Vikram Kanchanlal Shivlal Shah

Professor Vikram K. S. Shah, affectionately known as Vikram Bhai or Vik, passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 8, 2025, at the age of 88, in Okemos, Michigan. Born on October 1, 1936 to Kanchanlal and Vina Shah, in Rajpipla, Gujarat, India, he led a life rich in scholarship, service, and family devotion.

After completing his early studies in India, he arrived in the U.S. in February 1963. A consummate scholar, Vikram continued his education with passion and determination. As a proud alumnus of both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, he earned several graduate degrees in Engineering and Business, with distinction.

As a professor of Accounting & Finance, Vikram taught and inspired generations of students over a distinguished career spanning several decades. As a Fulbright Scholar, he later served as a Visiting Professor in both Russia and Japan, forging international academic ties and enriching global education. He has also authored multiple textbooks and contributed insightful articles to major outlets including The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Detroit News, and Lansing State Journal. He was also named as “Man of the Year” by the Independent Accountants Association of Michigan.

Beyond academia, Vikram was a pillar of his community. He served as Chairman of Lansing’s United Way and the Rotary Club of Lansing. He served on the committee developing a partnership between Lansing, Michigan & Saint Petersburg, Russia. He was also on the boards of the Bharatiya Temple of Lansing and the Indian Cultural Society. His leadership and wisdom were felt by all whose lives he touched.

Beyond the lecture halls and boardrooms, Captain Vik built an athletic legacy. For over 45 years, he served as the Founding Tennis Captain of several adult tennis leagues in the Okemos and Greater Lansing area. There were up to 88 players playing during the week sometimes. He organized singles, doubles, and even mixed doubles during the evenings, followed by beloved local catered foods, beverages, and the warmest of atmospheres. It was an incredible Era!

At home, Vikram was the devoted husband of Usha Shah for nearly six decades. Together, they built a loving family and a steady foundation. Vikram inherited a passion for competitive tennis from his father, and that same love of the sport blossomed across four generations, spanning his children and grandchildren. In 2017, the Western Michigan Tennis Association honored the Shah family as its Tennis “Family of the Year.”

Vikram is survived by his beloved wife, Usha Shah; his children and their spouses: Tejal Shah (wife, Neepa Shah), Mausami Ackerman (husband, Dave Ackerman), and Avni Bergum (husband, Paul Bergum); his cherished grandchildren: Rohan and Krishaan (sons of Tejal & Neepa); Ethan and Nolan (sons of Mausami & Dave); Maya and Olivia (daughters of Avni & Paul); and his siblings: Gautam Shah and his family; and Ranjana Chokshi and her family.

We carry forward a life that was rich in purpose and love. Professor Vikram K.S. Shah’s spirit lives on in every mind he challenged, every heart he warmed, and every family member he nurtured. Though his presence is deeply missed, his values, integrity, curiosity, and compassion continue to illuminate our paths. May we honor his memory by living as he did: with empathy, perseverance, and generosity.

As Thomas Campbell wrote, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

We invite you all to join us at the public Memorial Service as we come together to honor and celebrate Vikram’s extraordinary life on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00pm at Bharatiya Temple of Lansing (Haslett, Michigan).

Thank you for your thoughts & prayers.