Ponniah Sanmugam Sanmuganathan

Ponniah Shanmugam Sanmuganathan age 91 of Winnipeg, Manitoba passed away, Thursday December 19, 2019, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Born December 7, 1928 in Jaffna Sri Lanka, Ponniah was the younger of two siblings.

Shan as he was known by his colleagues was a respected civil engineer who traveled extensively and had an immense influence on everybody that he worked with and met throughout his career. His dedication to his profession, hard work and ethics were recognized on the international stage with international aid agencies such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the World Bank. He forged long standing relationships with many of his colleagues that continued past his retirement.

Iya, as he was known by his family and friends was a devoted father, husband, uncle and grandfather who through example extoled the virtues of hard work, love and devotion. Community and family were very important to Shan and his grandchildren were a precious gift from god who gave him a lot of pride.

He was survived by his sons San Ketheswaranathan (Farida Hatali), and Jeyanathan Sanmuganathan (Hayley Shirtliffe); daughter Kalaivani Sanmuganathan (Don Wells); and grandchildren, Meena and Ishan Ketheswaranathan, Adikis Wells and Ari Sanmuganathan. Shan was preceded by the passing of his wife Jeyamani, mother Valliamai, father Shanmugam, and sister Sanmugavadivu.

Memorial services for Shan will be held on Monday December 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.