Obituary of Nigel Christopher Mahabir

November 15, 1964 to December 31, 2024.

Nigel left us suddenly and unexpectedly, after a short illness. He leaves behind his siblings Alexandra (Al Milley), David, and Nicole, nieces Lucy Poley (Tim Carlielle) and Grace Poley (Eric McConnell) and their father Dave Poley, and his great nephew Leon Carlielle. He was predeceased by parents Harold (2003) and Jacqueline (2022). He was loved and will be greatly missed by innumerable cousins, friends, and family.

Nigel was a big spirit who loved to share. He had recently found his absolute passion in teaching at Centennial College's School of Hospitality, where he took great joy in working closely with and mentoring his students to share his knowledge and experience, delighting in their progress and successes.

He travelled extensively in his life, finding pleasure in exploring new places and cultures and meeting new people. There were no strangers in Nigel's world - everyone he met immediately became a friend.

He was generous with his time, always trying to help whomever was in need. There were few holiday dinners in our family that didn't include at least one person Nigel brought who would otherwise have been alone. Having been dedicated to sobriety since 2008, Nigel took seriously his role as sponsor, never turning away from those who were still struggling.

He was funny, and loud, and crazy, and filled every room he was in with his enormous personality. He did have his struggles, about which he spoke so openly, and against which he never stopped fighting with his whole heart. It was those same challenges that fostered his empathy and ability to recognize when others were struggling and in need. His heart was too big for this world.

While the family takes time to come to terms with this tremendous loss, we encourage everyone who knew Nigel to celebrate his memory by reaching out in kindness to someone each and every day and by gathering to share tales of his larger-than-life persona. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity that you feel best represents who Nigel was to you.