MATHUR, N. Avdhesh

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Avdhesh Narain Mathur on the evening of Tuesday October 6th, 2015 at Health Sciences North. Beloved husband of Denise Valerie (nee Newton), loving father of Kiran Ram, Shireen Devi, and Neel Narayan (Rachel). Cherished grandfather of Keelan Neel and Braydan Kiran. Beloved son of the late Jai Narain and Sarweshwari Mathur. Beloved brother of Prem Lata, Leela, Meena and Sashi. Sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends. Avdhesh was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. His family was his life. He was an avid fisherman and duck hunter and enjoyed his many journeys with his family and friends on the French River and at his cottage on the Georgian Bay. Apart from his much-loved family life, Avdhesh had another passion—caring for his numerous patients and saving lives. In 1970, he launched his Cardio-Vascular and Thoracic surgical practice, and was one of the pioneering physicians who performed coronary artery bypass surgery at the Memorial Hospital. In 1991, he performed the first beating heart off-pump coronary bypass surgery in Canada. He was involved in complex innovative cardiac surgeries receiving an award in 2005 from the Ontario Medical Association for his numerous contributions in the field of cardiac surgery. He initiated the creation of the Sudbury Chapter of the Mended Hearts Club during the early 1980s, a support group for families and patients undergoing cardiac surgery. For Avdhesh, his motto was to “never be afraid to give and you will never be without.” He consistently and selflessly supported his family, friends, and patients—expecting nothing in return. He was a positive influence to everyone he came in contact with, and always believed that the impossible was possible. A special thank you to the Cardiac Medical Unit at Health Sciences North, Community Care Access Centre Sudbury, and Bayshore Health Care in Sudbury. At Avdhesh’s request, there will be no visitation—only cremation and a very private traditional Hindu ceremony. Avdhesh was a founding member of the Hindu temple, the Sudbury Prarthana Samaj, and at his request, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Sudbury Prarthana Samaj.