Mr Dhirajlal Chavda, son of the late Mr Chhibabhai Chavda and late Mrs Laxmiben Chavda, was born on 22nd August 1953 in Broderick Falls, Kenya. He had two brothers, Amratbhai and Mahendrabhai, and two sisters, Urmilaben and Jasuben. Their fondest memories of dad include always singing ‘mere desh ki dharti’ before bed and bringing candy sticks back on his way home from school. He was a very clever and gifted man, both academically and in life in general. He focused his career in the Mechanical Engineering field, most notably with the University of Bradford for whom he worked for over 30 years. At home, he would do all the DIY himself, with that ‘nothing is impossible’ attitude that we all came to know. In the community he was always the man who set the ball rolling with many local and national events, from mother’s day shows to cricket tournaments. Over the years he helped raise thousands of pounds for several charities as part of many committees – of which there are too many to mention, but I’m sure you’re aware. In July 1975 he married Mrs Ella Solanki, with whom he brought me and Bina in to the world. He sent us both to university and got exactly what he wanted, a sound education for us on and a husband/wife for his children. He first warmly welcomed his son-in-law Harmesh into the family. A few years later, they brought Jay and Aaran into the family and made dad a proud grandfather. Four years ago, he welcomed Meena into the family, who he came to address as his ‘little treasure’. He will be sorely missed at our engagement and wedding ceremonies but we know he’ll be watching over us, was proud to welcome Meena into the family and we’ll have peace knowing that he gave us his blessings. He taught me the core values that will live with me to my dying day. To work hard, never give up, look after family, make time for friends and the community, live life with a smile and all in all, deliver happiness to those around me. The dedication with which he would provide me a platform to succeed, whether through taking me to my snooker coaching or supporting my education, will inspire me forever. He will always remain my hero. He was always the strongest – physically and mentally, the public speaker, the organiser, the heart of the party, the most logical but above all, the most selfless. We stand here today to pay our respects to a man who has positively touched each and every one of our lives. Behind every great man is a great woman and our mum has stood very strong for dad and she has done him so proud. She is by no means alone from this day forward because she has the support of a great family and friend circle which she has helped create with dad. Love From, Suneet