Chandrakant Mayashanker “Charlie” Pandya, a beloved Rochester newsagent known for his infectious humour, love of music and tireless community spirit, has passed away aged 80.
He passed away on Nov 6, leaving behind a legacy of joy, generosity and dance that touched everyone who knew him.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1944, Charlie was the sixth of eight siblings in a close-knit family.
As shared by his relative and retailer Kamal Thaker, he earned the nickname “Charlie” due to his playful energy and mischievous streak in his early age that stood out, earning him the affection of his classmates at Duke of Gloucester Secondary School and the nickname “Charlie”.
In 1962, Charlie moved to the UK, convincing his father to let him go under two conditions — that he would never drink alcohol and would marry only an Indian girl.
True to his word, he upheld both promises throughout his life. His zest for celebration was undiminished, becoming the “disco king” of every gathering, always first on the dance floor, always sober, and always smiling, Thaker stated.
In 1973, Charlie married Minaxi Patel, and together they built a happy home and raised three sons — Rikin, Mitul and Nitin. The couple later bought a thriving newsagent business in Rochester, Kent, in 1982. Over the decades, the store became a community hub where customers came as much for conversation and laughter as for their newspapers.
The family shared, ''His dedication earned himnumerous Newsagent of the Year awards, and he remained an active member of theNational Federation of Newsagents. But, as those who knew him well would say, — he mostly attended the events for one reason only- to dance at the ball!
''His charisma and energy made him a beloved figure on the high street, always greeting customers with a smile, a joke, or a story. During the annual Dickens Festival, he delighted locals by donning Victorian costumes and parading through the streets, famous for his candy floss-making skills and joyful spirit.''
A lifelong Bollywood fan, he was fondly called “Nairobi’s Shammi Kapoor” for his quick wit, expressive charm and love of dance.
Charlie is survived by his wife Minaxi, sons Rikin, Mitul and Nitin, and a wide circle of family and friends in the UK, Kenya and India.