Obituary of Hermann Gerald Dworschak

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Hermann Gerald Dworschak, 83, of Ottawa, Ontario, at 11:40 in the morning on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Ottawa Heart Institute. An accomplished Physicist, Mathematician, Pianist, and Composer, he will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Saveeta Sharma. 

Born in Vienna, Austria in 1939, he was the only child of Hermann Klein and Aurelia (Popela) Dworschak. 

An intelligent boy from a young age, Hermann was an avid reader who took up the piano at age 4, eventually going on to play with the Viennese Philharmonic Orchestra. He moved to Canada in 1952, where he attended Upper Canada College. In his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, he attended Cornell University and Carelton University, and obtaining a M.Sc. in Psychology, and Ph.D. in Mathematics and Physics. 

His love for learning served him well throughout his career, as he went on to teach at MIT, Carleton University, and Algonquin College. As a professor, he was engaged and generous, going above and beyond to help his students. 

While he was passionate about his work, he was an artist at heart. A talented pianist and composer, and competitive ballroom dancer, his love of the arts eventually led him to Saveeta in 1991, and the two went on to marry in 1996. Hermann was an integral part of Saveeta's dance company, Upasana The Spirit of Dance. He loved composing music, storytelling, writing poetry, and lending his iconic deep voice to hundreds of Saveeta's dance productions and graduation recitals over the years. He loved helping to bring these work to life and was immensely honoured to be a part of each one. 

Hermann was predeceased by his parents, and his son, Ragnar Galt Dworschak. He is survived by his wife Saveeta, as well as many dear friends, and the students & alumni who make up the diverse Upasana The Spirit of Dance family. 

A small, private memorial service will be held in accordance with his wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ottawa Heart Institute in his memory.