Thursday, April 7, 2022
Prem was the first grandson of Shri Jai Ram Anand and Shrimati Draupadi Kohli and first nephew of uncles, Dr. Krishan Lal Anand, Mr. Manohar Lal Anand, Eng., Dr. Baldev Raj Anand, Mr. Tilak Raj Anand, Eng., Mr. Madan Lal Anand and Aunts, Mrs. Raj Rani Anand and Mrs. Raj Kumari Anand. My father, Mr. Ram Lal Anand, Eng., sent Prem to Canada to study Mechanical Engineering at McGill University in 1959, as Professional education was very important for him for all his brothers and for his children. Prem was honored in September 2021, when our youngest niece, Sonia Anand Cullinane named her first son, Collin Prem Cullinane.
We migrated to Canada on Prem’s advise in January 1968. Prem received us at the Montreal International airport with a bouquet of beautifully wrapped cauliflower instead of flowers. His sense of humor never left him even when he was in great pain. During our two + months of stay, we learnt from him the value of hard work in Canada.
Prem had wide span of interests, from Practical Engineering to Fine arts, from financial investing to indoor gardening, from Indian cooking to listening music, and was an avid reader in last 10 years of his life.
Prem was known to solve all sorts of technical and personal problems for his siblings, cousins and children. Before the first cancer struck him his dream was to travel in a large motor home with all the siblings and have annual get together at a scenic venue. Unfortunately that did not materialize due to his prolonged illness and work pressure in USA.
Prem wished Physicians would solve his medical problems the way Engineers solve engineering problems precisely. Whenever he visited any of his siblings he participated and volunteered to fix things around the house etc. His mind and hands never sat idle during these visits.
Prem exhibited more interest in study of Hindu religion, philosophy, history, and in extended family and friends in India, Canada, USA, Australia, United Kingdom and several other countries in later years of his life. He will be greatly missed by everyone whoever had the good fortune to meet him.
AUM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI (AUM PEACE PEACE PEACE).
Usha Anand and Virinder Dhir (sister & brother in law)