CHICAGO: With the doyen of Indian community in Chicagoland, Naren Patel, finally laid to rest at Russo Funeral Home in Hillside last week, there was not a single soul in a gathering of 600 plus mourners who did not shed a tear or felt pinch of sorrow at the demise of this popular man.
Naren Patel, 72 died on December 14 at 4-26 pm at his Schaumburg residence in the presence of family members and close relatives.
Balwinder Singh, a prominent Sikh community leader, said that he was truly a community leader and his loss will be irreparable. Gurbachan Kaur, founder president of Hindi Lovers Club, observed that she could still not believe that Naren Patel is no more. “He was so energetic and full of enthusiasm that his death has come as a real shock, we at Hindi Lovers Club mourn his death and at our last meeting we prayed for his soul.”
Rishikant Singh, Manager Air India, said that Narenbhai was the quintessential humanitarian community leader who was helpful, supportive, kind and considerate. He will be remembered for his kind thoughts and deeds forever.
Suresh Shah, secretary of Chicago Seniors, said Naren Patel was a source of big help and support all the time. “He was one of our Directors and we looked to him all the time for help and guidance when needed.
Syed Monty of Shows2You, mentioned that Narenbhai was above caste, creed, religion or language considerations while dealing with people around him and more so while dealing with “our community members.” He was among the front ranking leaders who had assured me that he would be there whenever I needed his help. That was very kind of him and I could never forget those assurances,” he said.
Iftekhar Shareef, Chair of Trustee Board Federation of Indian Associations (FAA) mentioned that the community has lost a good friend in the death of Naren Bhai Patel. “He always took a lead in supporting noble causes whether it was a national calamity in USA or in India. He always supported community events not just by attending but financially also. I have done many events with him including the last hosted by our Consul General of India Dr. Ausaaf Sayeed on August 23rd at Kala Utsav. Naren Bhai served as Chairman of Banquet for this year’s FIA Banquet on August 10 and many such events where we both served as co-chairs and as sponsors. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Our Governor Pat Quinn sent me a condolence text message within 30 minutes of demise”
Dr Indrajit Patel, president-elect, FIA, said Narenbhai was very polite, kind hearted, loving and caring friend of all. He was always ready for help to all associations. He helped many free medical camps. “We all will miss him forever. But we will live with his values and legacy,” he added
Hina Trivedi, Past president FIA, recalled her small talk with Narenbhai after she was elected FIA president. Those words “Hina, you are right person, strong lady to hold this post…You can ask me any time if you need my help…I will be happy if I along with my sons can do anything for you and community…” I was so glad to hear this and replied, “So nice of you…But pray for me that I can do right things for community to make you all proud….”
Usha Kamria, a community leader from Niles, said that his presence “brought positive feeling around our surroundings. We were fortunate to have his blessings at our daughter’s wedding last in August.”
Suresh Bodiwala, president of Asian Media USA, said that Narenbhai was a gem of a man with unblemished career in public life. “I have on numerous occasions worked with him closely and I was astounded by his simplicity and humility – reflective of great soul that he was. I keep on feeling that in his death I have lost a member of my family. I am overwhelmed with grief. May his soul rest in peace in heaven,” he added.
Surnedra Ullal, community editor, India Post, recalling his experience dealing with Narenbhai as media man, observed that he was an outstanding community personality, so humble and so amiable in sharp contrast to many self styled ego inflated leaders. “Whenever I called him for news or getting his reactions to any development, he would see to it that he is accessible either in person or on phone.
He deserved more recognition than what he really received. The void created by his exit is difficult to fill,” he added
The final ceremony at the Funeral home started at 11 am with Puja, chanting of Mantra, and singing of Bhajans. This was immediately followed by visitation and the last Darshan of Naren Patel. The three halls of the funeral home were jam packed and the parking lot overflowed with cars. Many had to park outside on another parking lot or side streets.
All the members of the Narenbhai family – wife Sumitraben, sons Neil and Raj, daughters-in-law grand kids. Brothers, relatives and friends were also there in large numbers and all prayed that his soul may rest in peace. Raj, Neil and Beena Patel in brief address assured that they would strive to carry on his task and mission without flinching on the high standard he set in his behavior.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
