Dr. Ratilal "Rati" Nathalal Jethwa , 68, a long-time Minot physician passed away on the evening of October 6, 2015 in Rochester, MN, comforted by his family.

Rati was born on March 9, 1947 in Moshi, Tanzania and grew up in Arusha, Tanzania. He graduated from Calicut Medical College in Kerala, India in 1974 and subsequently completed his residency at Wakefield Clinic in Yorkshire, England. He moved to Minot in 1982 and completed his second residency in family medicine at the University of North Dakota Family Practice Center. He practiced family medicine and emergency medicine in Minot since that time and served as a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He became the District Health Officer at the First District Health Unit in 1986.

He met his wife, Diane, at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, in Blackburn, England in 1975. They were married on November 30, 1984 in Blackburn. They have three children: Ashok, Krishan, and Anjuli. His passions included practicing medicine, caring for his patients, cooking, playing soccer and tennis, fishing, and spending time with his family. He looked forward to the World Cup every four years and watched every match. He enjoyed fishing at Lake Darling in the summertime and taking frequent trips to Florida.

His patients, friends, and family often describe him as a hard working, compassionate, and caring man. He was devoted to his family, friends, and patients. His laugh will always resonate in our ears along with visions of him wearing his favorite purple shirt. We are deeply saddened by his passing, but memories of him will forever be carried within our heart.

Rati is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Ashok, Minneapolis, MN, and Krishan, Rochester, MN; daughter, Anjuli, Lansford, ND; brothers, Bhikhu, Tampa, FL, Jagdish, Tampa, FL, Manji, St. Petersburg, FL, Chandra, London, England; sisters, Hira, London, England, Uma, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

He is preceded in death by his father, Nathalal; mother, Rhamba; and sister, Lila.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in Trinity Homes Chapel, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, October 15, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Trinity Health Foundation, PO Box 5020, Minot, ND 58702-5020.