Harish I.K. Patel passed away on Thursday 3rd March 2016 in London after enduring a three year struggle with Multiple Myeloma.
Harish was born on 2nd April 1955 in Mwanza, Tanzania and is survived by his beloved mother Vimlaben, his wife Gita, his son Pujan, his daughter Janki and three sisters, Ranjan, Indira & Yamini.
Harish came to the UK in 1973 with his father, Ishverbhai Patel, who was a Bank Manager and like his father he became an accomplished and highly respected member of the community. Harish was a great role model, both as a business man and a family man. He was actively involved with a multitude of charitable organisations including the BAPS Temple in Neasden, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and the Oxford Center For Hindu Studies to name but a few.
When his late father passed away, he started up a charity called the IK Foundation to honour the memory of this remarkable man and through his work he raised considerable funds with a focus on funding educational endeavours.
Harish was also a trustee for 27 Gam Samaj in Wembley, where he dedicated many years raising funds and seeing through the construction of the Community Center to completion. Typically modest Harish refused any recognition of the immense part he played in ensuring the project was brought to fruition.
Despite the huge challenges Harish faced during his ill health, he remained true to his wonderful spirit and proved to be an inspiration to us all. He was such a caring, incredible, decent, hardworking, family and business man.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and respect to his beloved family and everyone who knew him. I really cannot imagine life without Harish, a good man and a gentle soul, who truly touched the lives of thousands. Life without Harish IK will never be the same again.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday 8th March 2016 at 3pm in Golders Green Crematorium, Hoop Lane, London, NW11 7NL. With memorial prayers at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden from 7pm onwards.
Jasminder Singh
(Edwardian Hotels)
