Dahyabhai M. Patel’s Family – Photo by Upen Shah

Family, friends,  and residents of Gordon Lane Nursing Home staff gathered on October 12, 2025, to celebrate the remarkable life of Dahyabhai M. Patel, who marked his 107th birthday. Mr. Patel also received a certificate of recognition from the Fullerton City Council delivered by Mayor Jung.

Dahyabhai M. Patel – Photo by Upen Shah

Born in Changa, India, in 1918 to a farming family, Patel’s early life was characterized by struggle and resilience. With no high school in his small village of just 4,000 residents, he walked five miles each way to receive an education in a neighboring town.

At the age of 19, Patel sought better opportunities and migrated to East Africa in 1937. After working diligently in Uganda, he found stability in Nairobi, Kenya. His hard work and sincerity quickly earned him the respect of his peers. In 1946, he returned to India, where he married Kamlaben Patel. They have been married for an extraordinary 79 years, a testament to their deep love and commitment.

Patel began his career with the British government in Nairobi, where he worked until his retirement in 1964. After spending a few years in India, he immigrated to the United Kingdom in 1968 and later settled in the United States in 1986. Throughout his life, he has connected diverse cultures across four continents.

Despite his own educational limitations due to financial hardships, Patel prioritized his children’s education, ensuring they received opportunities he could not. He is the proud father to four successful professionals—three sons and a daughter—and a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren, all of whom have established themselves in various careers.

Dahyabhai Patel is a man of deep faith and discipline who has guided his life by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. His values of honesty, humility, and compassion inspire those around him. Having witnessed over a century of change—from rural India to modern America—Patel’s journey serves as a powerful example of perseverance, family devotion, and spiritual strength.

The majority of his later years have been spent in California, where he has lived with his son, Dr. Arun D. Patel, a well-respected physician in Fullerton for the past 35 years. Mr. Patel has lived in Fullerton for 25 years and has received continuous support and affection from his family.