Basudeb Biswas

My father, Basudeb Biswas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 17, 2024, in Logan, Utah. It was a tender conclusion for a man whose life was marked by a profound love of learning, unwavering love for his family, and a steadfast dedication to service.

Born on September 9, 1933, in Jhowbona, West Bengal, India, he embraced values of hard work, humility, and service.

His greatest love, apart from family, was teaching and research. With a PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago, he joined Utah State University in 1976, staying for 33 years. He received numerous awards, including the USU Teacher of the Year Award in 2001, and was widely published, mentoring many through their PhD programs.

He was a pillar of the local Indian community. He and my mother opened their hearts and home to Indian students and families. He loved India and never forgot his roots. He was actively involved in building several temples in his village of Jhowbona, including one for a socially marginalized excluded caste. He also contributed to local schools and participated in numerous charitable organizations.

His commitment to everyone's right to learn, worship, and live regardless of caste and background was a core family value. He helped without seeking recognition, driven by the simple need to assist.

His expansive love extended to all, including my ex-wife, Laura Smith, and her partner, Sabu Quinn, forming a larger, happier, and more loving family.

After my mother's death, I forged a new relationship with my father, sharing meals and conversations during his visits. I discovered his love for hot dogs, Rice Krispie treats, and hash browns.

I miss my father in the big and small ways that all children miss their parents: hearing his voice, seeing his smile, and benefiting from his wise counsel. While I mourn my loss, thinking back on his life brings a smile to my face. He created a beautiful life of service and left the world a little better than he found it.

In addition to his parents and my mother, he was preceded in death by several of his siblings. He is survived by his two brothers, Baladeb and Sahadeb; his children, Misha Aslett, Byron Aslett, Laura Smith Biswas, and Sabu Quinn; and several grandchildren: Anjali, Avi, Kalika, Nic, Amber, Kelly, and both Brandons.

A public visitation was held on Monday, May 20th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary.  A celebration of my father's remarkable life will be held on June 29, 2024, from 1-3 PM at the David B. Haight Center on the campus of Utah State University. This event will be live-streamed through my Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/sugata. Alternatively, if you prefer, please feel free to send your memories in writing to me at sugata_biswas@yahoo.com. Your shared stories will be greatly valued by the family.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the Basudeb & Renuka Biswas Scholarship Endowment at https://www.usu.edu/advancement/give/memorial/biswas.

Lastly, we express our deepest thanks to the many physicians, nurses, and medical staff at Logan Regional Medical Center who provided such exceptional care for my father. We are deeply grateful. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com