November 21, 1929 - January 27, 2016
DESAI, HARSHKUMAR CHIMANLAL (HARSHAD) was born on November 21, 1929 in Hansot, India and passed away on January 27, 2016.
Harshad was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be missed greatly.
Harshad completed his graduate studies at Columbia University and Vanderbilt University and went on to have a successful career as a civil and structural engineer with Brown & Root, the Fort Worth Army Corps of Engineers, and the Internal Revenue Service. He was a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Over a period of many years, he drafted and authored the “Desai Khadaki History and Genealogy of All DESAIs of Hansot” as a testament to his long family history. Harshad was fond of reading, especially religious books, and enjoyed intellectual discussions on many topics. He was an animated storyteller and will be remembered for sharing tales from his youth.
Harshad is survived by his wife, Prafulla, son, Amit, daughter, Sujata, son-in-law, Bret, twin grandchildren India and Devin, and brothers Bharat, Dilip, Madhukar, Rashmi, and Ashvin.
Visitation will be 8-9 A.M. on Wednesday February 3, 2016 at ARIA Memorial Chapel.
“Jayshree Krishna. You will always live in our hearts.”
Arrangements are under the direction of
ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home
19310 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75252
214-306-6700
5 replies on “Desai, Harshkumar (Harshad)”
Something happened on the day he died
Spirit rose a meter and then stepped aside
Somebody else took his place, and bravely cried:
I’m a blackstar
–David Bowie, “Blackstar”
The wise one is not born, nor dies.
This one has not come from anywhere, has not become anyone.
Unborn, constant, eternal, primeval, this one
Is not slain when the body is slain.
–The Katha-Upanishad
Rest in peace, Daddy.
What I will miss the most about Harshad was his smile. He was always happy, and brought joy to everyone around him. I know his loss is so hard on Prafulla and his children and grandchildren, but I hope all of you will concentrate on the good memories and let that comfort you through the grieving process. The more we loved, the more it hurts, and Harshad was greatly loved.
Therese Casterline
Had the opportunity to meet him only once, way back in 1973 (I was a schoolboy of 14 years then) when he visited us in Calcutta. Later in recent past we were in touch through occasional exchange of emails from which I could feel his energy & spirit on various issues. Shall miss him. May his soul rest in peace. Sincere condolence to the immediate family.
My dad had a larger-than-life dream: America. So he packed his bag and promised his wife: together again soon. My mom, reluctant to leave the past, eventually boarded a steamer and jumped into the unknown, a 15-month old girl clinging to her hand. Soon came graduate school, an American-born son, a first house, U.S. citizenships, a new car, and grandchildren. But with all that came asthma. Evil asthma…a nightmare to the dream. Though it took him from us, my dad lived his American dream. And I was lucky, my family was lucky, to join him for the ride. Wherever you are, Daddy, I know you’re breathing easily, and you’re still dreaming big. Love, Dolly
I am proud to have bween His brother because He was an exemplary elder one and a guide. Will miss for a long long time Him and His smiles and scolds,His gestures and guffaws, His persistence and perseverance to accomplish a task, may it be any!
May His soul be embraced by The allpervading, almighty, everlasting Ma Shakti!
Om Shanti: Shanti: Shanti:|