Ishver Chhana Patel

Mr. Ishver Chhana Patel, age 68, of Kennesaw passed away June 5, 2016. A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2016 in the Chapel of West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory, Marietta. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 10 from 5 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home.

Ishver Patel was born in Rahej, India on December 21, 1947 to Chhanabhai and Maniben Patel. Ishver was the 3rd sibling of 4: Godavri, Jasu, himself, and Manu. Being born into a farming family, he learned early the importance of sacrifice for his family as he started working at the age of 10. Despite circumstances, he had unshaken faith that he was meant for more. By focusing on academics and self-improvement, he put himself through college and earned a degree in Accounting.

Ishver had several dreams, getting married, going to America, having children, owning a business, owning his own home and sending his children to college. Each of his dreams came true showing that he had a full and wonderful life. In September 1973, he married Ranjan Patel, a nurse and exactly a year later, they had a daughter, Shilpa. In July 1975, they arrived in America with five dollars and a dedication to make a better life for their family. Ishver and Ranjan humbly accepted jobs in factories until better opportunities arose. In 1977, the family moved to Grundy, Virginia where both worked at the local hospital. Ishver was a lab technician and Ranjan was a nurse. In 1979, they had a son, Shetul. In 1987, he moved to Marietta, Georgia where he became a small business owner, which thrived for over 10 years. During this time, Ishver and Ranjan purchased a home in Kennesaw, Georgia, and sent their children to college, and eventually to law and medical school, respectively. Ishver retired in 2009, and filled his life with activities he loved.

In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, cooking, travelling, exercise/fitness, following the stock market, staying current on world news and being an active member in his temple. During his travels, he visited various U.S. and Canadian cities, Mexico, Dominican Republic, St. Maarten, Hawaii and India. For the last few years, he devoted his time and life to the Sai Baba and Dadabhagan, helping with events, attending national conventions and serving the community.

Ishver took great care of his health - exercising daily, eating organic fruits and veggies from his garden, juicing, spiritual meditation and active religious practices. He remained medication free for this entire life. However, his life course was abruptly changed on April 6th, 2016 when he suffered from a heart attack. His previous state of health aided in saving him from the initial attack.

However, complications from the event led to an incredible two month fight for his life. Throughout this process, doctors called him a miracle as he overcame many impossible obstacles. His smile, laughter, strength and positive attitude inspired so many, including family, friends, doctors, nurses and staff. He passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. His finals days can best be summed up by the words of Mahatma Gandhi......"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop our strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."

He is survived by his wife, Ranjan, daughter, Shilpa, son and daughter-in-law, Shetul and Neelema, grand-pets, Jaxon and Dutchess, as well as his entire family and friends. He will be truly and forever missed. His charisma, love, devotion, humble nature, strength and passion will continue to inspire us. Like in life, we know he will continue to watch over his family and friends. Ishver Patel - my husband, our dad, our brother, our uncle, our friend - your journey and dreams do not end here; they will be carried on by us, your loved ones. May your soul rest in peace!