Dr. Jay Parekh MD, FRCS (ENG.), FRCsC, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Prabha, and his three children Rulan, Rahul and Rohit, and their spouses Kieran, Carley, and Jenn. Jay was also a proud and doting grandfather of eight; Ronan, Anya, Raia, Lily, Elise, Nila, Dashiell, and Kian. He was immensely proud of Jabeen Ebrahim, Nargis Jhetam, Usha and Rashesh Mandani and all they have achieved.

Born in Durban, South Africa, on April 8, 1936, Jay grew up an avid sportsman and competitive bridge player. For his studies, he pursued medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland where he graduated in 1961. Jay followed with General Surgery training where he successfully completed his Fellowship in Surgery in the United Kingdom. His practice in surgery started in Kenya and Zambia where he helped start the anatomy program at the new University of Zambia School of Medicine. Following the birth of their children, Jay and Prabha chose to move from Africa to pursue a more promising life for their young family. Their philosophy of multiculturalism, human rights and equal access to medical care lead them to Canada.

Jay started in Hamilton General Hospital as Chief Resident of Surgery in 1971. He then went onto practice in Fergus, Ontario where he was lucky enough to collaborate with friends and colleagues from South Africa. After 2 years, he ultimately settled in Guelph where he practiced general surgery for more than 40 years at the Guelph General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital. The combination of Jay’s compassion, love of medicine, and dedication to community, resulted in a very impactful career with thousands of grateful patients. During his career Jay also pushed forward the practice of surgery in Guelph by bringing novel methods for bariatric surgery and providing this life changing intervention for the region. Throughout his distinguished career, Jay held various leadership roles including the Chief of Surgery at Guelph General Hospital. He retired at age 70 from general surgery and went onto a second career of endoscopy where he mentored many colleagues in their career development and clinical care. He was thrilled by the successes and achievements of his colleagues and friends. Jay continued to work until the age of 85 when only a pandemic lockdown could keep him from the clinic.

Jay was a compassionate, kind and generous man who dedicated his life to his family and his work. He lived life to the fullest with a sly sense of humor. He was committed to the principles of family first, be the best, be kind, and support your community. But he also gave himself time to enjoy a rich life outside of work and responsibility. He learned to fly twin-engine Cessnas, loved unique cars and a one of a kind ocean faring boat. He was an eager and avid golfer. He also maintained a passion for business and the exciting possibilities that come with risk.

He will be dearly missed by friends, family and the extended Parekh and Bhardwaj families in Canada, the US, India, South Africa and Kenya. He was very fond of his nieces and nephews especially Pravina, Aruna, Jayshree, and Geetha in Durban, South Africa.

Visitation will be held at Meadowvale Cemetery 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton, ON on Monday June 3 between 4-8pm. Last rites and the cremation will be held at Meadowvale Cemetery 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton, ON on Tuesday, June 4th between 9:30-11:30am.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date in Guelph, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to donate to causes important to Jay in his honor.
Women’s College Hospital Foundation https://womenscollegehospitalfoundation.com/
Or Guelph General Hospital Foundation https://gghfoundation.ca/