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DR. NEIL DHALLA
Date of Passing: Dec 23, 2021
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DR. NEIL DHALLA
Dr. Neil Dhalla was a trailblazer who lived his life in keeping with the teachings of the book "The Secret" - Ask for it. Believe it. Receive it.
As a Visionary, an Innovator, a Doctor, an Entrepreneur and a Philanthropist, Dr. Dhalla served as a mentor to some and an inspiration to many. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Dr. Dhalla passed away in his sleep on December 23, 2021. Neil was smart, driven, determined, and disciplined. His journey to empower others made him a symbol of hope and inspiration to all those who knew him.
Neil was a devoted son to his mother Mrs. T. Dhalla, and a loving brother to Dr. Ruby Dhalla. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Neil was a cherished nephew of both the Dhalla and Dhillon families, as well as a cousin, uncle and loyal friend to many.
Neil was driven and highly ambitious from an early age, earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba and then graduating Magna Cum Laude from Life University in Atlanta, Georgia as a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine.
Upon his return to Canada, Dr. Dhalla quickly established himself as a leader in his field, combining his business acumen with his commitment to delivering the highest quality of patient care to launch both a chain of multidisciplinary clinics across the Greater Toronto Area and a healthcare company with a wide range of health services.
He was passionate about health, wellness and healthcare, and worked to improve the overall patient experience, resulting in his group of companies garnering a reputation as one of Canada's leading-edge healthcare providers.
Dr. Dhalla's experience of over 20 years in the field of Healthcare was integral to him helping Governments, Hospitals and Corporations around the world keep safe, healthy and protected during the most recent pandemic.
Dr. Dhalla combined his vision and knowledge with his commitment to the Indigenous Peoples to help create access to healthcare services via Tele-Medicine Technology. His model for efficient, effective and quality healthcare services was applauded and welcomed by many Indigenous Chiefs and community members.
His life's work, more accurately described as his "calling", changed the lives of countless patients, team members, business partners and their families. As the Founder and CEO of his group of companies, he was respected and admired for his leadership and mentorship.
As an innovator and visionary, Neil saw skyscrapers in rubble. It was this vision which was instrumental in him diversifying his portfolio to include hotels and real estate. With a hotel portfolio spanning the globe and real estate investments worldwide, Neil was just as driven, determined, persistent and passionate about investing, creating and making the impossible possible in his real estate and hotel ventures, as he was about advancing healthcare.
Neil's life and business philosophy was rooted in the teachings of Sikhism. He often recited the phrase, "Maan Neeva Mat Uchi" - To live life in humility, without ego. In keeping with the teachings of his faith, his generosity was felt by many individuals and charitable organizations, including the homeless, new immigrants, youth, women who were victims of domestic violence, and those who struggled with mental health challenges.
As a philanthropist at heart, he had been working on his latest project to help those suffering from mental health and addictions with an addictions centre and an app focused on providing mental health services.
Raised by a single mother, with a sister dedicated to public service and a staff of women in senior positions he was always a strong champion for women in business and politics. Neil was also dedicated to mentoring young entrepreneurs, helping them develop leadership skills and pursue their dreams.
Faith, Family and Friends were his pillars. After losing his father at a young age and being raised by a single mother his most important role was that of being a loving son and caring brother. He was an exceptional man who respected everyone whether they were a cook or a CEO. His kindness, generosity, drive, passion and vision are a legacy that will forever be carried in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched.
He was our Hero.
While we are heartbroken, shocked and devastated at his sudden passing, the family thanks everyone for the love, support and prayers. The funeral was held on December 29 and can be viewed at: https://funerallive.ca/bcvc/viewing/dhalla-december302021/
Your life was a blessing.
Your memory is a treasure.
You will always be loved beyond words and remain in our hearts forever.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 15, 2022
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I had the great privledge of meeting Dr. Neil Dhalla in Winnipeg, Manitoba when we were both in our early 20s. This was a time, before, we were established, less post secondary education or formal designations. I got to know Neil as a young man and was fond of our interactions, as he was a man with a plan that I admired. There was a time, in the year 1992, when we were driving in the north end of Winnipeg during a warm summer evening, having left a cabaret, when we came across an injustice in the middle of the street that was rather alarming (Winnpeg at the time, was not the safest of cities and violent crime was on the rise). Without a second thought, Neil pulled the vehicle over and jumped out of the car and ran upon the scene to do whatever he could to assist. I immediately ran behind him and stood next to him, to take on whatever was to come next. It felt surreal at the time as things happened so quickly, however, it was at this time, that I came to know what Neil was made of. I made a conscious note, 30 years ago, that if I was ever in a bind to defend righteous conduct, I would want Neil by my side to assist. He was to me, back in our 20s, a man of honour. A defender of the underprivileged and downtrodden. It then comes as no shock, that this young man would find himself in the great city of Toronto many years later. As a successful doctor and entrepreneur, he was an indeed a captain of industry. In the year 2006, I had a chance encounter with Neil at a restaurant in Mississauga, Ontario. After a brief conversation, and reintroduction to one another, we started a banter that was all too familiar. We laughed and joked in this crowded establishment and reminisced about old times. Despite the both of us being on seperate dates, with women we had brought to the restaurant, we spent a good hour talking to each other to the exclusion of everyone else. One thing that I recall about that night in 2006, despite not seeing one another for over a decade, we picked up where we left off, connection and conversation wise. We had our arms around each other's shoulders in a brotherly embrace as he poked fun at me from years past. Neil was now a successful doctor, yet treated me with a certain respect we had for one another from a different time and place that spoke volumes to me. He was consistent and true to his roots. You will be dearly missed Dr. Dhalla. You left an indelible mark on this world that is noteworthy and honorable. I am privileged to have known you. Vic Kaushal Toronto - Posted by: Vic Kaushal (Older Friend) on: Jan 18, 2022
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Terry, Bob and I and Kyla and Brandon are so sorry for your loss. Sending our love and prayers to you and Ruby. Renee and Bob Dewar - Posted by: Renee and Bob Dewar (Friend of family ) on: Jan 15, 2022
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