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Caledonia
April 14, 1952 – November 18, 2021
Niranjan Jethalal Paleja (69) passed away peacefully on November 18, 2021 with his family by his side.
Neil, as he was often known, was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika to Jethalal Paleja and Jayaben Paleja. He had three older brothers: Pravin, Chandrakant, and Subhash, and one older sister, Usha. He attended Shaaban Robert Secondary School before arriving in Canada in 1970 at the age of 18. In Toronto, he attended Don Mills Collegiate and Ryerson Polytechnic Institute. Though he loved the life he built in Canada with his family, he often dreamed of his childhood and his many friends in Dar es Salaam.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Usha (62), children Meera (37), Raj (35), and Radha (26), and grandchild, Rahi (2). He is predeceased by his father Jethalal (1993), sister Usha (2012), mother Jayaben (2017), brother Pravin (2018), and brother Subhash (2021).
Despite a prior stroke at the age of 35 which left him with permanent paralysis, he learned how to switch to using his left hand instead of his right, walk, speak, and support himself. He would do whatever it took to support his immediate family, his extended family, his friends, his neighbours, and even people he met at the library or grocery store.
He never let himself be limited and challenged himself constantly, mentally and physically. He enjoyed learning about current events through his subscription to the Toronto Star and science through his subscription to National Geographic. He loved the game of chess and all kinds of puzzles and he walked around his neighbourhood in Oakville daily.
He constantly joked around with his family and he loved to watch movies with them and see their reactions. He had a strong memory and never forgot those who were important to him. He always made sure to keep in touch with old and new friends alike. Though he took great care of his health, he did splurge on cookies and dark chocolate.
He was known for his radiant smile, his resilient spirit, and for making everyone’s day a little brighter. He had a sensitive soul and he nurtured it throughout his years. We love him and he will be with us always.
There are ships made of silver,
There are ships made of gold,
But there’s no ship like friendship
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7 Guestbook Entries
November 20, 2021 | Dilip Paleja
Niel you will be missed and you will always be in our thoughts. All we can do is pray for your soul and rip.
November 21, 2021 | Nita Sharma
Nilu mama was the sweetest and most humble human being, when ever I would visit Canada he would insist I come and stay with him and spend time with him. He never gave up in life and always had a smile on his face he will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on. RIP
November 21, 2021 | Aarti Paleja
Dear Nilukaka – I will miss you dearly. Thank you for always showing me what perseverance and positive attitude looks like. I will miss talking with you and hearing your infectious laughter. Rest in peace. Aarti
November 21, 2021 | Dayalji and Maya Jogia
Our most sincere condolences to you all and the Paleja family ????????
November 22, 2021 | Denni Johnson
My deepest condolences to the Paleja family.
November 22, 2021 | Christina Novakovic
Dear Paleja family,
My condolences to you, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts, prayers and strength to you, and may Neil rest in peace.
November 22, 2021 | Dipesh bajaria
Rip niranjan mama i remember u r last call in september asking about my mums heath u will be missed ????