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.
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…