Peter Gnanapragasam

With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Dr.  Peter Gnanapragasam (DVM) on February 19, 2020. Peter Gnanapragasam passed away at the age of 73 years. Left to cherish his memory are his children Cheryl Gnanapragasam (Kyle Kachkowski) and Rochelle Gnanapragasam (Matthew Cuddy) and their mother Bernadette Gnanapragasam, and his beloved grandsons Theodore and Samuel Kachkowski. He will also be mourned by his siblings Julia Christopher, Ray Gnanapragasam, Paula Gnanapragasam, Regno Gnanapragasam, Philomena Desilva and Angelo Gnanapragasam along with numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends, especially Helena Kot and her daughter Giselle Fillion.

Predeceased by his loving parents Peter and Grace (nee Abraham) Gnanapragasam, siblings, Sr. Annabel Gnanapragasam, Fr. Vincent Gnanapragasam, Flora Emanuel, Dr. John Gnanapragasam, Joan Francis, Ignatius Gnanapragasam, Calista Jeyerajah, Thomas Gnanapragasam, Claude Gnanapragasam and granddaughter Georgiana Grace Kachkowski.

Peter Gnanapragasam was born in Galle, Sri-Lanka on January 26, 1947, and grew up with his many siblings in Colombo. In 1972, he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Peradeniya, Sri-Lanka and began his career as a government veterinarian in Sri-Lanka. He continued his education and received a Post graduate diploma in Animal Health from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 1977. Upon his return to Sri-Lanka, he was married and had two daughters. In 1984, after the troubles were occurring in Sri-Lanka, Peter and his family moved to Canada to begin a new life.

Although life in a new country was challenging at times, Peter did his best to adapt. He returned to school to receive his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. Peter then went on to work in Saskatchewan and Manitoba before establishing his own practice, Central Plains Veterinary Clinic, in 1994 in Portage La Prairie, where he people knew him as “Dr. Peter.” He loved working with animals and dedicated much of his life to their care. He treated many different species from elephants to fish. He passed his love for animals on to both of his daughters, particularly Rochelle who often assisted him at the clinic. He was passionate about his profession and sought learning opportunities whenever he was able, including pursuing certification in orthopedic surgery. Throughout his career, he developed close relationships with many clients and viewed them as his friends.

Peter was a devout Catholic and his faith carried him through many challenges. He loved gardening and was very proud of his roses. He enjoyed cooking and created many elaborate meals which he shared with family and friends. He loved trains and shared this interest with his brothers, Ray and Angelo. He loved music and could often be found listening to it (loudly) in whatever task he was doing. His love for animals was part of both his professional and personal life. He loved his own pets and it was because of him that his daughters both ended up with the dogs that they now have. He loved joking around with others and making people laugh. The last few years were challenging due to his declining health, but his faith, love for music, and his family remained until the end. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, Theo and Sam, who always brought a smile to his face.

Peter’s family would like to thank the staff at the Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville for their compassion and care.

There will be a gathering to celebrate Peter’s life on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Portage La Prairie. The service will be lead by Father Gerald Langevin, and a time of fellowship will follow immediately afterwards in the church hall. A private family burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, friends who desire can donate to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2, Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB  R1N 3Y8 or a charity of your choice in Peter’s memory.

A tree will planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021