Obituary of Ram D. Verma

Dr. Ram D. Verma, Distinguished Physicist, Passes Away at 92 It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Dr. Ram D. Verma on September 1, 2021 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Born on May 31, 1929, in Uttar Pradesh (India), Ram was the loving husband of Madhu for 59 years. Ram was internationally known for his research in molecular spectroscopy. From his humble beginnings in a village in India, and against all odds, Ram redefined his expected destiny through his intellect and determination to obtain a higher education. Ram left India in 1958 to join the University of Chicago as a Research Associate working for Nobel Laureate Prof. R.S. Mulliken in the Department of Physics. Three years later, Nobel Laureate Dr. G. Herzberg invited Ram to work with him at the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa. In 1963, Ram accepted a faculty position with the Department of Physics at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton. During his 31 years at UNB, he built and maintained a world-class laboratory at the forefront of spectroscopic technology and attracted graduate students and visiting scientists from around the world. As the principal founder of research and postgraduate work in the physics department, he also made significant innovations to the undergraduate program. Dr. Verma received National Research Council and NSERC support for his research throughout his career at UNB and was widely sought as a visiting professor and scientist at many prestigious universities. In 1998, UNB conferred upon Ram the title of Professor Emeritus in Physics. Ram was a long-standing active and respected member of the Indo-Canadian community in Fredericton. He debated Indian politics vigorously, practised yoga everyday, and took great pride in his gardening skills and talents in playing bridge. Through his love of the arts, Ram brought some of the top Indian classical musicians to perform in Fredericton. As a father, Ram instilled in his children strong work ethics, ambition, and resilience. He doted on his grandson. His love and support for family and friends were boundless. In addition to his wife, Ram will be deeply missed by his children, Manoj, Raj (Laura D’Alessandro), and Veena (Pierre Brun); grandchild (Kyle Verma); brothers-in-laws, Harbans Lal (Amrit) and Swaran Saxena (Shiv); and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for taking care of Ram in his final moments and showing compassion to the family. Ram will be in the hearts of many as he is celebrated in private. For those who wish, donations in his memory may be made to The Chalmers Foundation.