Obituary of Dr. Chotu Thakkar

March 8, 1928 – Nakuru, Kenya

July 8, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Chhotalal “Chotu” Rugnath Thakkar, beloved husband of Elizabeth Thakkar, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the age of 96 years.

Chotu was born in Nakuru, Kenya, in 1928. From a very early age, he knew he wanted to be a doctor and went to great lengths to fulfill that goal. As the senior registrar at Louth Infirmary in England, he met Elizabeth Jacob, who was the junior intern at the time, and they were married in Grimsby on March 28, 1964. A few months later, they moved back to Nakuru. After spending four years together there, Chotu and Elizabeth moved to Calgary, AB, Canada, in October of 1968 with their two toddlers, David and Michael. It was quite the transition from the equator to the snow-filled prairies!

Chotu got his medical degree (MBBS) from Indore Medical School in India. He did his residency in Mumbai, which is where his interest in pursuing surgery was born and nurtured. After spending a year back in Kenya, he moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he earned the first of his three surgical degrees. He went on to complete the other two in London and Canada (FRCS).

Chotu was a pioneer in his family. One of ten siblings (and the fourth of five boys), he left Nakuru at a young age to pursue education and, ultimately, a medical career. Moving to Canada in 1968 was a major undertaking and a leap of faith. He did it for his children and for future generations. Ultimately, he paved the way for many of his extended family, who followed his example and immigrated to Canada as well. His love and pursuit of medicine inspired many family members and future generations to follow in his footsteps.

Chotu was passionate about medicine, specifically surgical medicine. He retired from surgery in his mid-60s but continued as a beloved family physician, finally retiring at the age of 84. His medical career spanned just shy of 60 years! Almost to the end, he continued to practice house calls.

Perhaps one of his most enduring qualities was his sacrificial, servant-like attitude. “Service before self” was how he lived his life with his family, his patients, and his community. He was always generous with his resources, time, and talents.

Chotu was a man of deep faith, even more so in his later years. He was also profoundly committed to his grandchildren. Chotu was proud to be good friends with his five wonderful adult grandchildren, all of whom he passionately loved. He was especially grateful to have met and held his two great-grandchildren.

Besides his loving wife, Chotu is survived by his two sons, David (Kelly) and Michael (Clara); as well as his five wonderful grandchildren, Paige (Adam), Mya, Joel (Carlynn), Stephen (Annika), and Aidan (Cailey); and two great-grandchildren, Clay and Lainey. Chotu is also survived by two sisters, Chandrika (Jayant) and Pushpa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at Faith Calgary Church (1903 19 Ave NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the Church.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Dr. Thakkar’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Young Life Canada, 9440-202 St. Langley, BC V1M 4A6, (604) 881-6023, Chotu Thakkar Memorial Fund, or to Faith Calgary Church, 1903-19 Ave. NW Calgary, AB T2M 1B8, (403) 630-6544, www.faithcalgary.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Chotu’s family here.

In living memory of Chotu Thakkar, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to Watch Dr. Thakkar's Funeral Service