Tribute

Amrik Prihar passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 6tth , 2014 in his home in Duncan, BC where he has lived for 42 years.   He was born in Bahadurgarh, Punjab, India on November 15, 1946.  Amrik was the son of a school Headmaster. Amrik excelled academically and completed his Master`s degree at age 21.  He became a professor of English and taught at Banga College.  Amrik migrated to Vancouver, Canada, thereafter to marry his loving wife of 45 years, Harjeet, in 1970.  They moved to Vancouver Island to begin a new life.  In difficult racially charged times, Amrik worked long days and night shifts in a lumberyard in Chemainus, BC at the same time travelling to the University of Victoria to earn his teaching degree in English Literature.  Amrik was inspired with continuing education and learning as he later obtained additional degrees from the University of British Columbia, University of Western Washington, and San Diego State University.  Amrik taught in several schools in Victoria and Cowichan Valley. He retired after teaching at Captain Meares School in Tahsis, BC where he worked for 36 years.  During this time, his career flourished as he not only headed the English Department, but achieved A+ results in Provincial exams for his students year after year. In addition Amrik was heavily involved with the Tahsis Lions Club and acted as President for a term where he helped raise thousands of dollars to aid families and children in Isolated Communities.  He was awarded the prestigious Excellence in Teaching award in 2005 on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Canada.  Amrik retired from teaching in 2006 and quickly became involved in Cowichan Valley educational projects. In particular, Amrik served on the Board of Directors for the Literacy Now Cowichan Society.  Amrik was appointed by the Ministry of Health as a Health Regulator for the College of Opticians of BC and worked with University of Victoria’s Faculty of Education in its teacher training program.  In retirement, Amrik remained dedicated to his life long mission of improving the quality of children’s education and preparing young adults to become passionate, caring, contributing citizens.  Amrik was hired by the BC Ministry of Education to create, and later grade BC Provincial English exams. He helped to create the Punjabi curriculum for the Ministry and implemented it into schools across B.C.  Amrik has served on countless panels and boards, to enhance the quality of education. From addressing bullying in schools, race relations, curriculum development, to administration, Amrik was relentless in his efforts to make a difference.   Many of you recognize Amrik`s face from the news as an elected school trustee for the Cowichan School District.He will be missed so much, as he cared so much, with an honest and pure heart.  Amrik is survived by his loving wife, Harjeet Prihar, beloved brother, Surjeet Prihar, his precious son and daughter, Malik Prihar and Monica Parmar, and beautiful grandchildren, Neyha and Navin Parmar, his brother, sisters, and son-in-law, Sunny Parmar.  Amrik`s service is on his birthday this Saturday, November 15th at  11:00 AM at New Life Baptist Church in Duncan, BC.   n lieu of flowers, donations to Literacy Now will be greatly appreciated: Literacy Now, Cowichan 213B-80 Station Street, Duncan BC  V9L 1M4