Chuhar Rochiram Matai, 82, of Santa Barbara passed away on September 5, 2018 with his family and his dog, Harry by his side.
Chuhar was born in India on June, 20, 1936 to Rochiram and Parpati Matai. Chuhar succeeded through hard work and was lovingly called a work-a-holic. He held a Master's Degree in Architectural Engineering. Chuhar came to the United States in 1970 with only $200 in his pocket. Through that love of his family and grit, he founded multiple businesses that have been in operation for decades. In 1984, he purchased the Country Market in Santa Barbara where he was one of the first stores to sell a Million Dollar Lotto Ticket; his store was dubbed the "Lucky Store." In 1992, he purchased and founded KC's Market on North Ventura Avenue in Ventura, which was named for his wife and the love of his life. He was renowned for his Chicken Curry that people traveled from far and wide to enjoy. He was the ultimate provider, mentor, and hero to his family.
Chuhar is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kusumlata; his daughters: Sanjani Matai Tipnis (Neel), of Mississippi, and Seema Matai, of Calabasas; his brother: Manesh Matai; his sister: Devi Gulabani; and his grandchildren: Sacheen, Sameer, and Sundeep.
Chuhar is preceded in death by his parents: Rochiram and Mohini; his son: beloved Suniel Matai on July 24, 2009; his brothers: Manohar Matai and Shankar Matai; and his sisters: Satya Devi Danwani and Kaushayla Hingorani.
Family and friends are invited to the Funeral Service at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura.