KATHMANDU, Feb 18: The founder of Mercantile Group, Gopal Raj Bhandari, passed away at Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore on February 17 at 5pm local time at the age of 87. He had been battling cancer for the last eight months. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters-in-law and four grand children.

His mortal remains are being flown back to Kathmandu on Tuesday on Thai Airways at about 1 pm.

The entire Mercantile family mourns this terrible loss, Merchantile Group said Monday. After his body is cleared from Kathmandu customs, it will be taken to the Rotary Hall in Thapathali where it will be draped in the Rotary International Flag as a mark of respect and acknowledgment of his contribution to Rotary.

The body will remain in the Rotary Hall for two hours for viewing and will be then taken to Pashupati Arya Ghat for cremation rituals. (http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/content.php?nid=36603)

Mr. Rajbhandari's contributions to the information and communication sector of Nepal and to the Rotary International will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.

Please pay your tributes to Mr. Rajbhandari at

http://www.respectance.com/GopalRajRajbhandari