Obituary of Verinder Nandkishore Khanna

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Verinder Nandkishore Khanna, announce his passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on June 22, 2023.

Born on July 20, 1941, in Amritsar, India, Verinder was the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Nandkishore Khanna.  He was one of 8 children in the family.  They moved early on in his life to Mumbai, India.  There, he excelled in his academics obtaining his medical degree from Grant Medical College in 1966.  He pursued further training in Internal Medicine in Boston, MA.  It was in New England that he met the love of his life Genesta (Yates).  They were married in 1970 with ceremonies in both Rumford, ME and Newport, RI.  Genesta’s parents, the late Rev. Harold and Alice Yates, welcomed him lovingly as a son.  After he completed his Rheumatology Residency in 1972 at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, they settled in Rothesay, NB where they have lived ever since.

Early on in his career, Verinder was the only Rheumatologist in New Brunswick.  He provided care in all corners of the province and ran clinics in multiple locations so that his patients did not have to travel.  He held an academic appointment at Dalhousie University and achieved the highest clinical academic designation of Full Professor.  He was an excellent teacher to medical students and residents rotating through Saint John.  He was honoured and humbled to hold the leadership position of Chief of Medicine at the Saint John Regional Hospital for 10 years.  During his tenure, he was involved in the transformation of health care in the region and recruited many excellent specialists to the hospital.  In 1995, Verinder moved to Vancouver for a 1-year sabbatical where he trained in Geriatric Medicine.  Upon his return to Saint John, he practiced Geriatric Medicine at St Joseph’s hospital until his retirement in 2006. He touched countless lives, providing comfort and making a lasting impact on the well-being of his patients.

Throughout his life, Verinder had a passion for travel and seeing the world.  Along with Genesta and many close friends, he has been to all corners of the planet.  He made a commitment to keeping close ties with his family in India and travelled back almost yearly to strengthen his family bond.  He was an active member in the Indo-Canadian community in Saint John and his network of friends were very important to him becoming more like family.  He enjoyed golf at the Riverside Golf and Country Club where he was a member for many years.  He also enjoyed music, singing, dancing and collecting art.

Above all, Verinder was a family man. His love and devotion to his wife, Genesta, served as an inspiration to everyone. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories. Verinder embraced the responsibilities of fatherhood with grace and wisdom, instilling in his sons, Nitin and Rajesh, the values of compassion, integrity, and perseverance. His love and guidance will forever serve as a beacon to light their paths. Ultimately, he was a proud grandfather to his 3 grandchildren, Alexis, Isabel and Devin.

Verinder is survived by his wife Genesta Khanna (Yates), Sons Nitin Khanna (Shanna) and Rajesh Khanna (Lisa), Brother-in-law Raeburn Yates (Lin) and grandchildren Alexis, Isabel and Devin.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424).  A visitation with family will take place on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 3 - 7 PM at the Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, NB.  Donations in memory of Verinder may be made to the Kings Way LifeCare Alliance Foundation, Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation or St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.