Obituary of Nallepily Sundaram

It is with profound sadness and immense gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of Krishna Sundaram, affectionately known to many simply as “Appa.” He passed away peacefully on 1 July 2026 in Ottawa, Canada, surrounded by family and close friends.

Sundaram was born on 10 July 1937 in the village of Nallepily, Kerala, India, to Vaidyanathan Krishna Iyer and Saradambal. He was the youngest of six children. He was predeceased by his brothers Ramanathan, Vishwanathan, and Balu, and his sister Rajambal.

From an early age, Sundaram learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and family. Growing up during difficult financial times, he and his brothers contributed to supporting their family, experiences that shaped the determination, resilience, and generosity that would define his life.

At just seventeen years old, Sundaram embarked on what would become a remarkable journey across continents and cultures. Leaving India with courage, ambition, and an adventurous spirit, he travelled to Kuwait to work as an accounts clerk and stenographer. This first step launched a lifetime of exploration and achievement.

He later returned to India and joined the Imperial Tobacco Company (ITC) in Calcutta. While working full-time, he pursued higher education and earned both a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Calcutta. During his years in Calcutta, he also developed a lifelong love for cooking. Under the tutelage of his beloved uncle, Palghat Mani, he mastered the art of preparing delicious meals and sharing them with others. Cooking became one of his greatest joys and one of the many ways he expressed his love. Family and friends will forever remember not only the meals he prepared but the warmth, laughter, and togetherness that accompanied them.

After eleven years in Calcutta, Sundaram returned to Kuwait and later joined South Eastern Drilling Company (SEDCO), following in the footsteps of his elder brother Ramanathan. His career in the offshore oil industry took him around the world. Over the years, he lived and worked in Kuwait, Liberia, Nigeria, Iran, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Angola, Spain, and many other places. Long before international travel became commonplace, Sundaram embraced the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. He built friendships across continents, learned from different cultures, and filled his life with experiences and stories that he delighted in sharing with others.

Despite travelling thousands of miles and living in many countries, family always remained at the centre of Sundaram’s life. Wherever work took him, his heart was never far from home. Returning after each assignment was a cherished ritual, filled with thoughtful gifts, captivating stories, and the joy of sharing his experiences with loved ones. His travels broadened his horizons but never changed the values that defined him: kindness, humility, generosity, and deep devotion to family and friends.

In 1973, Sundaram married Kamala, beginning a partnership built on love, mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering support. Together they raised three daughters—Sharada, Jayasri, and Vijayashree—who became the pride and joy of his life.

The family spent several memorable years in Spain before returning to India. After a successful and fulfilling career with SEDCO, Sundaram settled in Coimbatore in 1986, a city he loved deeply and always considered home. There, he began a new chapter through several business ventures, including leasing and finance, a coffee store, and work as a stockbroker at the Coimbatore Stock Exchange.

More importantly, he created a home filled with warmth, laughter, friendship, and hospitality. He believed strongly in being an equal partner to Kamala, and together they built a household where everyone felt welcome. His home became a gathering place for family, friends, neighbours, and visitors. There was always a delicious meal, an engaging conversation, a fine scotch and plenty of laughter.

In 1997, Sundaram suffered the heartbreaking loss of Kamala. Though devastated by her passing, he found strength in his daughters and devoted himself completely to their care and future. With remarkable courage and resilience, he embraced the roles of both father and mother, supporting his daughters through their education, careers, and eventual moves to North America. His unwavering love, guidance, and sacrifices became the foundation on which much of their success was built.

In 2011, he made the decision to move permanently to Ottawa to be close to his daughters and growing family. Leaving behind a lifetime of friendships and memories in India was not easy, but family always came first. In Canada, he quickly became a beloved presence among relatives, neighbours, and friends. His warmth, humour, generosity, and genuine interest in others enabled him to build new friendships wherever he went.

Sundaram embraced life wholeheartedly and found joy in simple pleasures. He loved cooking elaborate meals and graciously welcoming people into his home. He enjoyed travelling, playing carrom, poker, and card games, sharing stories, enjoying a fine glass of Scotch, and spending time with family and friends. He especially cherished the many hours spent laughing, playing games, and creating memories with his grandchildren.

Those who knew Sundaram will remember his infectious laughter, quick wit, generous heart, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel at home. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making them feel valued. Many who entered his life left feeling like family. It is no surprise that “Appa” became a title earned not only through parenthood but through the love, encouragement, and support he extended to so many.

Sundaram also believed deeply in giving back. He never forgot his roots and quietly supported numerous charitable causes, including the Lions Club, orphanages, and special-needs schools in India. Together with his dear friend Dharmarajan and his brother Balu, he helped build a wedding hall beside his family temple in Kerala, creating a lasting legacy of community service, generosity, and devotion that continues to benefit others.

His life was one of remarkable resilience, adventure, generosity, and love. From a small village in Kerala to the cities and coastlines of Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, Sundaram lived a life rich in experience, friendship, and meaningful relationships. Yet among all his accomplishments and travels, his greatest pride was always his family.

He is lovingly survived by his sister Alamelu; his daughters Sharada, Jayasri, and Vijayashree; his son-in-law Vasuki, grandchildren Jishnu, and Pranav; his sisters-in-law Lakshmi, Nalini, brothers-in-law Ramaswamy and Ramani; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends around the world.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and support workers who became such an important part of Sundaram’s life. Their compassion, friendship, kindness, and dedication brought him comfort, dignity, and joy, and their support will never be forgotten.

While we mourn his loss, we celebrate an extraordinary life filled with love, generosity, adventure, and purpose. His laughter, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in all who knew him. He taught us to work hard, love deeply, welcome others generously, and embrace life with gratitude and joy. He was truly one of a kind, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. ❤️

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ottawa Food Bank or ABLE2.

For those unable to attend in person, you are welcome to view the service using the following link: Service Livestream

All service times are in EST