Girish Narayan Raval

Sunrise:1942 – Sunset:2020

The Raval and Acharya families sadly announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Girish Narayan Raval, at his home in London on March 27, 2020.

Cherished husband of Meena (over 52 years), beloved father to Deven (Asha), Nishma (Sunil Acharya) and loving grandfather to Anjalina, Shailen, Samir, and Viraj. Adoptive father to Cecil G Miller (Amina Miller) and grandfather to Rowan, Samira, Dylan and Rania Miller. He will be immensely missed by his extended family, many friends and colleagues.

Born in Nairobi, Kenya on 16th November 1942, Girish moved his family to London, England in 1973, where he founded GJ Traders, a supplier of custom attire to clients worldwide. Anyone that knew Girish, would know that he was a loyal, avid and vocal supporter of his country of birth. Visiting often over the years and being a founding member of the Kenya Society in London, since its inception in 1989. He was most recently awarded the esteemed position of Vice Patron, for his outstanding and exceptional contributions to the Kenyan Society. Girish was a very social and gregarious man, enjoying helping where he could, which included since his retirement becoming an active member of the Rotary Club of Westminster – West. He held the role of both President and Treasurer on numerous occasions. were he actively encouraged and thrived in helping, coaching and mentoring others through amazing charity events, fund raisers and active dialog.

Girish was a man of impeccable style; he would usually be one of the best dressed men in the room. He took immense pride in his appearance, down to the matching ties and pocket square he wore, to his cufflinks and always shiny, polished shoes. His presence would always fill the room during gatherings. He loved cricket and very much enjoyed rallying, having been involved with NISMO and the East African Safari Rally through the years. He had a great sense of humour and his source of joy was always joking with his grandchildren. His eyes would light up and a smile would take over his face, when seeing or speaking to anyone of them. His legacy will continue through them.

As quoted from the Bhagavad Gita: “For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time…. he is unborn, eternal, ever existing and primeval”. As his soul continues its journey to the Divine, and we say farewell, let us remember the joy he brought to our lives and cherish he memories he has left behind.

Om Shanti Om