gifted man with a huge heart. I'll miss your laughter, my friend. Rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to Ramana's family. - Posted by: Darcy Fehr (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2014

• Dear Dr. Balachandra, Our deepest condolences for this tragic passing away of your son. May he attain the ultimate bliss! Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your family at this hardest time of your lives. May the blessings of the Triple gem be with you! loving regards Nirosha & Sathya - Posted by: Nirosha Perera (mothers' staff) on: Apr 29, 2014

• We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family on the tragic loss. We will miss him, gatherings will never be the same. - Posted by: Jey Sanmuganathan, Hayley Shirtlifee and Ari Sanmuganathan (Family Friends) on: Apr 29, 2014