DAS, Garuda Vahan Das

Peacefully at home in the company of his children on Jan 17th, 2026, at age 78. He was born November 8th, 1947, in Peterborough, Ontario.

Garuda was the loving husband of Krsna Karuna Devi Dase (Karen Marie Hanna) who departed this world in 2000.

He was a joyful and dedicated father and dear friend to his children Nitai, Sudama, Tulasi, and Karuna Shakti (Karttika), and son-in-law Aaron, and daughter-in-law Vita.

Garuda took tremendous joy in all his many grandchildren Cora, Nandani, Atreya and Jade, Narayana, Tristin, Caranamrta, Varuna, Daruka, Satrughna, Parameshvari, Vrndavani, Essence, Arya, and Kaya, and his great grandchildren Dallas, Acharya, Krsna Karuna, Sundari Bhava, Vina, and Keshava.

He is preceded by his beautiful wife Krsna Karuna Devi Dasi (Karen Marie Hanna), and his parents Harold and Erma Hanna, as well as his sister Reta, and brothers Adrian and Terry.

He will be greatly missed by his remaining brothers and sisters Brian, Jill, Jan, Joy, Jed, Shelley, Joel and Marie, and sisters-in-law, Ann and Susan.

Garuda will also be dearly missed by his cousins, nephews, nieces, family, and many friends.

Hare Krsna!

GARUDA IN FLIGHT

Garuda, it’s time now

For that nature’s bow

After decades of adventures

Having heard from life’s teachers

Of the message to now go

On a longer flight than a crow

Longer than any past hike

Or a distance on your bike

After much time since you crawled

You’re being pulled – called

To the Blue Man Virtuous

The One who always knew us

And watches the clan Hanna

And the generations behind ya

Who all both struggle and enjoy

The things we can’t avoid

You crafted everything with class

Remember all the stained glass?

Made forest trails, moved rocks

Observed nature, cougar and fox

Recall that big grizzly bear?

We were sure our karma was to share

You were a cook, camp master

Orangeville deputy, a multitasker

There was commitment to the chant

No question, never saying, “I can’t”

A love for God, a love for life

A love for a beautiful, devoted wife

The boys got into their music

Your daughter, a healer, she chose it

Your life – a full book with chapters

Some pain and certainly laughter

Pause… the intersection has come

Beyond the bend – a new kind of fun

Not to worry, all will be fine

Leaving a world in its worst of times

We travelled Canada together

Went through all kinds of weather

Been good to know you, friend

The bond between us will never end

By Bhaktimarga Swami