I am heartbroken to announce the passing of my dad Dilip Sydney Samuels on Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 at 9:35pm, at the age of 68. He was suffering from chronic illnesses involving the heart and lungs, although we did not expect a passing this soon given his medical diagnosis. He was surrounded by my mom, brother and I as he took his last breath. The last words he heard were "may your soul rest in peace" by my mom.
My dad was a generous, kind-hearted and loving man who was an excellent provider and created a safe, secure home for my family. Highly ambitious, enterprising and from humble beginnings, he immigrated from India to Canada in his early 30s. While in India, he obtained a bachelors in chemistry and masters in political science and was working for reputed companies in pharmaceutical sales. He married my mom in 1983 (it was an arranged marriage). My dad immigrated to Canada in 1984 and my parents chose to settle in Mississauga. He found work in pharmaceutical sales and was working in the field for over 10 years before starting his first business, Partners in Psychiatry. It was the first of its kind in psychiatric continuing medical education (he dreamed of being a doctor, but his family did not have the funds to send him to the medical school he was accepted). I developed an interest in mental health because of being exposed to this field and consequently became a psychotherapist. It gave him great pleasure to create a secure financial future for his family, something he did not have growing up. He wanted very much to see me succeed in my academics and career. I am so grateful that because of my parents’ sacrifices and hard work over the years that I have always had so much freedom to pursue my dreams and the opportunities presented to me without any constraints, obligations and debt. I was always very happy when my dad would tell people how proud he was of me. I would also tell my friends of how proud I was of him and all that he accomplished.
My dad had a beautiful voice that hundreds of people had the pleasure of listening to over the years. From the time he was a young boy, his favourite hobby was singing, especially Christian songs, and spent most of his life singing in various choirs. His favourite song was ‘It is well with my soul’, and he also enjoyed ‘Blessed Assurance’, 'Bridge over Troubled Waters', ‘Amazing Grace’, 'I Come to the Garden Alone' and ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’.
It made a major impression on me that ever since I was a child, he was so generous and hospitable. For example, whenever guests would visit or stay with us, he would almost always pick up the bill. Parties at home were extravagant, with a plethora of delicious foods offered to friends and family. He went out of the way to be kind to people; sharing his knowledge, offering advice and support and being a silent giver. My dad was a fan of helping the underdog, when people needed help and others would ignore them or refuse to assist, he would always step in. This was because justice was a major goal of his; he wanted to see society’s power imbalances corrected. This is a value that guides my own work as well. He had a deep understanding of the inequities in the world, both nationally and globally, where he was always knowledgeable of the latest news. My dad dreamed of a future where all people could be given more equal opportunities in life. In this regard, he enjoyed sharing his political views on Facebook and twitter, where he had a persuasive and compelling way with words. When he wanted to get a message across orally or via the written word, he would do so eloquently and powerfully.
My dad was a people person and it amazes me how many high quality friendships he created with people all over the world, many of whom I have had the pleasure to meet. He made it a point to keep in contact with people by phone and email and was still in contact with almost all of his school and college friends to this day. I wish he had more time to spend with my family, to give me guidance, to enjoy the fruits of his labour and to experience being a grandfather one day in the future, but I see that God had a different plan for him. His work on earth was done and he is now in a better place. I know that my dad has touched so many hearts and will always have a special place in each one of them.
To all who have offered condolences, wishes, prayers, flowers, cards, and food, our family very much appreciates it. He had a smooth transition because of all your support. May his soul rest in peace.
