Deepak will be remembered for his humour, and his love of life, food and travel. He loved God and his family deeply, and spent his time serving others; investing in younger people and international causes, providing strategic wisdom to organisations, and exercising leadership across a variety of contexts.
Deepak was born in November 1960 in Hong Kong, the youngest of 5 children to Kundan & Rukmani Mahtani. His parents left India during The Partition in 1948, moving to the Far East
Deepak was raised in an international home, and his childhood was largely spent in Japan. His family was Hindu by descent, living in a Buddhist culture, and Deepak attended a Catholic school, St Joseph’s College in Yokohama. Deepak moved to Switzerland to study at the American College Leysin, completing a BA in Business Administration and Managerial Accounting. While studying he began his career as an Export Manager for the family business, Asian Mercantile Co., before founding Time Tronics and growing the company to $4 million turnover.
He came to faith in Jesus during his twenties in Switzerland, and shortly afterwards met Celia through her family. They married in July 1986, and welcomed Arun in September ‘87, followed by Sanjay in February ‘90. In 1987, he joined the family business founded by Celia’s uncle where he worked until 1994 when he moved to the UK with Celia, Arun & Sanjay.
After arriving in London, Deepak moved into consultancy, establishing an award-winning training company focused on intercultural communication and business. In his business dealings, he gained a reputation for valuing action over talk, and adopted the moniker ‘NICE’, which stood for a ‘necessary irritant for change and excellence’.
Several members of Deepak’s family have suffered with hereditary kidney disease, and in 1995 he received a kidney transplant, giving him a miraculous further 25 years of life. As a result, he was determined to make the most of the time he had, being keenly aware that each day was a gift, and he lived life to the full.
Deepak’s life was spent serving; investing in younger people through mentoring & hospitality, and supporting charities through philanthropy and governance. Causes close to his heart included Tearfund (Christian International Development), organ donation (especially kidney disease), education (serving as a governor at several schools and colleges), working with India through South Asian Concern & United Christian Prayer for India, and latterly City Gateway (where he served as Chair), The Wall of Answered Prayer (Trustee) and Authentic Business (Director).
Deepak & Celia had 33 wonderful years of marriage and were delighted to gather so many friends to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in the summer of 2016, and to see both Arun & Sanjay married. The last weekend the family spent together was in Oxford for Sanjay’s 30th birthday in February.
Deepak’s joys included his family, his church community, travel and experiencing other cultures, having visited 50 countries and lived in 5!
Deepak contracted COVID-19 in March 2020 and died on Easter Sunday, April 12th, 2020. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, 13th May 2020 in South London and attended by immediate family only.
Happy Birthday!