Simba

A lion in Swahili.

This was the nickname my darling Papa was given, and described him down to a ‘T’.

A proud, courageous and energetic young man, he grew up amongst 12 other brothers and sisters, where everyone lived as one big happy family.

The first in the Budhdeo family to study abroad, my father, Vinod Dayalal Budhdeo, then came back to Kenya from Scotland, a qualified pharmacist, and went on to open several pharmacies in Malindi, Mombasa and one in Southend.

Between him and my beautiful Mum, my brother Manish and I were given a charmed and very special childhood, full of fun, laughter, travel and adventure.

And Boy! Did our Simba love to travel!

He was inspirational – tried skiing for the first time at the age of 65 years old, trekked in Nepal to Lake Mansorovar for 6 weeks thereafter, and globe trotted around the world.

Dad always made the time to listen to everyone. He had a charming rapport with the youngand the old. Like a lion, Papa was happiest when surrounded by his pride, and had many friends and family get togethers.

He loved to keep fit, doing yoga, running and swimming in the Tudor creek.

Dad was also a Lions president. Together with his lioness, he was always the first on the dancefloor – him magnificent and handsome; she elegant, beautiful and always graceful – it was a match made in heaven.

In the latter years, Mum was his strength and support, caring for him when his Parkinson’s disease got increasingly worse. She was by his bedside, day and night, looking after him with huge care and affection. We are very proud of you mum and very lucky to have you.

My dad and mum together built a home that was extremely welcoming and filled with love.

Simba has left this love and close family ties as his legacy.

Like every family, we have had some tough times, but we have had many angels to help us along the way.

Thank you to all of you for being our angels and supporting us throughout these difficult times.

In true Simba style, let’s say “Hakuna Matata” and celebrate our Papa/Nana/Dada.

For he is the shimmer of the blue Indian ocean

The whisper of the breeze in our hair

The glint of sunshine on the sparkling snow

 In the beat of our hearts he is always there.

We will miss you very muchPapa but you are always in our hearts.

Jai Shree Krishna.

Jai Swaminarayan.