Naresh Gordhandas Nagrecha, 73, family man, successful businessman and philanthropist.

Naresh Gordhandas Nagrecha died peacefully at his family's UK residence on the 28th of November 2023 with his loving family at his side, after a courageous battle with illness. He was the beloved husband of Veena Vithlani-Nagrecha and proud father and father-in-law of Neel and Sheena Nagrecha of Dubai, UAE and Anjalee and Rishi Kataria of Ontario, Canada. He was also the proud, doting grandfather of Kareena, Araiya, and Sansara Kataria.

Naresh was the son of the late Jamnaben Nagrecha and Gordhandas Nagrecha, formerly of London, UK. He was born in 1950 in Kamuli, Uganda and moved to the UK in 1972 upon the expulsion of Ugandan Asians by Idi Amin.

After settling in the UK, he completed his master's in Food Science from the University of Reading after having graduated from the Wilson College in Mumbai, India. Once he completed his formal education, Naresh worked for Schweppes, where he was inspired to start his own beverage business in 1982 with the support of his wife, Veena.

Naresh's entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a pioneer in the exotic food and beverage industry as co-founder of Rubicon Exotic Drinks and Shana Foods, which form part of his legacy. His love for innovation and business resulted in further diversification, leading him to venture into many successful investments across the globe, creating jobs for thousands of people worldwide. Naresh was also passionate about sharing his experience with young entrepreneurs, guiding their journeys as founders and helping them to grow successful businesses.

He was a humble man, but he lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed socialising with family, friends, and business associates across the globe. His motto was "simple living high thinking". Naresh was a natural philanthropist and supported many significant community and spiritual projects as a founding member of the Sunskruti Foundation UK. His passion for learning led him to sponsor many educational projects and schools for children across the globe, always with a focus on his beloved India, with Sandipani Vidyaniketan alongside his Guru Pujya Bhaishri.

He cultivated many close friendships throughout the world in his lifetime. Naresh was a kind, fun, energetic and caring person. His good humour and friendship will be missed by all who knew him.

Besides his wife, Veena, his children, Neel and Anjalee and his grand-daughters, Kareena, Araiya, and Sansara, he is survived by his brothers Jagdish and Ashok Nagrecha, sisters Sarla Chandarana (UK), Jyotsna Ruparelia (Uganda) and Nita Thakrar. (Uganda) His brother Inu sadly passed away some years ago.

The Nagrecha and Vithlani families appreciate everyone's support, prayers, and condolences.