Obituary of Arvind Rambhai Patel

October 22, 1939 – Mbale, Uganda

January 3, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Our kind and loving father, Arvind Rambhai Patel, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3, 2025, succumbing to cancer. He now joins his beloved wife, Prafula (d. 2022), and daughter, Niti (d. 2023), in the afterlife. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Shilpa, son and daughter-in-law, Sital (Elizabeth), and his four cherished grandchildren: Anisha, Clare, Lucas, and Max.

Arvind was born in Mbale, Uganda, where he was raised by his loving parents, Rambhai and Jibaben Patel, and helped raise his siblings: Pushpa, Suresh, Kokila, Mukesh, Shobhana, Latika, and Mitesh. After marrying Prafula in 1964, the couple moved to Uganda to build a life and family together. In 1972, amidst political turmoil, the young family was displaced to the United Kingdom before settling in Saskatoon, SK. They later moved to Calgary, AB, where they found immense joy in spending time with their grandchildren.

Arvind is best remembered for his lifelong commitment to his family, friends, and community. He was known for his random acts of kindness, heartfelt expressions of gratitude, thoughtful emails recognizing excellent service, and his dedicated career as a manager at Woolco and Walmart. Arvind valued a disciplined lifestyle, daily walks, and a healthy diet, always seeing the good in everyone he encountered.

Together, Arvind and Prafula placed immense importance on helping other immigrants assimilate to life in Canada. They assisted newcomers with finding employment, translating Gujarati, and warmly hosting new families. Arvind was also an active member of the Lions Club, volunteered on numerous committees, and enjoyed bingo, chair yoga, family meals, and walks in the park.

We are humbled by the outpouring of heartfelt support and stories of how our dad positively impacted so many lives. Even in his final days, he continued to smile and offer his signature thumbs-up. His favourite expressions were, “Thank you,” “You are the best,” and “I am so proud of you.” He wished to express his sincere gratitude to the staff and residents of Chateau Renoir and the caregivers at Southwood Hospice for their exceptional care.

Arvind was the epitome of a loyal husband, devoted father, and all-around kind-hearted soul. His legacy is one of kindness and love, and we could not be prouder of how he lived his life.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281-40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. MST (4:00 GMT) to 10:00 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281-40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m MST (5:00 p.m. GMT).

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Patel’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.

If friends so desire, we ask that you honour his memory by taking a walk with your loved ones and, if possible, making a small donation to The Canadian Lung Association, 885 Meadowlands Dr, Suite 502, Ottawa, ON K2C 3N2. Tel 1-613-325-3605, www.lung.ca/donate.

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

In living memory of Arvind 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.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Arvind's Service