In Celebration of

Louis A. de Cruze

July 10, 1928 - April 21, 2024

Born in Calcutta, India on July 10, 1928, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Toronto. He will be missed by his daughter by choice, Claudia Diebel, sister-in-law Pat Begg and son Andrew Begg and family, and step-son Brian Artin and his many friends all over the world. He was predeceased by his loving wife Katie. Special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at St. Joseph’s.

He survived the partition of India, moved to London in his early twenties, and immigrated to Toronto in 1967. He started a successful business, importing juice, where his customers knew him as “His Highness the Maharajah of Magador”. He and Kate travelled the world, even flying in the Concord. He loved his cottage, where he spent lots of time fishing at Pigeon Lake and cooking for his many guests. He was a gentleman, always helping others and generously giving to many charities. He cared deeply for the Anglo-Indian community who remained in India. We will miss his laughter and jokes.

Friends may call at Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel, (2357 Bloor Street West, East of the Jane Subway Station) Etobicoke, for visitation on Sunday, April 28, from 3 – 5 pm. Funeral service will be held at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel on Monday, April 29, 2024 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery (6933 Tomken Road- at Derry Road) Mississauga. If desired, memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, the Kaylou Foundation or to any charity of your choice.

Guestbook

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Patricia Begg (Brother-in-Law)

Entered April 24, 2024 from Mississauga

Louis, You will be missed, but you are with Katy so we will try and be HAPPY for you . May you both rest in peace, till we meet again. Patsy, Andy, Cindy and Bianca

Lou Vitkov (Business Mentor)

Entered April 24, 2024 from Toronto

For me, Louis was a legend in an industry I was just stepping into.. almost 30years ago... He was a mentor for many of us and any time I had doubts in my mind, I would ask myself: "What would Louis say or do..."

Rest in peace Sir.

Lou

Darryl & Carolyn Earle (Friend)

Entered April 27, 2024 from Georgetown

We would like to remember Louis as a person who gave generously to anyone in need and for sharing his wealth.
May his soul RIP and we offer our condolences.
Darryl &Carolyn Earle

Chris Chambers (business competitor)

Entered April 30, 2024 from Toronto

My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. De Cruz. He passing is a profound loss to the juice brokerage world. He was the pioneer of the industry and and mentor to many, including myself. The first time I called him in 1999 looking to purchase 8 drums of peach purée, he hung up me me before I could finish my introductory sentence. It took about 5 years to win him over and we enjoyed a friendly and funny relationship as business competitors, often helping one another out when in a bind. Mostly Louis helping me . Rest Easy, Boss. Love and Respect. Chris Chambers

craig marshall (Trainee)

Entered May 6, 2024 from Vancouver

All paths in the Canadian juice business, led to His Highness the Maharajah of Magador, Louis de Cruze.
I was lucky to meet him at the beginning of my career in the early 80s. He became my Mentor as 'trader' in the global juice concentrate industry... 'a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side’.
Louis led with grace, charm and a lot of good natured abuse, calling suppliers 'bandits' with threats of banishment to hinterlands if prices were not reduced. His sweet, sing song voice greeting over the telephone never wavered. He was the hardest working and likely, one of the most successful traders. He leaves his legacy KayLou Foundation to fund schooling in his birth community. You will be missed and never forgotten.