BHARGAVA, Naresh Bhargava

After giving heartfelt blessings to others, Naresh peacefully left this earth on July 9, 2026, at age 93. With a smile on his face and his family at his side he began the journey to join Shachi, his life partner of 68 years, who had just passed. Naresh was a beloved husband, Dad, brother, Babaji, Nanaji, Bare Nanaji, and cherished friend to so many.

Born in Sitapur, India, to Kalawati Bhargava and Justice Pyarelal Bhargava, Naresh was the youngest of six children and grew to become an academic, avid sportsman, and adventure seeker who earned his Master’s Degree in Chemistry and went on to excel in his chosen field of research and industrial chemistry. In 1958, he married his soul-mate Shachi, and seeking new adventures they travelled through Europe and emigrated to Canada in 1960 with their young baby, settling in Cornwall, Ontario, a place they called home for 60 years.

Naresh Bhargava will be greatly missed by his two children, Niraj (Marina) and Amita (David); his five granddaughters, Ariane, Maya, Amy, Katie (Derrick), and Mira (Riley); and his two great-grandchildren, Reina and Graham. He had a recent, special call with his sister Shyam Kumari (Jaipur, India). He was predeceased by his wife Shachi just three weeks ago, and by three brothers and one sister. Naresh was also Chachaji, Mamaji, Phupaji, Mausaji, and Uncle to many dear ones.

Beyond his very successful career as Technical Director at BASF, with patents, global recognition, and an early focus on ecology, Naresh was a community leader both in Cornwall and, more recently, in Ottawa. He was a well-respected Cornwall City Councillor for 12 years and spearheaded many projects that served the city well, earning numerous accolades for his professional and community work. Along with Shachi, he organized and participated in many spiritual events at home and in the community. He was also a successful businessman, an enthusiastic bridge and badminton player, and a dedicated volunteer. Perhaps most of all, Naresh was a loving presence who welcomed and anchored friends and family who came to Canada, and was a role model for service to family and community. In his final days, he inspired friends and family with his happiness, love,  blessings, and his unwavering trust in his soul’s future.

A private family cremation will be held on Sunday morning, July 12, 2026. This will be followed by a Memorial Gathering on Thursday, July 16, from 2–5 pm at Pinecrest Remembrance Services, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa, where we will quietly honour his soul’s rising. The family warmly invites friends and family to join the gathering and share their memories with Naresh’s loved ones.

The family is also planning a Havan and Celebration of Life for both Naresh and Shachi on the afternoon of Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Hindu Temple of Ottawa-Carleton. More details will be available; please RSVP to shachinaresh@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to:

Bhargava Family Scholarship (Carleton University) — a fund established by Naresh and Shachi in 2021 for students completing graduate work in Biomedical Science: futurefunder.carleton.ca/giving-fund/bhargava-family-scholarship/

Hindu Temple of Ottawa-Carleton — www.hindutemple.ca or e-transfer to treasurer@hindutemple.ca

Om Shanti

Memorial Gathering