Reuben Rohan Kanhai's Obituary
Reuben Rohan Kanhai
1/20/1966 – 12/11/2019
Reuben Rohan Kanhai was born in the Fiji Islands in the city of Suva on January 20th, 1966. He attended Assemblies of God Elementary School, where his father, Shiu Narayan Kanhai, was previously principal. He then attended Marist Brothers High School and graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a Bachelors Degree in Property and Land Management. Subsequently, he joined the teaching profession like his parents, and taught English literature at Balentine High School. He migrated to America in 1990, to join his mother and siblings. While working in the automotive industry, he obtained his license to fly as a private pilot. He then pursued his career in Real Estate and eventually became a broker and started Highland Realty & Mortgage. He was constantly being recognized as a high achiever in everything he did. According to one of his best friends, Ashween, “He was known for opening th4e bonnet of every car he touched.” Unlike most humans, Reuben did not gravitate toward the known. He was open to new experiences and new people. As he knew more and more people, he never ran out of the time, patience, or love to be sensitive to their needs and feelings no matter who they were. He always made the most out of whatever we had, with unparalleled empathy. While we was licensed in multiple professions, his technical skills in almost anything he put his mind to was beyond comprehension. Moving on to his personal life, at the age of 36, he met Varsha Patel. Despite being someone who many admired, he chose Varsha's strong, never-bored, go getter attitude and found his purpose and happiness. Three years later, they were starting their amazing marriage together. Always together, they grew personally and professionally, going above and beyond as members of their family and community. On July 12th, 2004, they were blessed with an amazing son, Rohan Patel Kanhai. Reuben was an amazing role model, teacher, and leader among so many other vital roles he played in our lives. His legacy is survived by his wife, Varsha; sons, Rohan and Sagar; brothers, Benjamin and Shimon; sisters, Beulah and Debra; mother-in-law, Chanchal; and mother, Madhavi.
What’s your fondest memory of Reuben?
What’s a lesson you learned from Reuben?
Share a story where Reuben's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Reuben you’ll never forget.
How did Reuben make you smile?
