JOHN K. PALKHIVALA

John K. Palkhivala, 92, died peacefully at home, with his family, in Pointe-Claire on March 26, 2026. Born in London, England, on April 22, 1933, to Kaikushru Palkhivala and Florence Davies, John grew up between Bombay and Wales. He was a graduate of the Cathedral and John Connon School and Sydenham College. As a young man, he turned down a place at Cambridge University to remain in India as the last Palkhivala at Panday House, Cumballa Hill. He was a competitive rugby player for the Bombay Gymkhana until he left India in 1963. After meeting Katherine "Kay" Hynes in Darjeeling, India, John immigrated to Montreal. They were married for 62 years and raised three children. John spent the majority of his career at Canada Steamship Lines, where he served as Vice President of Administration. In his community life, he was a founding member of the Montreal Irish Rugby Club, the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec and served on the board of The Sacred Heart School of Montreal. Following his retirement, John's consulting work and family ties brought him back to India frequently. After his daughter, Shirin, settled in Mumbai, he and Kay returned annually, maintaining a life among old friends as though he had never left. In Montreal, John was known for his hospitality and his sense of tradition. The New Year's Eve parties he and Kay hosted were a fixture for a large group of friends and family. He is remembered by many for welcoming the new year in a red velvet smoking jacket, leading a march around the room while brandishing a fireplace poker like a sergeant major's baton. John is survived by his wife, Kay; his children, Shirin (Fram Petit), Jim (Josephine Sciortino), and Alison (Stephen Cherlet); and his grandchildren: Zara, Kyra, Val, Sonya, Calvin, and Mia. "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds" Memorial and visitation to be held at the Rideau Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 31st, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those who would prefer to attend virtually, the livestream and virtual guestbook will be available from the funeral home (www.arbormemorial.ca/en/rideau/obituaries.html). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Zoroastrian Association of Quebec. Contributions may be made online at www.zaq.org.