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.
Livre de visiteurs
Amrish and Smita Patel
Ramesh and Mangala Badiani
To Sarojben and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on passing of Jayvadanbhai. My God grant him peace; and strength to you and family to go through the difficult time.
Subhash
My dearest brother the bond we shared wasn’t just just in blood it was laughter echoing in every corner, the comfort knowing you were there. Loosing you feels like loosing part of our own family story.
Thank you for being our brother. Thank you for being you.
Rich Gelder
Very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Bhatt. What a life well lived. My thoughts are with his family.
Kiritkumar Vyas
🙏🏻🕉️
Girish Patel
Jai Shree Krishna Dear Sarojben, Reena, Maala and the Bhatt family,
Our deepest sympathies on the passing away of our dear Vadanbhai. As we mourn the loss of a calm, gentle, soft spoken, intellectual friend and neighbour, we also celebrate a life well lived. It was a privilege to have known Vadanbhai over the past 45 years, beginning with him and Girish being on the inaugural Executive Committee of the Gujarati Cultural Association of Ottawa in 1980, and subsequently being neighbours. Apart from his professional career accomplishments, Vadanbhai has contributed a lot to the betterment of the local community, both Gujarati and at large. He was the coordinator of Vidhya Kunj Gujurati Language Classes (1979 - 1982), and together with Sarojben assisted many international students adjust to life in Ottawa. We highly appreciate Vadanbhai’s support for our community. We will cherish Vadanbhai’s soft smile, unique sense of humour, and helping nature.
Our prayers are to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, for Vadanbhai’s soul to rest in peace in Bhagwan’s abode in Akshardham.
Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
Girish and Kalpana Patel
Meeta and Ajay Manek
To dear Saroj Aunty, Reena, Maala and family
Jai Shree Krishna.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on Uncle’s passing. May God be with him on his onward journey and May God give you all strength during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Kshitij
You loved a long fulfilling life and your spirit will live in our hearts forever. I was heartbroken to hear of your passing. The loss of a brother, no matter the age, is deeply profound. Your long rewarding journey has left a legacy of strength and perseverance. I’ll miss you.
Vinubhai Patel
Jay Swaminarayan,
Sarojben, Rina, Maala and Family,
We will miss, kind, bright and helpful person,.,May God give him peaceful Abode and you to get strength to deal with the situation.
Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.
Laurie Plotnick
Dear Maala, Dan and Family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. May the memories of the wonderful times you spent with him bring you some comfort and strength. Sending you a hug.
Jai Swaminarayan.
Jayvadanbhai was a gentle, kind and bright soul. He had positive influence on me both personally and professionally as he had on many at BNR/Nortel. His calm demeanour, ever helping nature, gentle humour and bright smile will ever be etched in our memories.
He will be missed and remembered by all who had fortune to know him. May his soul rest in peace. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for strength to Sarojben, Maala, Reena, family and friends.
Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
Smita and Amrish