We're devastated to share that our brother Nigel Mahabir left us on December 27, 2024, suddenly and unexpectedly, after a short illness. He was loved and will be greatly missed not just by his family but by innumerable cousins, aunts and uncles, friends, and of course his large and loving chosen family.

Nigel was a big spirit who loved to share. He had recently found his absolute passion in teaching at Centennial College's School of Hospitality, where he took great joy in working closely with and mentoring his students to share his knowledge and experience, delighting in their progress and successes.

He travelled extensively in his life, finding pleasure in exploring new places and cultures and meeting new people. There were no strangers in Nigel's world - everyone he met immediately became a friend.

He was generous with his time, always trying to help whomever was in need. There were few holiday dinners in our family that didn't include at least one person Nigel brought who would otherwise have been alone. Having been dedicated to sobriety since 2008, Nigel took seriously his role as sponsor, never turning away from those who were still struggling.

He was funny, and loud, and crazy, and filled every room he was in with his enormous personality. He did have his struggles, about which he spoke so openly, and against which he never stopped fighting with his whole heart. It was those same challenges that fostered his empathy and ability to recognize when others were struggling and in need. His heart was too big for this world.

We hope you can join us at the Celebration of Life planned on April 12th, either in person or via the live stream. If you can't, we encourage everyone who knew Nigel to celebrate his memory by reaching out in kindness to someone each and every day and by gathering to share tales of his larger-than-life persona.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity that you feel best reflects Nigel and what he meant to all of us.