Condolences to 54er Soli Davar

I just had this email from 54er Rumy Kapadia:

Dear Jacob

Not sure if you would like to know, but more people read your blog than I am in touch with.

My dear friend and classmate, Soli Davar, lost his wife Parveen after a long and traumatic illnes that lasted 6 months. It was a severe encephalitis that caused her to spend 3 or more months in Intensive Care, some time on the ward and finally at home.


Praveen, Photo from Dossier of 54ers
compiled by 54er Suhas Phadke

Soli is a much loved member of our class who was present at our 50 year celebrations.

Regards

Rumy

Soli joined school in the then IIIrd Standard, (now the Vth Standard) on the 8th January 1948. He still remembers being processed in by Stan Pharoah and D. A. Timmins who at the time was the class teacher. (Ed: When I joined school in 1954, Derek Timmins was my class teacher for the VIth Standard.)

After school, Soli passed his B. Com from Sydenham College in 1959. He followed his father’s profession as a Chartered Accountant (CA). After four years of Article clerkship, he qualified in 1963. He started work with his Dad’s firm as well as at P. C. Hansotia & Co.

In 1965 he became a partner in both the firms. Soli practiced mainly on the taxation side in all his years. He worked steadily with the firms gaining experience and seniority.

His wife, Parveen, managed the domestic affairs leaving Soli free to make a success of his career.

Their daughter Aban (35) is into Event Management. Son Dorab (32) is a CA working for a firm associated with Deloitte and Touche. His wife Ashish makes exclusive chocolates for discerning people.

In June 1997, Soli had a major set back as he had to undergo surgery in which eight inches of his lower colon was excised. Recovery was slow and painful with the result he took voluntary retirement in July 97.

Soli has been working as a consultant to a few companies that keeps him in touch with the profession.

Soli still remembers that on the last day in school in 1954, Ollie (Mr. Oliver) gave a farewell talk and there were actually tears welling up in his eyes – his stiff upper lip actually quivering.

Dear Soli, our jaws, especially all the 54ers, are quivering as we join you in mourning the loss of your loved one. I am sure that each and everyone out there joins Rumy and me in being with you and your family at this sorrowful hour.

Thank you, Rumy, for the input.