Contributions to the tribute of Vasanth Rao Basrur

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Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Sincere Condolences to the family of Dr Vasanth Basrur on his passing. As a student at the University of Guelph from 1978 to 1982, I met members of his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

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Patricia Ing pledged to donate to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

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Lena King uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

To be a friend of Pari and Vasanth Basrur felt like being adopted into the family, treated to delicious meals which included being sent home with food for the next day. Vasanth and Pari complemented each other perfectly and together they made Canada home. In 1954, Vasanth arrived from India to do a PhD in genetics at the University of Toronto, he was to study insect chromosomes sampled from Humber River in Toronto. Hurricane Hazel forced sampling to be relocated to a research station in Algonquin Park, the picture is from a visit back 63 years later. When asked how he got to and from Toronto, he answered as if it was the most natural thing “I hitchhiked with my samples and my microscope”. This attitude of embracing customs and challenges was a hallmark of Vasanth and an inspiration to live by. He was a much-loved physician who treated countless patients well beyond an age when most professionals had long retired. He embraced new hobbies with gusto. He became a proficient horseback rider, golfed playing 18 holes with a score below his age up to a month before he died, practiced yoga, and belonged to a bridge club. We are grateful to have known him, all he taught us and salute a life well lived. Our condolences to Jyothi, Simone, Nina and Natasha. Lena and Allan King

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Mary Anne Smyth posted a condolence

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Fond memories of Dr. Basrur, a kind and caring doctor. Also thinking of Dr. Carolyn Campbell another caring doctor who worked with him.

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Mary Anne Smyth pledged to donate to GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Thursday, July 13, 2023

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Wendy Doerr posted a condolence

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

So sad to hear of Dr Basrur's passing, but what a life well lived..I was a patient in early 2014, and had learned that he had returned more than once in his career to provide his knowledge and expertise to the cancer fight. From my 1st visit with him to the last, I found him to be a kind and gentle man, even complimenting me on my new growth of fuzz on my head..lol.. I was honoured to have him involved in my cancer journey, for his knowledge and his warm heart!

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Anne Schmidt posted a condolence

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

My deepest sympathy to the Basrur family. I was a nurse and worked with Dr Basrur at the GRRCC. He was a kind and gentle physician and colleague. Always a smile and kind word. A true human being that made a big difference in the world. He will be missed. My condolences to his family Anne Schmidt RN in the chemotherapy unit

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Beth McLay posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

My deepest sympathies to the Basrur family. Dr. Basrur was my radiation oncologist in 2005 at Grand River when I was battling breast cancer at the age of 35. Not only did he take the time to explain all the options, he went the extra mile to take my case to a special board for further consultation on a treatment plan. I appreciated his kindness and guidance and I feel so fortunate to have been under Dr. Basrur’s care. Beth McLay

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Carolyn Campbell posted a condolence

Monday, July 10, 2023

Dearest Vas……if only I had an ounce of your patience and kindness……what a role model of wisdom and experience……a true gentle-man. You have left this world better for your being here……thanks for being such a steady across the hall work buddy. I shall celebrate a life so very well lived. Keep swinging easy…….sincerely, Carolyn Campbell

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Donna Ward posted a condolence

Monday, July 10, 2023

I am very saddened to hear of Dr. Basrur's passing but so glad to have the opportunity to review some wonderful memories of times when we had the opportunity to work together. I have always described Vas as a "Prince" of a man and I loved the description of him in the posted Obituary. His MO with every patient was the same: compassionate, gentle, respectful and humble. He would speak so gently to the patient and if they did not understand he would excuse himself, leave the room and return shortly with his laptop which he would use to patiently illustrate his advice to the patient using the medical images which he would bring up on his computer. This attitude of generosity was extended to us, his colleagues at GRRCC when we were building our program. We were desperate for his wisdom experience and support and he came readily to our rescue in those early years. We are deeply thankful. For us as his colleagues, he was always open, accessible and also patient. I had the privilege, too, to get to know Sheela during her illness. Ever the systems thinker and problem solver, when I would visit Sheela during my rounds, she would always enquire about my day and its challenges and would then gently lead me through what she could see as a solution!! Sheela's illness would a source of great suffering to Vas and his wife and they have been often in my thoughts these many years. We are so grateful to have known Vas and now wish his spirit well deserved rest and the blessings of peace and comfort to his family. Sincerely, Dr. Donna Ward (Palliative Care Team)

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