Road rage victim 'touched our lives', funeral told

Chandrakant (L) and Suryakant 'George' Patel carry the coffin of their father Jasmatbhai. Photo / Herald on Sunday

As the family placed flowers at the funeral of a 78-year-old road-rage victim, his grieving friends said they thought he would go on forever.

"Society can't understand this violence that's going on," said Thakor Parbhu, a close friend of Jasmatbhai Pancha Patel since Patel arrived in New Zealand in 1970.

Patel's family and friends buried their father, grandfather and friend yesterday. Patel, a father of two and grandfather of five, died in Auckland City Hospital on Thursday. He never regained consciousness after being dragged from his van and beaten on a busy street.

Unitec student Bio O'Brien, 27, appeared in the Auckland District Court on Thursday charged with assault.

About 150 mourners packed the Waikumete Cemetery chapel for the service yesterday, many having to stand outside. Much of the service, which included traditional song and prayer, was held in Hindi. The family carried flowers, which they placed on the coffin at the end of the service.

Granddaughter Gita Patel remembered her grandfather as "loving and caring" before adding that the family would always remember him. "This is not a final farewell."

Giteo Patel, a neighbour and close family friend, said Patel was like an uncle to him. "He was the kindest and most generous person I have come to know. He touched our lives with his love and kindness. We will miss you always, God bless him."

After the service Thakor Parbhu said he was a "trustworthy, reliable and honourable man. The family are saddened and upset that this could happen to an old man. He was healthy - we thought he would go on forever."

Parbhu said Patel worked hard all his life, and built a house for each of his sons so they could live nearby. Patel followed his sons Suryakant "George" Patel and Chandrakant Patel to New Zealand in the 1970s.