Dr. Baldev (Wadhwa) Raj

March 22, 1941 - December 4, 2022

Baldev was a Professor Emeritus at Wilfrid Laurier for 30 years at a time when there were few professors of colour. He helped forge a new path, collaborating with some of the brightest minds in his field. He was committed to the advancement of economics having completed his B.A. and M.A. in Delhi, M.A. and Ph.D. at Western, through his research including as Research Professor, as co-editor of  the Empirical Economics Journal and author of 7 books. 

He was a wise, soft spoken and cerebral soul with an infectious, whole body laugh that was often accompanied by tears of joy. He was passionate about, and devoted, to his family - and in particular, his wife of 51 years, Balbeer who he loved deeply. And the feeling was mutual, with Balbeer’s unwavering love, devotion and care nurtured him through sickness and health. Baldev was also a loving and patient father to his son - Rahul, offering daily guidance in the form of a 'morning smile' sent via email; his daughter-in-law - Radhika, whose smile would light up his face and whose wedding dress he designed, and grandchildren - Jais and Sahaas that he showered with snuggles.

Baldev was an avid and adventurous traveller having explored 29 countries across the world. He also had a keen design sensibility which he manifested through art, fashion and food, including as a board member of the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery. He was committed to his community having helped start the Canadian South Asian Club, volunteering wherever a hand was needed, and mentoring his students, son and community members.

Baldev was born in Lahore, India before partition and raised by Prem Raj and Sushila Devi Wadhwa, and Lala Hukum Chand and Sri Mati Durga Devi Sardana, alongside 2 brothers and 3 sisters. He immigrated to Canada with little money but a lot of drive, and through his tenacity and hard work, built a fantastic and meaningful life for his family while becoming highly regarded in his field.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff and community at Parkwood Mennonite Home where Baldev has spent the past 8 years living with Alzheimer's, and to the unwavering support of Maria Ioannidis, Donnita Dean, Zenab Yusufali and Chattar Singh Ahuja, alongside our friends & family.

Memorial services will be held at the Kitchener Funeral Home & Crematorium, 3 Forwell Road on December 7th, 2022 at 10am to honour Baldev's life, and will also be live streamed on zoom.