Dr. Vidya Sagar Gupta

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my father. After several years of living with dementia, dad passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26th at 6am in Parksville, BC.

Dr. V. Sagar Gupta, Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan was a beloved teacher, mentor, and scientist whose life’s work bridged continents and disciplines.

Born and educated in India, Dr. Gupta earned his BSc from the University of Jammu and Kashmir, MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Rajasthan, and PhD in Pharmacology from the Indian Institute of Science. He later joined the University of Saskatchewan, where he built a distinguished career as a researcher and professor.

His pioneering work advanced understanding of chemotherapy and antiviral agents, including studies on the pharmacology of antibacterial drugs, anticancer compounds such as methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil, and nucleoside analogues developed against herpesviruses. His research, widely published and supported by the Medical Research Council of Canada, influenced both veterinary and biomedical science.

Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Gupta will be remembered for his generosity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to his students and colleagues. He leaves behind a legacy of scientific discovery and mentorship that will endure for generations.

Dr. Gupta’s greatest legacy is as a husband to his wife and father to his children. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Shukla, his three children, Susan, Shalini, and Sanjay and 6 grand children, Rheanna, Nykael, Ayrton, Devika, Shivam, and Saanvi.

Through his passion for science and his devotion to mentorship, Dr. Gupta touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, compassion, and hope.

“For certain is death for the born, and certain is birth for the dead; therefore, over the inevitable thou shouldst not grieve.” (Bhagavad Gita 2:27)