Kamal Kumar Bhattacharyya

Kamal Kumar Bhattacharyya passed away peacefully in the family home on Tuesday, August 1st, surrounded by his three children, Robin, Jonaki and Ajay.

Born in Bhatpara, West Bengal, Kamal grew up as one of nine children in a combined family, during the tumultuous decade before India’s independence. He traveled to Germany and England for work and completed a PhD, then immigrated to Canada in 1968. Throughout his life he remained close to and respected by his entire family, and provided for loved ones in Canada and India both financially and emotionally.

Kamal had a long and distinguished career with the BC provincial government and Greater Vancouver Regional District, working on air pollution control and climate change issues. He and (wife) Rosemary raised their three children in Victoria, BC, building "The Ascot House" (or "Mummy's hotel" as Kamal joked). He was a strict yet loving father whose home was always open to family and friends.

In December 2022, granddaughter Hazel was born to son Ajay and daughter-in-law Katie in Los Angeles, and Kamal was delighted to hold baby Hazel during their recent visit to Victoria.

Kamal will be remembered for his mischievous sense of humour, fierce debating style, open-minded acceptance of others, delicious Bengali meals, and for creating a beautiful home and garden for us all to gather in.

Thanks to family in India, New Zealand and the United States for ongoing love and support.

An informal gathering will be held in Kamal’s honour at a later date (TBD). For information please email your contact info to kkbestate@gmail.com. or check back at this site for updates to be made.

Donations may be made to an environmental charity of choice.