Vjaykumar Patel

Vijaykumar Ranchhodbhai Patel, 60, passed away on December 30, 2025 after a lengthy battle with kidney and heart failure. Vijay was born on May 3, 1965 in Kuwarvada in Gujarat, India and lived in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with his children before he passed.

Vijay's memory lives on in his children, Shreya, Hima, and Harsh. He was predeceased by his father, Ranchhodbhai, and his mother, Savitaben.

After moving from Kuwarvada, he spent early years of his childhood in Mumbai in Maharashta, India then moved again to Vadodara, Gujarat. He fondly spent his summers in his paternal village of Mavli, Gujarat.

He excelled academically, and earned a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, followed by a Masters of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science at M.S. University in Vadodara. A lifelong learner, he pursued a Masters of Business Administration degree late in his 50s, but illness prevented him from finishing it.

Following his father's retirement, Vijay took on many family responsibilities at a young age as the eldest child. He was committed to making sure his parents and younger siblings, Parul and Sanjay, were established before pursuing his own dreams.

He married Ritabahen Patel in 1994 and worked hard to provide for his family. Though they ultimately divorced, they remained friends and co-parented their children. His successful career as a database administrator led him first to Singapore, then the United States. Throughout his career he worked at many notable companies such as Oracle, HP, Mastech, Deutsche Bank, Panasonic, and Comcast. Due to the nature of his technical consulting job, Vijay moved frequently and explored many interesting parts of the United States. Before becoming ill, he had notably accomplished his dream of settling down with a home in Aurora, Colorado.

After becoming ill, Vijay's sister Parul initially took on the role of supporting him in San Jose, California. Vijay moved to Oklahoma City in 2021 to be near his children. In most of his last four years, he was living independently - proudly taking long daily walks - while still having support from his family. In his free time and retirement, he liked to listen to old Bollywood music and make food that reminded him of his childhood in India.

When Vijay's health declined further in fall of 2025, his children all moved in with him. He was comforted in his last days realizing that his children were all established in their careers - with one in technology, one in medicine, and one in engineering - and in their lives - with one soon to be married. Thus, Vijay spent the last three months of his life in the constant company of his kids. He shared stories of his own life with them, reminiscing about his experiences around the world, as they surrounded him with care, love, and support.

Vijay was known for his kind heart, giving nature, witty responses, and willingness to help others. Vijay was also fondly known for his stubbornness, which only furthered his ability to help those in need. He will be greatly missed.

Vijay's family will held a private funeral service on January 5, 2025.