Obituary

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः |

अजो नित्य: शाश्वतोSयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ||

The soul is never born, nor it ever dies; nor does it become on being born. For, it is unborn, eternal, everlasting and primeval; even though the body is slain, the soul is not.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ratilal Paragji Desai age 95, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He passed away peacefully in Orange County, California on May 20, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and kindness. We find solace in knowing that Ratilal now joins his beloved son, Janak, who passed away earlier this year.

Born in 1928 in Degam, a small village in South Gujarat (India), Ratilal went on to become a Lawyer and successful businessman. Throughout his life, he was a mentor to his 7 younger siblings and their families.

For an incredible 69 years, Ratilal was blessed with love and companionship of his devoted wife, Shardaben Desai. Their journey together was filled with shared joys, cherished moments, and deep bonds that withstood the test of time.

Ratilal was a loving father to his children Bhavana Desai, Darshana Shah and Janak Desai. His guidance, unwavering support, and wisdom served as a source of inspiration for them. He took immense pride in witnessing their accomplishments and showered them with love throughout their lives.

He loved his grandchildren, Pooja, Preeya, Raj and Anika. He was proud of their achievements, and provided a steadfast source of love and support. He embraced his sons-in-law Atul Desai, Tushar Shah and Ashley D’Cruz, grandson-in-law Brandon Shah-Adkins and granddaughter-in-law Malvi Jani-Desai as a part of his extended family, cherishing the relationship he shared.

Ratilal touched the lives of many with his warm smile, compassionate nature, and selflessness.  He was a pillar of strength, always ready to lend a helping hand and support those in need. His generosity knew no bounds, and his acts of kindness were an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at O’Connor Mortuary at 25301 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. This gathering will be an opportunity for family, friends and loved ones to pay their respects and celebrate the beautiful life he lived. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Echo Hospice and O’Connor Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, our mom has asked that donations be made to Raksha, Inc in Atlanta Georgia. Donations can be made to Raksha, Inc.  You can use this link https://www.raksha.org/donate-now/  or use the QR code below:

Raksha’s mission is to promote a stronger and healthier South Asian community through confidential support services, education, and advocacy.   Raksha works towards healing, empowerment and justice for South Asian survivors of violence.  Our family has supported and been involved in Raksha’s work since it started in 1995.

Ratilal Paragji Desai will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His love, his wisdom, his wit, his sense of humor and his gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may we carry forward his legacy of love and kindness in all that we do.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and forever dear.”