Narendrakumar R Patel

In Loving Memory of Narendrakumar Ranchhodbhai Patel

October 26, 1946 – August 13, 2026

Narendrakumar R. Patel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a man of remarkable intelligence and creativity, and of even greater humility, generosity, and kindness.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, one of eight children, Narendrabhai was raised with a deep curiosity about the world and how things worked. He had a natural aptitude for math and science and went on to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Even though he was accepted to IIT, one of the world's most prestigious universities, he completed his studies at BVM Engineering College to be closer to home, family, and friends in Anand, India, beginning a career that would take him across continents. He later lived and worked in England, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United States before he and his wife, Ranjanben, ultimately made Southern California their home.

Engineering was both his profession and a lifelong passion. He furthered his studies to specialize in structural engineering. He contributed to major projects across California and even internationally, including a prominent bridge at the Santa Ana/John Wayne airport and the Jackson Street overpass in Riverside. Yet the same engineer who worked on major infrastructure projects was just as brilliant with DIY tasks at home, and was always there to help with school physics projects, including designing model bridges

Education was deeply important to him. He supported his three sons, Dipesh, Ashish, and Jaimin, throughout their education, encouraging them to work hard, remain curious, and build meaningful lives of their own.

His curiosity reached far beyond engineering. Narendrabhai was exceptionally well-read and loved discussing politics, books, current events, science, and spirituality. He was always reading, questioning, learning, and sharing what he knew, often on WhatsApp.

Some of our fondest memories, however, come from simple times at home. Saturdays often meant Jagjit Singh’s ghazals playing loudly through the house. He and Ranjanben loved watching movies and tv series together, one of many simple pleasures they shared over a marriage that spanned continents and decades.

In later years, his garden became one of his great joys. He grew cherimoya, passion fruit, and pomegranates, and enjoyed grafting and tending to his plants. Then, in true fashion, he gave much of what he grew away.

His creativity also found expression through art and yoga. He painted in watercolors and oils, creating landscapes, scenery, and animals. He was equally devoted to yoga and spiritual practice, with a different exercise each day. He encouraged everyone around him to practice as well, always ready to recommend a stretch or breathing exercise he thought might help. It reflected something fundamental about him: he wanted the people he loved to be healthy, peaceful, present, and to live full and meaningful lives.

At the center of everything was his family. He shared his life with his devoted wife, Ranjanben, and together they raised Dipesh, Ashish, and Jaimin, later warmly welcoming daughters-in-law Neha and Rinku into the fold. His grandchildren, Eesha and Kirav, brought him tremendous joy. To his extended family, he was a beloved figure, always ready with knowledge, advice, encouragement, or simply his warm company.

We know he would want us to continue learning, creating, caring for one another, and living fully and with meaning. We will carry his curiosity, generosity, kindness, and love with us always.

Om Shanti.