Bhagi Rathi

BHAGI RATHI was 91years aka/ Manilal and was born January 3, 1933 Raki Raki Fiji Islands. He’s the youngest sibling of six brothers and two sisters. He was of the first generation of colonial migrant children born in FIJI Islands. His father Adhari (Girmitya) was born in Basti India and from there he migrated to Fiji in 1906 by colonial ship “INDUS 1906”. He passed away on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at the age of 91. He was preceded in death by seven siblings (Ram Khelawan, Shiu Ram, Shiu Prasad, Algu Prasad, Ram Jattan, Raj Pati and Raj Kali). Bhagi was a Sugar Cane farmer, a professional tailor and worked at Coleman Company for over 20 years from where he eventually retired. Bhagi was very special and loved by many. In 1957 he married Deomati, they were married for 64 years. Soon thereafter they welcomed their first born son, Mahendra. Three more children were to follow, their Son Satendra, their daughter Shakuntala and their son, Jitendra. Bhagi and Deomati were invited by her brother, the late Shiu Shankar to come to the United States back in 1976 (48 years ago). They made the choice to move to the United States motivated by the chance to give their children a better life and more opportunities. For the past 48 years Wichita, Kansas was his home. He felt blessed with the expansion to his family which included three daughters-in-law, Sharin (Satendra), Monica (Mahendra) and Susan (Jitendra), all of Wichita Kansas. A son in law, Ramesh (Shakuntala) of California. He welcomed his grandchildren: Chrishnita, Sandeep, Krisneil, Simon, Micah, Cierra, Sheryl and Jaden, followed by five great grandchildren: Sophia, Elliot, Maya, Samyra, Layla and one granddaughter to be. He was a loving and capable father who took great pleasure in caring for his children and watching his children grow into adults. His home was open to all. He knew no strangers. Bhagi loved to fish especially when he lived in Fiji where he also owned a fishing boat and was a very good fisherman which he was happy to let everyone know about. Raising a garden was also a great love for Bhagi, of course, he would use the produce from his garden for wonderful meals. At 91 years old our father had a full life. He knew what was truly important in life and that was his family and close friends. He loved to help everyone and that’s how he will be remembered by many as someone who was happy to lend a helping hand or provide some sort of financial assistance when needed. Many fond memories no doubt will come to mind and put a smile on your face whenever you think of Bhagi Rathi. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him but he will never be forgotten! Visitations will be from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 30, 2024, and from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Sunday, March 31, both at Downing & Lahey. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, April 1, 2024, also at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.