Surendra Bhana passed away at his home on Saturday, September 24th at the age of seventy-seven after battling cancer. He is survived by Kala, his wife of fifty years, his children Hershini, Hemant and Palvih, his daughter-in-law Angie, and his grandchildren Kiri, Aiden and Idris. A deeply reflective and spiritual man, Suresh often described his life as a series of journeys. Born in Sisodra, a small village in India, Suresh journeyed as young boy to South Africa which became his home for many years. Those years in South Africa awakened in him a keen sense of justice and a never-ending search for elusive truths. Suresh came to Lawrence in 1966 as a graduate student where he earned his Ph.D. in History at KU. In 1987 he returned to Lawrence with his family to teach in the History department. These many journeys, Suresh wrote, convinced him that buildings and places do not change but the people who live in them do. He believed that it was in the inward journey, the search for home buried in oneself, that true freedom could be found.
The many successes and accolades he garnered over the years—including five books that made him an innovator in his field, his stellar reputation as a teacher and mentor, and his charismatic eloquence—all fade in comparison to his compassion and humility. The number of lives he touched reflected his unique ability to listen, to understand other people and to accept them for where and who they were. The outpouring of love and support from family and friends all over the world, in particular Haskell Springer, Steve Fawcett, Doni Mooberry and the extended Bhana family is a testament both to their kindness and his. A private funeral will be held on Tuesday September 27th. It will be followed by a celebration of his life on Saturday Oct 1st at the KU Alumni Center from 3pm to 5pm where all are welcome. Please join us as Suresh begins his next journey. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Visiting Nurses Association. Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com
Kala and family, you are in our thoughts at this time. We know that Suresh was such an important part of your family and his loss will truly be felt.
I knew Suresh only briefly but found he had a gift: an ability to listen. He also had a related gift: for asking questions. In a verbose, self-assertive world, such gifts are rare and should be treasured.
Kala & Family – Please accept my deepest sympathy. I treasured Surendra as one of my closest friends and I will truly miss him, as I am sure all of you will too. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Kala, Hershini, Henant, and Palvih, A husband, a father, a teacher, a scholar, a gentle soul who enriched your lives and all those whose lives he touched. He will be remembered well by you and by those of us who knew him as someone who was truly a “Baal Shem Tov”, a Hebrew saying that means he will be known, for all the days to come as the “owner of a good name.” May the memories of his good life be ever a source of comfort and strength. With my love,
Dear Kala and family, please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved Suresh. I so enjoyed visiting with Suresh at several of the Bert Nash picnics. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless you.
Kala and family: So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. He sounds like a wonderful man. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Kala and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Suresh sounded like loving husband and father and a wonderful man.
Please accept our sympathy at this time.
Michael and Anne Shaw
Dear Kala,Hershini,Hemant,Palvih, and the extended family
We send the many sympathies and condolences of the many friends and family members Sureshbhai knew ,met and touched. He is warmly remembered by all whom he knew in South Africa. They wish you strength ,courage and forbearance in the time ahead.
Sincere wishes from the community family members including brothers,sisters,nieces and nephews of the Bhana family.
To The Bhana Family,
“For there is hope even for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again.” Job 14:7. Looking forward with you to the happy day when those we miss awaken from their sleep.
With Peace and Loving-Kindness,
Kala, my sincerest sympathies. Suresh sounded like an amazing man. I am extremely sorry for your loss. Wishing comfort and peace to you and yours.
He was a gentle soul, a kind spirit. His spiritual insights were a gift to all who knew him.
To all who loved my best friend and brother: Shanti, shanti, shanti.
Dear Kala and family, Suresh was an important and productive part of our AAAS Departmental family. He was missed when he retired, and will be remembered with gratitude. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers — Beverly Mack
Kala and family, my deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers.
Michele Simpson
Dear Kala , Hershini and family : l’m sending my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband , father , father in law and granddad. I wish I can be closer to confort you personally . Love Lucila