In Memory of Hemant Reguel Canaran

February 27, 1936 – September 8, 2025

The world feels quieter today yet is filled with the echo of a life that resounded with love, grace, and steadfast devotion.

With hearts both heavy and grateful, we share that Hemant Canaran, a man of principle, a master of words, a loyal constant, and the unshakable center of our family, passed peacefully at the age of 89 in Ottawa, Ontario, embraced by the love and support of those closest to him.

Hemant was predeceased by his parents (Dr. Benjamin Canaran and Sonu Canaran (née Joshi)) and leaves behind his treasured wife Nasreine Canaran (née Fehmi Ali), his loving daughters Priya Claes (Herman Claes) and Bina Canaran (Gary Reid), and his adored grandsons—Kiefer, Niels, Philippe, and Lukas. He is also survived by his siblings Nalini Massey, Vasant Canaran, Mohini Venketesalu, and Jayant Canaran, along with a large, tightly woven family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends scattered across the globe who cherished him.

Born in Vikarabad, India, Hemant was the beloved son of Dr. Benjamin Canaran and Sonu Canaran—esteemed pillars of their community, revered for their grace, kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering integrity. Their enlightened values shaped Hemant’s view of the world and laid the foundation for a life lived with conviction, courage, loyalty, and dignity—qualities that defined him to the end.

Hemant pursued his education at Osmania University, Hyderabad, earning a degree in commerce and a diploma in journalism, blending together the practical realm of business with the artistry of language. It was within those storied halls, that fate introduced him to Nasreine, whose exquisite beauty, sharp mind, and quick wit held him spellbound. From that meeting blossomed a love that lasted over seventy years and a marriage that spanned nearly sixty-five, rooted in shared dreams, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment.

Shortly after their journey as parents began, Hemant and Nasreine, with two young daughters in tow, left behind the familiarity of their homeland India and bravely ventured into the vast unknown of Canada, hearts brimming with hope, promise, and the determination to craft a life of purpose, possibility, and new beginnings.

Here, their family’s roots took firm hold and flourished. Hemant’s career in marketing, advertising, and speechwriting was far more than work—it was a stage upon which his love for storytelling came alive. He had the rare gift of capturing an idea in a single, perfect sentence, delivering it with charm, conviction, and grace. He lent his talent to business CEOs and federal politicians alike, spinning speeches and messages with eloquence, precision and insight, giving voice to their visions.

Yet, his truest legacy was not confined to printed pages or celebrated campaigns. It lives on in the countless lives he touched, especially in hearts of his devoted wife, his daughters and sons-in-law, and four beloved grandsons who fondly called him “Azo.”

A celebration of Hemant’s extraordinary life will be held at a future time. Until then, family and friends are invited to share a memory and raise a glass—of scotch or otherwise—to a man who embraced life, family, and friendship with an open heart. In lieu of flowers and to honour Hemant’s generous spirit and quiet wish that others never go hungry, donations may be made to a foodbank of your choice.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff at the General Hospital for their kindness and care in guiding Hemant’s passage to the other side—where he is surely welcomed with open arms, reunited with those who knew and adored him in life, enfolded into the boundless embrace of a higher love, and cradled in peace and steadfast protection.

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, though you have journeyed beyond our grasp and sight, your spirit is etched among the stars above—a timeless constellation of love, courage, and graces. We will carry you with us in every memory, every heartbeat, and every quiet moment. You will never be forgotten.