RUGNATH LADHUBHAI MODHA

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RUGNATH LADHUBHAI MODHA Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Saturday, October 27, 2001, at the age of 65, Papa passed away in London, England while visiting for his nephews wedding. Rugnath (Dhirubhai) Modha was predeceased by his son Piyush whose tragic death at the hands of a drunk driver would have a lasting effect on him for the rest of his life. He was also predeceased by his parents, Ladhubhai and Gaumatiben; elder brothers, Laljibhai, Bhimjibhai; sister Kasturben, his younger brother Vajoobhai, and his niece Cheetal. Papa will be sadly missed by his dear wife Pushpa and his two sons, Prashant (wife Rashmi) and Ashish; bhabhi Vasu and Sharoo, brothers Mulji (wife Kusum) and Kishor (wife Divya) of Winnipeg, Labhu (wife Pushpa) of London and sister Narmada of India and sister Prabha (husband Narbeshanker) of London and their families. Also in grief are his father-in-law Jamnadasbhai; brothers-in-law, Jayendra, Bihari and Pankaj and their families of Toronto. Known affectionately as "Bapoo" to his many nephews and nieces, Pratik, Ronuk, Ashok, Geeta, Anand, Premal, Bijal and Mitesh, all had a special place in his heart. Spending the last year and a half with his grandson Jasper (Tuffy), his pride and joy, Papa was eagerly anticipating the birth of his second grandchild in February. Recently his nephew Vinoobbhai and his family moved to Winnipeg from Porbander and Papa did everything he could to ensure the new family would have a smooth transition into Canada like he had done for his brothers, Vajoo, Mulji and Kishor, allowing all members of the Modha family the opportunity afforded by living in a country that would become their home. Born in Rozda, India in 1936, Dhirubhai, still an infant, moved with his family to Kakira, Uganda. At the young age of 11, he was sent to boarding school in Porbander, India where he would study until returning to begin a career in Ramisi, Kenya at the age of 18. While working in Kenya, Dhirubhai was also pursuing further studies in accounting by correspondence. In 1960, he returned to Jinja, Uganda to aid his elder brother establish an accounting firm, named B.. L. Modha and Company. The practice flourished and the next year Dhirubhai was engaged to Pushpa Sthankiya. They would be married in 1962 and would have their first child Piyush in 1963 before being blessed twice more in 1966 and 1969 with Prashant and Ashish, respectively. Tumultuous times and political upheaval in 1972 would see Dhirubhai and family fleeing Uganda for the safety of the west. Sending his family to London before him, Dhirubhai remained behind to tie up loose ends before briefly staying in Kenya on his way to meet his family waiting for him in England. In 1973, Dhirubhai and family immigrated to Winnipeg where they would make their home. In 1974, he began his long and loyal career with Atomic (TCT) where he enjoyed working tirelessly for 27 years. He lived his life in an exemplary manner, showing his love for friends and family not only through words but in the countless good deeds and favours he would not hesitate to offer to everyone who came into contact with him. The Modha family would like to express their warmest appreciation to friends and family both locally and abroad who have shown their love and support in our time of grief and sorrow. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) foundation, an organization passionately endorsed by Dhirubhai, in honour of his son Piyush. Funeral services will be held at Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel, 1501 Waverley St., Sunday, November 4 at 4:00 p.m. As well, Shanti path (prayers) will be held later that day, November 4 at 8:00 p.m. at the Hindu Temple, 854 Ellice Ave.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2001