The Ontario automotive community is mourning the passing of Michael Dukhilall, who worked for manufacturers and dealers in an exemplary career that spanned more than 40 years.
The native of Guyana, who was affectionately known as Mike D., passed away this week from a recurrence of Lymphoma that appeared in the brain. He had battled it twice before and both times went into remission. He was 66.
He worked for the Bhatia Group, headed by Nav Bhatia, off and on since 2007, most recently as Vice President, Planning & Operations. He also worked briefly for the Marsim Group. Before working in retail, Dukhilall worked in managerial roles for Kia Canada, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. and Nissan Canada Inc.
“He was one of the most honest guys I met in my life,” said Bhatia. “Money-wise, he would never take a penny from anybody. I had a lot of respect for him.”
Bhatia said he twice held Dukhilall’s position for him during his separate cancer battles.
“It’s a big loss when you lose a good, honest man in this day and age, a loyal guy,” said Bhatia. “He looked after all my construction projects. He was my signing authority everywhere. He was a very trustworthy man.”
Fares El-Biak, General Sales Manager for Genesis Mississauga, said Dukhilall hired him as Sales Manager in 2018 and it developed into more than just a working relationship.
“He was a father figure to me and played a major role in both my professional and personal growth,” said El-Biak. “Today, I oversee the Genesis operations for Nav, a role I owe largely to Mike’s guidance and belief in me. Mike was truly one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.”
Vernon Wong, Marketing Manager for Bhatia’s stores, posted on LinkedIn what Dukhilall meant to him.
“I find myself at a loss for words as I try to capture what Michael Dukhilall meant to me and to so many of us,” wrote Wong. “For the past 11 years, he wasn’t just my former General Manager, he was my mentor, my role model and my friend. Mike had a way of leading that made you want to give your very best, every single day. His door was always open – for advice, for a tough conversation or just for one of his famous quick jokes to brighten the room.”
His post produced numerous comments and symbols of love.
Rein Knol, Chairman of Hyundai Canada National Dealer Council and Dealer Principal of Performance Hyundai and Distributor Principal of Genesis Niagara, said he will remember Dukhilall as a “kind, gentle soul” who was always there to help.
“He was a real fine man, a good guy, a real nice fellow,” said Knol. “Anyone who worked with him and moved on will have very fond memories.”
Don Romano, President/CEO for Hyundai Motor Asia & Pacific Region and formerly head of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., said he knew Dukhilall was in poor health but his passing is still a shock.
“My heart is heavy with grief over the loss of my friend and colleague Mike Dukhilall,” said Romano. “Mike will be affectionately remembered by everyone who knew him for bringing a great deal of humanity and kindness into our business. I will be eternally grateful for his friendship and support.”
Genesis Director Eric Marshall said Dukhilall played pivotal roles building Genesis Mississauga at both the Square One Boutique and the construction of the Genesis Mississauga retail facility.
“Michael was a gentleman and a very kind soul,” said Marshall. “He will be dearly missed by the team at Genesis Canada.”
Benny Leung, who knew Dukhilall as a DSM with Hyundai and later hired him to work for his company, said: “Everybody loved him. He was an excellent human being, we feel so bad about him passing away.”
Dukhilall leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Sherry, daughters Michelle and Simone, their spouses and three grandchildren.
Visitation is June 25 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Meadowvale Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centre. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Meadowvale on June 26 at 10:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Ian Anderson House Hospice, in honour of the exceptional care provided during Dukhilall’s final journey.
