Rajnikant Chamanlal Mehta

August 29, 1948- February 22, 2015

Our loving father and husband, Rajnikant Chamanlal Mehta, set off on his final journey February 22, 2015. Even with medical limitations, he chose to live courageously and enjoy every possible moment with his family. He was the most amazing husband, brother, uncle, and friend. But Raj most defined himself by the title of Daddy. His selflessness, courage, strength, and love knew no bounds. Raj took on life with his silly sense of humor, dedication to his family, and a class and style that was all his own. He was a hard-working and selfless man who always put his family first and lived his life with determination and so much love. Nothing brought a smile to his face like spending time with his family, solving Wheel of Fortune puzzles, talking about Bollywood and James Bond movies, forcing people to watch Once Upon a Time in the West, and recalling his adventures around the world.

And Raj liked a good adventure. His adventures first started as a child in Jamnagar, India. He was known as the stubborn, troublesome kid who was constantly in the principal’s office, and who somehow always managed to get away with everything. At the age of 20 he moved to the United States where his journey took him down roads and paths that would forever change his life and bring their own sets of adventures. Raj’s adventures took many shapes. He was a mischievous prankster. So many of his friends fell victim to his silly antics. And those antics were always followed by his hearty chuckle. Some of his adventures were grand. He was always searching for his next big trip. He loved the sand between his toes, the warmth of the sun, and was ready for a beach trip with his family at any moment. And other trips took Raj and his family across the world. He loved taking cruises, in particular, because he got to combine his love of travel and culture with the experience of fine dining and getting dressed up. He loved exploring new cultures and new foods with his family. And oh how Raj could enjoy his food. He appreciated a good cup of coffee or a fresh baked pastry with more zeal than anyone could imagine. And sometimes the simplest of life’s joys were the best joys to Raj. He enjoyed life’s ups with great gusto and took on life’s challenges with his sense of humor and appreciation for the value of struggle.

Raj worked in the medical field as a nuclear medicine technologist. Even in his career Raj used his talents to help others, to help them along in their journeys. Some people live to work, others work to live, Raj worked to provide his dream for his family. He made sure they were taken care of and supported all of their dreams and goals. Nothing was too big or great for his family. He knew they were capable of anything they set their mind to. Because of that, his family’s dreams became his dreams. And he became their greatest supporter and cheerleader.

His family was his life. His kids, Sheila and Neal, and wife, Robin, were the center of his world. Raj always wanted to be a daddy. The days his 3 kids were born were defining moments of his life. And his family was the focus of his life. All of his efforts, day in and day out, were centered around the well-being of his family. His beautiful extended family saw the same love, guidance, and joy that he brought to his wife and kids. As friends became part of the Mehta inner circle, they became family. His wife, kids, siblings, nieces, nephews, and kids’ friends were always in his heart and mind. And his heart was always filled with love.

His legacy continues on with his wife Robin, daughter Sheila, son Neal, and honorary daughter Jana Swick-Briseno. His stories will continue to be told by his 6 brothers and sisters: Mr. Jugdish Mehta, Mrs. Sudha Kothari, Dr. Vasant Patel, Mrs. Usha Kamdar, Mr. Piyush Mehta, Mrs. Lina Shah, mother-in-law Ingeborg Phillips, brother in law John Phillips and wife Janice Phillips, their daughter Kelly Jo Phillips, and brother in law David Phillips. His siblings blessed his life with great spouses and many nieces and nephews whom he cherished. Raj’s legacy will also continue in the fond recollections shared by his great friends, like Julio and Myriam Ramirez, who were touched by his warmth and laughter. Waiting for Raj on his final journey are his daughter Leena, parents Chamanlal and Savita Mehta, sister Jyoti Mehta and father in law James Phillips.

Family and friends celebrated the wonderful and loving life of Raj Mehta at Cook Walden Funeral Home (6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752) on February 28, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.