KS Manian - 1934-2015
Katuputur Srinivasier Manian, age 81, of London, died Monday morning December 7, 2015 surrounded by his family. Born in 1934 in Katuputur, Trichy District, India, he was the son of the late Srinivasier and Meenakshi.
Manian is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Shantha Manian, and three children, Hamsa, and Venkat Srinivasan of Johannesburg, South Africa, Sriram Manian of London, England, and Rupa and C.S. “Ram” Mohan of Yardley, Pennsylvania; 4 grandchildren, Shyam Venkatakrishnan, Prashant Venkatakrishnan, Jia Mohan, and Arya Mohan; and his brother, KSK Murthy, and sisters Jaya and Konu, all in Chennai.
Manian started his career in the 1950s in India in civil engineering, and worked on many high profile projects. He emigrated to London in 1973 for greater career progression, and to build a better life for his children. Appa was generous and loved company, and his home was always open. He had a talent for making and keeping friends, and family and friends always meant more to him than material success. He and his wife, Shantha hosted countless emigres to the UK from India, providing them a roof and a meal or three until they found their feet in the new country. Many of these people became life-long family friends.
Manian spent a fruitful career on some of the most significant civil engineering projects of his time, most of which as a Procurement Specialist at Bechtel Corporation, a pre-eminent engineering and construction firm. He managed and brought to completion many complex engineering projects for demanding global clients, in the Middle East, India and Europe.
He enjoyed Indian music and culture. He was a strong supporter of Indian arts and culture, and was a Life Member of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London where he regularly attended events. He was also a pillar of the local South Indian Society.
Other interests included reading humorous fiction by authors such as George Mikes, and his contemporary counterpart, Bill Bryson as well as thrillers by Baldacci and Grisham. If we had to name a passion, there is no question – cricket. Manian avidly followed the latest games regardless of whether it was days of Test Cricket or the zippy 20/20. Games would be followed intently via TV, radio and Internet so as not to miss a vital run.
He was always a keen and enthusiastic traveler – his children remember (fondly) the long trips to all corners of India during summer holidays every few years, visiting relatives, friends and tourist sites. Many memories were created as the family experienced every mode of transport possible – planes, Indian Railways trains and automobiles as well as multiple auto-rickshaws and the humble horse and cart. Life on holiday was certainly never dull! There were also numerous holidays around Europe, Dubai, the US and the UK. Following his retirement from Bechtel, he traveled the world with his wife and son to visit his children and grandchildren in South Africa and the United States, as well as the occasional foray to Prague, Italy and trips down memory lane to India. He maintained close links to his ancestral home, and was particularly devoted to the Hanuman Temple in Katuputhur.
His and his wife’s patience and devotion to caring for the well-being of their son, Sriram Manian, who has Down’s Syndrome, is legendary.
Viewing/Celebration of Life Service will be held at:
St. Marylebone Crematorium
East End Road,
East Finchley
London N2 ORZ
Monday 14 December at 1-1.45pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Manian’s name may be sent to Diabetes UK.