Obituary of Jivanlal Shah

On April 20, 2026, at home and surrounded by family, Jivanlal B. Shah passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years.

Beloved husband of Jyostna Shah. Loving father of Paragi Shah, Nisha Joshi (Viren), and Neil Shah (Seifali). Cherished grandfather of Maneil, Shayla, Amaya, Arshaan, and Aryan. He was predeceased by his parents, Bhogilal and Vijliben Shah, and by his siblings Ratilalbhai, Niranjanbhai, Jashodaben, Vasuben, and Madhuben.

Jivanlal was born in Manjusar, a small village near present-day Vadodara, India. He grew up in a large, close‑knit family with seven brothers and four sisters, sharing a small home built of mud, wood, and clay. He graduated from the University of Baroda in April 1953 with a Bachelor of Science (Honors). Facing limited opportunities in post independence India, he studied in England and graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1954. After a brief return home, a chance conversation at the YMCA in Bangalore introduced him to the possibility of immigrating to Canada. Guided by determination and hope, he sold personal belongings, borrowed funds, and arrived alone, as a true pioneer, in Montreal on August 28, 1958. 

He married his beloved wife, Jyostna, on December 30, 1962. For the next 63 years that followed, he was lovingly supported and cared for by her, as together they built a full and meaningful life focused on nurturing and providing for their family. He took great efforts to ensure his siblings and extended family had the opportunity to join him and Jyostna in North America. 

In 1965, he earned a Masters of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from Queen’s University and became a proud Canadian citizen. A dedicated civil servant, he worked for Transport Canada for over a decade, founded and sold his own electroplating company, and later volunteered extensively with the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), completing 10 global assignments well into retirement. An avid traveler, he embraced adventure - the more exotic, the better. He was also a food connoisseur, known for this wonderfully sweet tooth and his enjoyment of all kinds of delicacies. 

A man of honour, discipline, and humility, Jivanlal valued family, integrity, good health, and lifelong friendships.

Singular in character, he will be deeply missed for his wisdom, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to others. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the The Ottawa Food Bank (in memory of Jivanlal Shah). When making a donation, please select "eCard" and include the recipient's name and email address so the family can be notifed of your thoughtful gesture. 

A funeral service will be held at the Pinecrest Remembrance Chapel, 2500 Baseline Road on Sunday April 26th at 9:30 AM EST. For those not able to attend the service can be viewed by following this LINK at service time.