Obituary of Mukesh Patel

August 18, 1955 – Machakos, Kenya

September 2, 2023 – Canmore, Alberta

With great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of the most caring, happy, and ever-cheerful Mukesh (Max) Patel on September 2, 2023, at age 68. He loved the outdoors and passed away while biking on the Legacy trail from Canmore to Banff. His family's sorrow at his passing cannot be measured.

Max was born on August 18, 1955, to Sushila and Chandrahas Motibhai Patel in Machakos, Kenya. He grew up with his two brothers, Kamlesh and Paresh, and together they immigrated to Canada in 1971. He later married the great love of his life, Kapu (Kalpana), his wife of 45 years. In Calgary, through tireless hard work and dedication, Max became a pioneer in the Western Canadian travel industry, like his father before him. In 1988, he and Kapu opened Aero Travel, which they owned and operated with great success.

More than anything, Max was a man of love, good humour, and mischief. He loved his family unconditionally, encouraging them through all the stages of their lives. He was a guiding light for his sons, both in business and life. His good humour and mischief often went hand in hand, as with laughing eyes he would share some witty observation, or tease someone before saying, "I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding."

Max is survived by his wife, Kapu, and his two sons, Amish, and Kunal; his daughters-in-law Anuka and Amy; and five grandchildren, Maya, Rohan, Priya, Neal, and Sonia. Max is also survived by his mother, Sushila Patel, his brothers, Kamal and Paresh; and his sisters-in-law, Jayshree and Sandhya and their extended families. Lastly, it must be said that Max is survived by a great family of friends who all loved him dearly for his great heart and caring personality. Max was predeceased by his father Chandrahas.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Rotary International. Please use the link below and under the dedication information section please select “In Memory of” and please input, “Max Patel”. This will ensure the funds are directed to the causes he personally supported. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/42669?v2=true

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Deerfoot South McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home & Cremation Services (12281 40 St SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6) at 1:00 pm. The family would like to only extend the invitation to close family and friends, and those that knew him well. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join the livestream on the day of the service by using the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/3683481. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted below this obituary. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed here. Due to the timing of the service, there will only be street parking available however individuals can be dropped off at the front door and please consider car pooling.

In living memory of Mukesh (Max) Patel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

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