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Clare L Manzer posted a condolence
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Michelle, so sorry to hear of the passing of you're father. My deepest condolence to you and your family.
Clare
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Ravi Arni posted a condolence
Friday, May 9, 2025
I first met Vijay Kawatra in 2001 as a newcomer to Canada. He listened to my story with interest and offered me an opportunity at the Hilton through UNB’s co-op program—an experience that helped launch my professional journey and build roots here in Saint John.
Over the years, our relationship grew beyond the professional. Vijay and Elaine joined my family to celebrate my 40th birthday, and he often took time to speak with me personally—whether during chance meetings in a parking lot or quick phone calls. Just weeks ago, my son, now learning to drive, delivered home-cooked food to Vijay’s home—where he still greeted us with that warm, proud smile. I was fortunate to speak with him by phone the week he passed, and even while battling illness, he remained sharp, thoughtful, and encouraging—asking after my children and their accomplishments with genuine pride.
Vijay made a lasting impact on my life and career. I will always be grateful for his belief in me and his quiet support over the years.
My heartfelt condolences to Elaine and the entire family. May his memory be a blessing.
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Craig & Ed Carvell-Wilkins posted a condolence
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Anjuli & family, we are so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Vijay for a year before his well deserved retirement and he was such an incredible business person. Knowing who you are shows just how great of a family man he was as well. Thinking of you all during this challenging time. Love Craig & Ed
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Mary posted a condolence
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Mary & Lynn Rosevear we were sorry to hear of the passing of VJ. We always enjoyed him coming to Carving on Sunday nights. He loved to carve birds and was always laughing and having a good time with the fellow carvers. He will be sadly missed.
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Jane Forestell posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Michelle, I am very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family
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Valsa and Rajh Kanjeekal posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
We are so sorry to hear Vijay’s passing.we have so many good memories of spending time together for dinner, interesting conversations and lots of laughter..I had a privilege to spend hours together with Vijay to plan and to be part of weekend special Indian dinners in Hilton in the nineties when there was no Indian restaurant in the city.We will miss him.our thoughts are with you Elaine, Michelle,Dave and grand children.
Valsa and Rajh Kanjeekal
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David Merrithew posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Vijay’s passing. He was a wonderful person and I enjoyed my time in the Rotary Club with him.
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Wayne Arrowsmith posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Very sorry to hear of Vijay’s passing. I met Vijay several years ago at Sunday night woodcarving. He was a devoted and skilled carver who carved a variety of ducks and birds over the years I knew him. He will be missed!
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Christine Craft uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
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We are so grateful to have had such a wonderful friend and neighbour for the last 28 years. We will miss Vijay dearly, but will think of him often especially when cooking delicious Indian dishes, or looking across the street at the river. Jeff and I are here for you. Whatever. Whenever. Much love.
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Judith Willis posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
I read of Vijay’s passing with great sorrow. Always generous in his hospitality I have fine memories of wonderful meals and conversations shared. Elaine, you and Vijay were a wonderful couple, patient and kind and willing to devote time to the needs of your family . My thoughts are with you and Michelle, Dave and your grandchildren.
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Jamie Grant posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
So sad to hear of Vijay’s passing. He was a one of kind friend who loved his family, community, and sector. He made a huge difference in every thing he participated in. He will be missed. Much love to Elaine, David, Michele and the grands. He was so very proud of all of you. We have you all in our thoughts. Jamie, Christine, Elyot, Oliver, Amelia and the rest of the Grant Family.
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Brian Irving posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
What a fantastic man. He will be missed and remembered.
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Susan Fullerton posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Elaine and family; I am so sorry to hear of the sad loss of Vijay. He was a fine gentleman and always very kind to me when we met up at any time. You and your family are in my thoughts at this very sad time. Sincerely, Susan Fullerton
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Gerard Viardin posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. I met Vijay for the first time in 1973 .... He was such a good person to have around, always brought peace around him wherever he was. This is the way I remember him. A Hilton international friend. Gerard Viardin (gviardin@mac.com)
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Usha Tewari posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
My heartfelt memories of Vijay are still vivid.
I met Vijay at the Hilton Saint John office when he first arrived in the city, ,
we had lovely conversations. He was a respected, well-spoken gentleman with a kind and polite demeanor.
His gentle smile was unforgettable.
We had a wonderful catch-up lat a private party of our common friends in Oct 2024.
We invited Elaine and Vijay in Nov 24 Sadly they were not able to attend our gathering , due to his grandchildren's hockey game..
Their devotion to family specially to the grandchildren was inspiring.
Vijay will be deeply missed by many for his warmth, kindness, and generosity..
May he rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to Elaine , Dave Michele and the entire Kawatra family .
We pray for you and the family.
May you move forward with the beautiful memories of Vijay .
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Virender posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
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In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Brother
The passing of our dear brother has created a deep void in our lives—one that words cannot fill. He had a heart larger than life itself—always giving, never asking. His love, care, and unwavering support were the silent strength behind our family.
He cherished and respected every member of the family, and above all, shared a remarkable bond of love and companionship with his beloved wife, Elaine. Their journey of nearly 55 years stands as a testament to true love, loyalty, and partnership.
We stand with Elaine and the family in this hour of grief. His memories, his values, and his generous spirit will live on in all of us. He may have left this world, but he will forever remain in our hearts.
Virender Vanita
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David Allardice posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
We only got to meet Vijay later in life. He was an absolute gentleman who never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He was also very tolerant of his friends who, on the male side, could be a rambunctious lot and must have driven him to distraction! He was a wonderful cook and to be entertained by Elaine and Vijay to a curry feast was a culinary delight and a great night out.
Vijay, we will all miss you. Rest in peace.
Dave and Lynne Allardice
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Dave Ryan posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Vijay was such an important asset in rebuilding Saint John as a tourism & events destination, but moreso he was a great friend to so many. I was saddened to hear of this loss. To Vijay's family and friends, please accept my condolences and know I shall carry great memories forward.
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Vittu & Eshwar Kumar posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Elaine
We were very sorry to hear of Vijay's passing. He was a great conversationalist and we enjoyed every interaction we had with him.
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you, Dave , Michelle and family.
Sincerely
Vittu & Eshwar Kumar
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Robert Di Gaetano posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Dear Kawatra family.
Please accept my sincere condolences for Vijay's passing . We were colleagues for many years with Hilton and he was very much appreciated as a sincere and very personable professional that we his peers respected greatly.
A very sad loss,
Robert Di Gaetano
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Sankaran posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Elaine & family..our condolences to all of you. May he rest in peace.
Sankarans ( now in ottawa).
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Tom & Nancy Creamer posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Elaine and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Vijay’s passing. He was always so positive and a true gentleman.
He was the face of the Hilton in Saint John.
Our deepest condolences on your loss.
Sincerely,
Tom & Nancy Creamer
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Guy Richards posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I spent many hours working on various projects with Vijay over the years as we were both members of Rotary International. A very positive person who will be missed. Guy Richards
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The family of Vijay K. Kawatra uploaded a photo
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
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