Rajesh Gupta - Celebration of Life and Obituary
It is with profound grief that we announce the sudden demise of beloved husband and father, Rajesh Gupta, on January 25, 2024, at the age of 61.
The past decade brought forth formidable challenges as he battled complications from long-term Diabetes, ultimately leading to Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease, and other impacts on his physical and mental well-being. Despite the daunting health prognosis, he remained resilient, maintained a cheerful disposition, and found solace in the comforting words of The Bible. On January 25th, after a scheduled eye surgery, he entered the recovery room and, unexpectedly, experienced a Cardiac arrest. In his final moments, surrounded by family, I held his hand as he peacefully drifted into eternal sleep.
This Celebration of his Life is a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences that defined him.
Born on September 14, 1962, in Malerkotla, India, to Kailash and Sham Lal Gupta, his journey was marked by both geographical and professional diversity. His remarkable organizational skills and strong work ethic were evident both in the office and at home, where his meticulous record-keeping reflected his unwavering dedication. Throughout his career, he consistently went above and beyond, readily assisting anyone who sought his help.
A passionate food enthusiast, his palate spanned continents. Living in India, Baghdad, Bahrain, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and finally Canada gave him opportunities to savor diverse cuisines. Apart from the traditional restaurants, Dad and I created cherished memories exploring diverse flavors from Chicken Soup from a street vendor to Fried Eggs at the Indian farmers market. Our family's shared love for a cup of Masala Chai remained a constant and comforting ritual over the years.
Beyond his professional and culinary pursuits, he was a cricket enthusiast, actively participating in the Mechelin Cricket Club during his time in Brussels. Even in later years, cognitive decline did not diminish his love for the game, and he diligently followed matches regardless of timezone differences.
He held a profound love for music and the performing arts, harboring a special fondness for the soulful tunes of Mukesh and Jagjit Singh, whose melodies reverberated throughout our home. Possessing a melodious voice himself, he often joined in singing along to his favorite tracks. As an audiophile, he spared no expense in acquiring top-notch audio equipment to savor the clarity and emotion of every instrument. His enthusiasm extended to the realm of theatre plays, where he became a regular attendee at the Tagore Theatre in India.
Not only did he passionately support the arts, but he also actively nurtured my musical pursuits. Dad made sure I had all the necessary equipment to pursue my musical endeavors, encouraging and fostering my love for the craft.
In his late 50s, he embraced feline companionship despite never having owned a pet before. He formed a special bond with our eldest cat, Gracey, savoring many heartwarming moments. Gracey, in turn, would frequently sit beside him, requesting affectionate pats on her back.
In his last year, he faced severe mobility issues. We find solace in envisioning that after sharing final moments with his family, he transcended his physical limitations. In our imagination, he transformed back into his youthful and fully able-bodied self, walking independently into a realm of light - a place free from pain, devoid of limitations, and filled with boundless love.
A devoted family man at heart, he left an indelible mark on our lives. As we reminisce about the myriad memories, moments, and emotions he bestowed upon us, we recognize the blessing of having lived a life enriched by his love and guidance. Filled with gratitude, our family is committed to perpetuating his legacy by sharing love and laughter as he did.
The Gupta family extends heartfelt gratitude to the teams at Alberta Health Services, Kaye Edmonton Clinic, Grey Nuns Hospital, Bayshore Home Care, and the Hardisty Care Center for their unwavering support during his final years. A special thank you to the compassionate staff at Royal Alexandra Hospital for their care in his final moments with us.
Rest in Peace. We love you.
He always welcomed opportunities to sing and would often carry his little black diary with handwritten lyrics to old classics.
Please enjoy his only recorded rendition of Kishore Kumar's "Gham pe Dhool Dalo,".
