Balvant “Bal” M. Patel, 59, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Monday, January 7, 2019. He was born on June 1, 1959 in Tundi, Gujarat, India, the son of Manibhai V. and Gajaraben M. Patel. He moved to North America, spending time living in Vancouver BC, Canada and New Jersey, and then moving to Sweet Home in 1989 when he bought the Porta Via Motel and changed the name to Sweet Home Inn.

He enjoyed playing volleyball and watching sports, especially Blazers basketball and cricket, for which he rooted for Team India. He also supported and cheered for Oregon State University Athletics. He and his wife, Lina, loved watching Bollywood films together.

Bal is survived by his wife, Lina, of Sweet Home; sons Ronak Patel and his wife, Sefali, of Walnut Creek, CA, and Ravi Patel of Sweet Home; and grandchildren Reyan and Surani of Walnut Creek, CA.

A celebration of his life will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 9, at St. Helen Catholic Church. Send-off blessings/viewing will follow the celebration. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Balvant’s name be sent to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, 4600 Evergreen St., Albany, OR 97321.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.