My father-in-law, Rajinder Duggal, who has died aged 83, had a passion for travel and adventure that set him on the path to an unexpected but successful career. He worked for a variety of international organisations, including Trust House Forte, setting up worldwide trade fairs, with clients such as the Department of Trade and Industry, ICI and a number of large British businesses.
Son of Amar, an engineer, and his wife, Krishna, Raj was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and attended the Duke of Gloucester school (now Jamhuri high school) there, before moving to London in 1955 to study law in Lincoln’s Inn. However, after two years Raj turned his back on a career in law in favour of a more adventurous life.
A traveller at heart, after a few years Raj joined an organisation, German Student Travel, that arranged exchanges between British and German students and au pairs, forging postwar links between Germany and Britain. It was a period of his life of which Raj was immensely proud, professionally and personally, and so began a career planning international events, trade fairs and conferences.
His love for Germany never faded. His wife, Barbara Lehmann, whom he married in 1965, was from Berlin, and while they made a life together in London, both loved spending time in her homeland.
Raj’s family were the most important part of his life. Family celebrations, holidays and even long weekends away would always put a smile on his face. Playing host brought Raj much joy and he was never happier than when cooking and dancing round the kitchen at home to his favourite Indian music.
Raj is survived by Barbara, his children, Kiron, Manu, Kai and Vita, and his grandchildren, Jess, Taryn, Leo and Sienna.
