Dr. Rajni Patel

PATEL, Dr. Rajni A family physician who practiced medicine in Tilbury, Chatham and London, Ontario for over 35 years, passed away November 20th of a heart attack at his home in London. He was 64. Born October 28th, 1943 in Musoma, Tanzania, Raj realized at an early age he was destined to follow in the footsteps of his father Dr. Sumobi Patel, a renowned physician in the country. From the age of 9 onwards, he assisted his father during his various rounds serving the constituents of the country. In 1959, he left Tanzania for London, England to finish his high school education. His passion and desire to help those afflicted with various maladies led him to attend medical school at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland in the early 1960s. Always the adventurous type, his decision as to where to do his residency was finalized during the early hours in the morning at a Dublin pub. When one of his colleagues wagered ten pounds that he should go to Canada to do his residency, he spent one night thinking about it, purchased his ticket to Ottawa the next day, and collected his wager that evening. After spending two years shuttling between Ottawa and London, England, Raj settled in London, Ontario in early 1971. Under the tutelage of Dr. Roland Carson, his mentor and closest friend Rajni prepared for a career in pediatrics. In 1972, he met Frances Byrne, an OR nurse at Victoria Hospital. Soon thereafter the two of them began dating and eventually married on June 23rd, 1973. In 1975, they moved to Tilbury, Ontario where he set up a family practice with Dr. Aidan Brady. Over the next 28 years he skillfully practiced medicine in the Chatham-Kent area. During his tenure he served as the President of the Chatham-Kent Medical Association, and was instrumental in facilitating the Continuing Medical Education programs. In 2004, he reunited professionally with Dr. Carson and opened a walk-in clinic in London, Ontario. Both Raj and Fran loved to travel as well as to host various social gatherings with colleagues and friends. He is survived by two sons, Anil, of Toronto, Ontario, and Ashwin, of Gunnison, Colorado; two daughters, Alisha of Toronto, Ontario; and Alexis of Toronto, Ontario; and granddaughter Hannah; predeceased by two brothers Suresh and Kurit; a sister, Hansa of London, England, and two brothers, Ashwin of London, England, and Satish of London, England. He is reunited with his loving wife Fran Patel, who passed away of cancer at the age of 52. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A fitting tribute to Raj's life will take place at the London Convention Center, Friday November 30th. Doors open at 4pm. Tributes and toasts from 6 - 7:30pm, followed by music and cocktail reception.