Family of Thani’s Shoe Shop owner vows to keep his legacy alive

The family of the late business giant Jaiparkash Radhakishin Thani is vowing to keep his legacy alive.

The owner of a number of household businesses passed away on Tuesday September 19 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at the age of 73 due to a brief illness.

A memorial service for the former Belair Terrace, St Philip resident was held on Wednesday, October 4, in the chapel at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens.

In a statement, his wife Neena Thani said he would be dearly missed by his friends, relatives and his brothers and sisters from the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“Those he leaves behind will never forget his warm heartedness, generous spirit and all whose lives he touched will carry him in their hearts. All his loyal staff will continue his legacy and Thani’s Shoe Shop will always be a reminder to many who worked with him and the jobs he provided for so many.

“While Prakash was involved in business from a young age, his heart was really in his faith in God. Prakash converted to Christianity in the late 80’s,  and became a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness. His heart and soul were devoted to sharing the good news with others, which he did with whoever he met,” the statement said.

Thani was born in Barbados on August 18, 1950 after his parents emigrated to Barbados in the late 1940’s from India.

Thani’s father ran a retail store selling general merchandise and souvenirs to tourists. He and his brother would help out during summer vacations while still in school.

After his studies, Thani followed in his father’s footsteps, starting his own company – Shoemasters Ltd –  in 1980 under which the store Thani’s Shoe Shop was opened.

“His vision for Thani’s Shoe Shop was a desire to give Barbadians the opportunity to get quality shoes at affordable prices. That is very much a quality Prakash manifested not only in the business environment, but toward family, friends and anyone he perceived needed help or support.  His desire to help and be of service was very deeply ingrained in him.

“Thani’s has since become a household name for shoes.  In the 1980’s Prakash also opened Town and Country Fashions upstairs of Bridgestreet,  which too became very popular.  He was the buyer for the shoes and the clothing line in those days.  He also was the first to venture into branded sportswear in shoes.  His vision brought the likes of Nike, Reebok, Adidas and fashionable Sportswear to Barbados, and Shoelocker was opened in the mid 80’s, which became a popular spot for these brands. He also was the first to bring in Hush puppies,  a comfort shoe for school in Barbados,  which has continued to this day,” the statement added.

In 1999, Thani also opened an eatery at Bayside Plaza called Indian Grill restaurant, which serves delicious curry based West Indian cuisine.

Despite his success, Thani did not live a trouble-free life. He was involved in a car accident, which impacted his well-being and quality of life.  However, he faced such challenges with the support of his family and his loyal staff.

(SZB/PR)