Benny Paul Thannikkotu passed away on Jan. 16, 2025, at the age of 72. Beloved husband of Jo. Dear father of Cheyenne (Michael) and Mathri (David). Cherished grandfather to Seraphina and Tristano, who called him Appachan. Benny touched the lives of everyone he met and will be greatly missed by his large family, patients and many friends.
Benny was born on March 7, 1952, to Paul Thannikkotu and Mathri Alavathil in Cochin, India. After Benny graduated high school, he immigrated to Canada and went on to study at the University of Toronto. Following his university education, he completed his medical training and began his career as a cardiovascular surgeon.
In 1984, Benny met Jo while working at the hospital. Benny loved Jo from the moment he met her, asking her to marry him on their first date. Together they enjoyed nearly 39 years of marriage and raised two beautiful girls, Cheyenne and Mathri.
Benny always had a charitable spirit and spent his life helping others, both in and out of the hospital. One of his proudest accomplishments was founding his charity, Share the Bounty, an organization that strives to provide healthy meals for all. He also founded a multilevel charity in his home state of Kerala, India, with a free medical clinic, a soup kitchen named after his mother and a centre for special education inspired by his younger brother, Joy.
Benny was predeceased by his older brother Paul and sisters Aleyamma and Leela. He is survived by his siblings and their families: brother-in-law Jacob Kuzhikkattil, Achamma (Thomas), Matthew (Rachel), Mary (deceased Varghese), brother-in-law Joseph Poranganel, Jacob (Leelama), Varghese (Amu) and Joy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Share the Bounty, so Benny’s legacy may continue.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." — Acts 20:35
A tree will be planted in memory of Benny in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville. Condolences may be offered to the family on the Dods & McNair website.