It is with deep sorrow, we share that our beloved father and husband, Ravi Saxena passed away on the morning of Tuesday, February 4th, 2020 in Edmonton, Canada at the age of 73 years.
Ravi was born on May 31, 1946 in the town of Buduan, U.P., India. He was born into a large family, being the second youngest of thirteen children. He grew up in a busy household in New Delhi, one that opened its doors to extended family, friends, and even government officials. This was also headquarters to his father Chunnu Lal Saxena, Chief of Police of New Delhi. His studies earned him a degree in Mechanical Engineering from BIT in 1968. After exploring the working life in India, Ravi decided it was time for a new adventure.
In 1972, Ravi joined his sister Uma and brother-in-law Vijay Nigam in the township of Sherbrooke, Quebec. He grew close to the family, and juggled studying French, working, and going to university. After a year, he decided to return to India to reflect on his future. It was at that time he met Poonam, a beautiful young woman from a small town. They got married and decided to give Canada another chance, this time to build a life together.
They initially returned to Quebec, but ventured to Alberta to find work. Ravi’s ability to adapt, combined with his smarts and his charm allowed him to embark on a new career in retail. He was a quick learner, and earned the respect of his colleagues. His innovation and leadership quickly led to a position in management.
A tour of Canada was quickly underway, as his career had Ravi and his family move 11 times to nine different cities across six provinces between BC and Quebec over the next 15 years. During this time, Ravi and Poonam had three children, Roshni, Rushmi, and Kapil. By moving so much, not only did Ravi have to make new friends in each place they lived, but he valued these friendships enough to maintain them over the distances and over the years to come.
Socializing was his specialty, and he drew people to him with his natural ability to make you feel special. He knew how to draw you out of a shell, joke at your expense, tongue in cheek, nail the punchline, and leave a lasting smile on your face. He knew just how to use encouragement in order to teach you something new, and teach you how to have the courage to try the next step, whether it was overcoming shyness, learning to cook, learning to drive, buying a car, making travel plans, or planning for retirement.
These talks often took place over a good cup of coffee, or around a plate of delicious food. His passion for food was infamous. He often lit the BBQ in his well manicured garden, opening doors for all occasions. He also enjoyed travelling, as he and Poonam traveled the world together. They flew to far away countries on their plan-your-own-adventure, or went on road trips since Ravi loved cars and driving. They visited family and friends, or invited them on trips to show them their Canadian backyard. Often they went to support people during trying times, like true friends do.
Meanwhile, back at home, Ravi had welcomed three more youngsters into his family like his own children. Steve married Roshni, Leo to Rushmi, and Chelsea to Kapil. Ravi, who all these years, had silently observed and reflected on the ways of life as a parent, now put into action all he had to take them under his wings and pass on his wisdom, giving more than he had ever known. He knew that being malleable and evolving with each phase of life was the key to keeping a growing family together. He savoured every moment of being a grandparent to seven grandchildren. He had watered the right trees, and felt like a true rich man.
This was truly evident during Ravi’s last days. Of his very own accord, even after losing his speech, he asked for a day pass to go home. Friends and family filed in, filled with a profound sadness at the thought of losing a dear friend. However, seeing his friends come to his side,
Ravi had a different idea, and his personality shone through. A pen in hand, his insights dotted with smart remarks landed in the hands of his visitors, leaving everyone laughing and reminiscing.
One can only marvel at the man who had the ability to do this - show sheer joy for life upon the notice of a sudden and critical condition. He had already thoughtfully and thoroughly laid the plans to ensure his family would be surrounded by caring friends. He was at peace with how he had lived his life, and had made the most of every last minute. This would be his last lesson for all of us, his last burst of encouragement, to give us the bravery to keep going and living life with gusto.
Ravi will forever live on in the memories of his family and friends. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Poonam, children Roshni (Steve), Rushmi (Leo), Kapil (Chelsea), and grandchildren Kai, Reese, Reiden, Jazmin, Rishi, Rahul and Kishan. He is also survived by his brother (Mehndra) and two sisters (Uma, Beena), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father (Channu Lal Saxena) and mother (Ganga Devi), and 11 siblings.
Funeral services will take place Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Hainstock’s Funeral Home and Crematorium, 9810-34 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6E 6L1. The viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m., service at 1:30 p.m., then the reception to follow.
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