Madhukumar Samalbhai Patel Obituary (1949 - 2021)

Madhukumar Patel, 71, passed away on September 20th 2021. Born in a small town in Kenya, Madhu was the eighth of nine siblings. He moved to India in his childhood and grew up in Gujurat, India where he studied to eventually become a Pharmacist. He was an astute student with a hard work ethic, something that he embodied throughout his life. He then moved to London, England with his wife; Nalini to work in the pharmaceutical trade. His business ambitions grew over the years where he partnered up with his brother to start several commercial businesses including a convenience store and a clothing store. He worked relentlessly to support his wife, son and daughter, often working seven days a week and more than 12 hours a day. After 20 years of working in London, he decided to move into the hospitality business in the US; no mean feat for a man of his age. He initially based himself in Roseburg, Oregon before expanding across the state. After eight years of operating hotels in Oregon his final journey brought him to Wickenburg, Arizona with his wife Nalini. He intended to semi-retire and operate the Best Western Rancho Grande. However, his semi-retirement was thwarted as the hotel prospered and business picked up after a successful renovation to the 78 room hotel. He spent 6 years in Wickenburg and embraced himself into the town and the chamber where he became a vocal member of the group with help of his General Manager Debra. It was very much the case of Cowboys and Indians, although this time they were working with one another. Unfortunately, over the last year his health took a turn for the worse, where he was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease. He passed peacefully in his sleep and in no pain. His family wish to hold an open memorial service at the Best Western Rancho Grande on Friday 1st October at 1pm. The family are currently liaising with a charity that specializes in the rare disease that he suffered from. They request donations to be made in lieu of flowers. Details will be provided at the memorial.