Passed away peacefully on August 2nd at home, surrounded by his family.
Jay was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the second of six children. He was a bright and ambitious student who spent his school days studying hard, swimming in the Indian Ocean, and playing competitive cricket — a sport that remained a lifelong passion. In 1957, he moved to England to study Electrical Engineering at the University of London. After graduation, he was recruited by Northern Electric (later Nortel) and immigrated to Ottawa in 1963, where he built both a remarkable 36-year career and a joyful life with his beloved wife, Saroj.
Jay’s work took him across the globe, helping introduce new telecommunication technologies to countries around the world. In his early years, he worked in research and development and was awarded a patent for innovations in signal processing. Later, he helped open Bell Northern Research’s lab in Maidenhead, England, where he and Saroj spent two years with their daughters. Wherever he went, Jay formed close friendships and built community, including a long-standing weekly coffee group with Nortel colleagues known affectionately as the "coffee klatch."
Jay was humble, wise, and deeply kind. He had a playful spirit and delighted in gentle teasing. Though cricket was always his first sporting love — he played competitively well into adulthood — he and Saroj later took up golf together, enjoying rounds on courses in Canada and the US during their early retirement.
He also gave generously of his time and talents to the community. Early in his Ottawa years, Jay helped co-found the Gujarati Cultural Association and the Gujarati School. In retirement, he volunteered for over 20 years at The Old Forge helping seniors complete their tax returns, and tutored elementary school students in math.
Jay loved to travel. Planning the next adventure brought him joy and energy. He and Saroj explored the world together — first with their daughters, later with close friends, and eventually with their granddaughters. He was immensely proud of his daughters and adored his granddaughters, who brought him endless pride and happiness.
Jay is predeceased by his parents, Dayalal and Ansuyaben Bhatt; his sister Chandrabala; and his brother Shrish. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Saroj; his daughters Reena and Maala (Dan); and his granddaughters Lilah and Anna. He will be deeply missed by his siblings — Patu (Nari), Subash (Elizabeth), Kshitu (Rekha) and Nalini (wife of Shrish) — as well as by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Drs. Sabloff, Kupakuwana-Suk and the nurses on 5E from The Ottawa Hospital as well as to Dr. Hacker, the palliative care team and the many friends who supported Jay with love and compassion.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday August 9, 2025, at 10:30am at Beechwood Funeral Home, 280 Beechwood Ave. Arrivals beginning at 9:45am. A reception will follow between 12:00pm-2:00pm at Beechwood Funeral Home, Visitation Suites.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Akhilesh Patel
Tony Marsh
I first met Jay early in 1975. Years before, in the U.K. we had both been students in London, but our paths had never crossed. However, after working in the USA. for six years, I joined Bell Northern Research (BNR) in Ottawa and Jay was one of the friendly people who helped me to adjust to my new surroundings.
It was an exciting time as digital technology and political change were starting to transform the telephony environment. BNR was a hotbed of telecommunications technology and at times the opportunities seemed almost overwhelming. Our working life was often hectic. Fortunately Jay was a calm, accomplished engineer who could see the "big picture" and devise rational solutions to complicated problems. He was always a pleasure to work and share conversations with.
Our careers took us in different directions, and sometimes to different continents, but when we did meet we always used the opportunity to catch up on each other's families and activities. And after we had both retired, together in Ottawa once again, we resumed our interactions at the weekly BNR/Nortel "coffee klatch" sessions. In between solving global problems (without pressure of deadlines for a change)) and sharing gossip and experiences in the technology world, once again I came to know Jay's calm, kind and generous nature.
Jay, we will all miss you.
Karia Family
It can be difficult to find the right words to express our grief at Jayvadan's passing. His contribution to the Gujarati Association and School is still felt today. We are grateful for his example and love for his family, friends and community. May God's presence be with you, Sarojben, Reena and Mala, today and every day you feel grief. Our sympathies to the. Bhatt family. Om Amen!
Sarla, Viren and Mehta family
Dear Sarojben, Maala, Reena and family Jai Swaminara. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on very sad demise of Vadanbhai. He was very calm, bright, intelligent, soft spoken and extremely helpful to the Community. He will be missed dearly. God gives you all strength to bear this huge loss. May his soul rest in peace.
Jai Sairam❤️🙏
Sheetal and Jaideep Gajjar
Sarojmasi, Reena, Mala & Family,
Prayers that may God give you the strength to bear this loss.
Keith and Catherine Hunter
Sincere condolences to this much loved man’s family.
Dearest Saroj Auntie, Reena, Maala and Family,
Jayvadhan Uncle was a kind and gentle soul. He was eloquent, intelligent and always demonstrated a sincere interest in others. His warmth, sincerity and welcoming nature was always palpable. Jayvadhan Uncle will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Saroj Auntie, Reena, Maala and Family. We pray for your comfort and strength as you navigate this difficult time.
Akhilesh, Tannie and Family