Remembering Parbhu Kanji
AISC is very sad to learn about the passing of one of our Life Members, Parbhu Kanji, also known as ‘Bhai’.
Parbhu was a consummate administrator. Arriving from India in 1947, he was an avert cricket player, until he suffered an accident with his leg, which forced him into a more sedentary life style. He represented the Club on the Auckland Cricket Association board for 17 years, from 1964 to 1980. Parbhu attended his first Auckland Cricket Association meeting as a delegate on behalf of our sports club, with Chhotu Sima in 1961. He became a very valued board member in the 1980's for A.C.A., for his consistent service and meaningful advice. He was Vice Patron of the Auckland Cricket Association, and his service was rewarded with a Life Membership in 2018.
Parbhu played both cricket and hockey in the 1960's. As captain and wicket keeper in cricket, he was instrumental in selecting the A and B teams, as at that time the Club only had enough players for two teams to play in the A.C.A. competition.
In hockey he played as a goalkeeper, his memorable match was a match played in Hobson Park against an Indian Wanders touring team in July 1961. His team was made up from players from Waikato, Pukekohe and Bay of Plenty for this international match. The game was played in wet conditions and could be noted as a memorable match, having had let 7 goals go past him.
In our Auckland Indian Sports Club he ably supported Dajibhai Soma as an assistant. He had roles of a Treasurer also as an Executive Committee member, having a critical role of collecting and collating member fees.
Parbhu was a very affable humble person and very passionate about cricket. When he wasn't able to attend, he would always ask how our teams were doing. His dedication to our Club awarded him a Life Membership in 1986 at our Golden Jubilee. His services towards cricket and the Indian community was recognised in 2013 with the award of a Queen Service Medal (QSM).
His work with the Auckland Indian Association earned him a Life Membership in 1985. He attended numerous New Zealand Indian Association meetings, and was made an honorary member in 2013.
He was a long serving member of the Bharatiya Mandir and his services to the Indian community was also recognised by the New Zealand Indian Central Association with a Life Membership.
We are so grateful for the time and effort which Parbhu dedicated to the Club, which has contributed to shaping our Club into what it is today.
Our condolences go out to the family, friends and all those near and dear to Parbhu.
Photo credit: Asha Vaidya