Obituary of Hari Chand Dewan

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“Something that is loved is never lost”

Toni Morrison

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Hari Chand Dewan, a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather, and a man of kindness, generosity, and integrity to all who knew him.

In keeping with his peaceful manner, he departed this world on August 30, 2023 in his sleep at the age of 87. He leaves behind his wife, Kusum Lata Dewan; their three children -- Anil Dewan with wife Laurie and children Kavi Jacob and Kiran Vidya Dewan;  Bindu Dewan Macchiavello with husband Kirk and children Nicolo Ceasar and Arman Chand Machiavello; and his youngest daughter, Sabina Dewan.

He was a man of firsts -- the first among his brothers to fall in love at first sight and pursue a love marriage that lasted 62 years. The first in his family to travel to the United States. The first to get his PhD from Virginia Tech that led to a 32-year long, illustrious career with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.

As an agronomist, he advised governments on how to produce food in some of the most poor, conflict stricken, and ecologically harsh conditions. He served tirelessly to bring food and nutrition to those in need.  His dedication to public service sowed these seeds in his children.    

Yet among his many accomplishments, the un-wavering commitment to building a better life for his family was always the cornerstone of his purpose-driven existence.

From the deserts of Yemen to the beaches of Tanzania; from the mountains of Afghanistan to the islands of Western Samoa; from the jungles of Sierra Leone to the monuments of Rome, he was an open-hearted man, who liberally shared his love of food and adventure; his politics and his poetry; his humour and his laughter with family and friends.

Throughout his journey, he found found peace and inspiration in his Hindu and Nirankari faiths.

His legacy lives on in all of us.  He will always be deeply loved and greatly missed.

The family invites friends and well-wishers to join them in a celebration of Dr. Hari C. Dewan’s life at a memorial service to be held on Tuesday, September 5^th at 2023 at Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory [721 Elden St; Herndon, VA 20170 (703) 437-1764]. General viewing begins at 10 AM and the service will begin promptly at 10:30 AM. Luncheon following ceremony will be served at 12:30 AM at Potomac Green Community Center [44499 Oakmont Manor Square, Ashburn, VA 20147].

Streaming link for the service:

https://adamsgreen.com

Messages of condolences can be sent to sabinadewan@gmail.com