Dr. K. Vedam
September 10, 2009
Passed away peacefully on September4, 2009 in his daughters home in Vancouver, Canada. He was a highly respected scientist and teacher, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and remarkable friend and mentor to multitudes.
Vedam was born in Vedaranyam, India in January 1926. Having received a classical education at National College and Nagpur University, he completed his PhD research at Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. While still studying he was a regular volunteer at cataract surgery camps for the needy and State Champion in tennis. He first came to State College in 1956 as a postdoctoral fellow in crystallography, in the Physics Department. He then spent 2 years at the Atomic Energy Commission in Mumbai, India. In, 1962, Vedam returned to Penn State with his young family to become one of the Physics professors at the interdisciplinary Materials Research Laboratory, the first of its kind in the United States. Over the next 40 years, Vedam became a leader in his fields of high pressure optics and ellipsometry. In the latter, his work, especially on the liquid-solid interface brought great attention to the MRL and Penn State from the scientific and industrial community . He was also involved in early work around laser technology and holography. Throughout he provided continuing inspiration, mentorship and guidance to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Dr. Vedam’s natural curiosity extended to an interest in all fields, cultures, and traditions. He was a music lover, enjoyed both eastern and western classical music, and was patron to many young musicians and dancers. As a young man he followed the Indian independence movement closely, and was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peaceful interaction. His interest in politics and world movements continued throughout his life. He loved all types of games and sports (especially Penn State football), and was a fine photographer of human subjects.
Over his many years in State College, Vedam and his wife of 53 years, Nalini, opened their home to countless new State College families, and served as substitute parents and grandparents to all those whose own families were far away. Even as he achieved acclaim in his world of science, he became renowned for his gentle nature and generous spirit. He took great interest in the paths, trials, and successes of others, young and old, and was always ready with an encouraging word. He was unique in his ability to see only the best in all of his friends, family, and colleagues. In all of his areas of influence he is remembered and revered for his extreme kindness and courtesy to all, and described by many as “the perfect gentleman”.
Dr. Vedam will be missed most by his wife Nalini, sister Ananda, his daughter Saraswathi, his son Subramanyam, son-in-law Jeffrey W Miller, and grandchildren, Maya, Zoe, Lakshmi, and Sophia, and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
The Memorial Service will be held in the Memorial Hall of the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the Penn State campus (opposite the Pattee Library entrance), at 2.30pm on Sunday September 20th, with a reception following.
Palmerino DeVita
September 9, 2009
DeVITA, Palmerino July 20, 1930 – September 5, 2009. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Palmerino, after a courageous battle with illness. Palmerino was born in Bagnoli Del Trigno, Italy. He was predeceased by his father Domenico and his wife Elvira. He is survived by his mother Assunta Maria, daughters Mary and Debbie, sons-in-law Ronald and Mitch, grandchildren Rina, Paul, Melanie and Sydney. He is also survived by his brothers Frank (Dianny), Vincenzo (Maria), Tony (Betty), and sisters Edda (Marco) and Bernice, as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. Palmerino (The Boss), will be dearly missed for his generosity, love, and commitment to our family. A special thank you to Uncle Vince, Auntie Mary for all their tremendous support during the past seven months of Dad’s illness. Thank you also to Dr. Cilliers and the medical nursing staff at Langley Memorial Hospital. Prayers will be offered Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. from St. Helen’s Catholic Church 3860 Triumph St., Burnaby, BC where the Mass of Christian Burial will follow Friday, September 11, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. Entombment to follow at the South Mausoleum Ocean View Burial Park, Burnaby, BC. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com
Carmine Pollastretti
September 9, 2009
Passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at the age of 70 years. He is predeceased by his father Felice in 1986 and his mother Gemma in 1994. Carmine is lovingly remembered by his wife Maria, sons Tony (Debbie), Felice (Sherine), grandchildren Carmella, Jake, Aliyha, Emily and Taylor; sisters Assunta and Adelaide; brother Pietro and many nieces, nephews and friends. Prayers will be offered Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2025 Napier Street, Vancouver, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at the South Mausoleum of Ocean View Burial Park, Burnaby, BC. In lieu of flowers donations in Carmine’s name may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
David Fotheringham
September 3, 2009
June 9,1929 – August 30, 2009Dave (Ham) will be lovingly missed by his friends and family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years Elizabeth/Betty, his 7 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. An open house will be held on September 12, 2009 from 1 – 4pm at 707 – 12th St., New Westminster. Special thanks to Dr Freedman and all the staff at Royal Columbian Hospital.