Pran Nath Suri

Pran Nath Suri was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Pran was born on December 20, 1924 at Gujranwala Hospital (pre-partition India) in Gujranwala. He was the son of Chiranjiv Suri and Leelawati Suri. Pran grew up in India.

Pran was raised with nine siblings. Pran was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Pran had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Pran was an active child who took part in basketball. Pran's memorable achievements included being top of the class in math. However, to Pran, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Pran had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was math.

Pran enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Pran was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Foreman Christian College in Lahore, India. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Masters of Arts from San Jose State University.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew. Pran enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, his best friend was Inderdev Vij That friendship remained.

On May 11, 1948 Pran exchanged wedding vows with Monhinder Kanta Bhasin at home in Delhi, India. Empathic and loyal, Pran was committed to making his new family happy.

Pran worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Pran was blessed with three children, one son, Sunil and two daughters, Dipa and Anju. Another blessing for Pran was the gift of four grandchildren, Akhil, Karan, Ashrit and Pritha.

Fortunately, Pran enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Pran worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his careers; Engineer and Math Professor. He was employed for Ford Aerospace in Sunnyvale, CA and was a college math professor at both Mission and DeAnza colleges. Pran always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Pran was a Major in the Corps of Signals, Indian Army. He was in the Indian Army from 1949 to 1973, stationed throughout India. Pran saw action for the Indian-Pakistan war of 1965. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Major. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Pran enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading math books and solving math problems. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Pran found pleasure in sports. Pran was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were football and basketball.

Throughout his life, Pran was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Pran was a member of the Satya Sai Baba Organization.

Pran’s faith was important to him. He continued his membership in the Satya Sai Baba Organization.

Pran enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included visiting family in India and pilgrimages to Puttaparthy, India.

Pran was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Lancelot, a German Shepherd. They were best friends for 12 years.

When Pran’s retirement finally arrived in 2003, he was well prepared. He remained in Sunnyvale at retirement. In retirement, he conitued teaching math, as that was his passion. Even in retirement, Pran continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Pran was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Pran passed away on July 10, 2010 at Stanford Medical Center, Palo Alto, California. His pioneering spirit led him to undergo a relatively new, minimally invasive surgial procedure for his heart. He is survived by his wife Mohinder of 62 years; his son Sunil, his 2 daughters Dipa and Anju, daughter-in-law Veena, son-in-law Pramod and his 4 grandchildren Akhil, Karan, Ashrit and Pritha. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home. Pran was laid to rest in India, the land of his birth.

Simply stated, Pran was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Pran leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Pran Nath Suri.