From sea to see

A seafarer who served the UK Zoroastrians as a priest for over three decades, Keki Kanga earned the goodwill of his coreligionists. People were surprised to hear of the octogenarian’s passing on November 25, 2003 as his dedication and self-discipline had enabled him to continue with his priestly duties at Zoroastrian House until the last few days of his zesty life.

"A grateful but very sad congregation filled the Hall at Zoroastrian House for his uthamna prayers on November 27 and later for siroja prayers on December 24. Leading the mourners were his own fellow mobeds together with members of his family, trustees, past and present committee members and scores of people from our anjuman. Trustee Kersey Jasa­vala led the fulsome tributes to his life and work. President Dorab Mistry conveyed tributes from Zoroastrians all over the UK and abroad,” notes the ZTFE newsletter.

Kanga is described as a man who spoke little, who loved football and cricket and until very recently attended the local gym to keep fit. "A person with an open mind and an ‘open door’ policy to all those who knew him, he was always willing to attend and perform religious ceremonies for everyone who requested them — no matter where or when,” states the newsletter.

Born in Indore on April 29, 1922, one of five sons born to Erachshaw and Motamai, Kanga grew up in Bombay, became a navar at the age of 11 and joined the Scindia Shipping Lines as an apprentice engineer in 1943 after graduating from Bombay University. On his first trip to Britain in 1952 he was witness to the nation’s exuberance on the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In the course of his sea career he traveled the world and acquired further marine engineering qualifications from the University of Glasgow.

In Karachi in 1967 he met and married Dolly Cooper and the couple chose to settle in Britain. They had two daughters, Dinaz and Naomi, while Kanga worked his way up at the Thames Water Utilities sometimes clocking 48-72 hour shifts during Xmas and other festivities. Retiring in 1986 Kanga devoted his time to his work as a Zoroastrian mobed, notes the newsletter.

A warm-hearted father and grandfather Kanga was equally appreciated by the Zoroastrian and the local community among whom he lived. "We will always remember the good times — there are so many,” piquantly adds the newsletter.