Obituary of Baldev Krishan Kalia

Baldev Krishan Kalia, 1920-2011 The pillar of his large and loving family, Baldev Krishan Kalia, 90, passed away June 16, 2011 at his home in Webster after a remarkable journey that took him from the plains of north India to the urban colonies of New Delhi to the suburbs of Massachusetts. "Nanapa"-also known affectionately as "Dapa" and "Big Daddy"-was a caring husband, father and brother and a doting grandfather and great-grandfather. His biggest achievement, he felt, was giving his children the education and values they needed to prosper. His greatest wish late in life-fulfilled time and again-was to see his family come together, whether for weddings, birthdays, religious festivities or other occasions. Born in the northern Indian city of Amritsar on September 20, 1920 and married in 1944, Nanapa went on to have a highly distinguished career as an Indian customs officer and, after retirement, immigrated to the U.S. to be with his children. Webster has been his home for more than two decades. Known for clockwork-like discipline, Nanapa practiced yoga every morning for four decades and insisted on taking daily walks up until his last day. He was a voracious reader of biography and history and an opinionated commentator on politics and current events. He is survived by his wife, Rattan; three children, Savita, Neelu and Anuranjan; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. While his departure leaves a hole in our hearts, we celebrate his amazing life and legacy.