CHELMSFORD - Ratan Lal Bhatia, 100, a long-time resident of Chelmsford, MA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

He was born in Kharar, Punjab, India, son of Karam Chand Bhatia and Beji. Educated in Ambala and then Lahore, he earned his master's degree in English and a diploma in journalism. He was a high school teacher, principal, and author of several books. He moved to Canada in 1984 to help his older daughter raise her children and then to the United States in 1992. He naturalized in each country, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2004. For years, he worked at his daughter's pediatrics practice and was affectionately known by his fellow employees as "Dad." He retired in November, shortly after his 100th birthday.

Mr. Bhatia was a direct disciple of Maharaj Mangat Ram (Maharaji). Mr. Bhatia lived a life of simplicity and engaged in hours of meditation each day. He was the founding editor of Samta Darpan, a spiritual magazine for which he wrote editorials for over 50 years. He compiled Maharaji's works over the years and wrote a biography of his guru. He regularly wrote original poetry and could recite classics from memory, all the way to his final days.

He enjoyed the outdoors, Jeopardy!, suspenseful TV dramas, and, always, a hot cup of tea.

Mr. Bhatia's loving wife and life partner of 69 years, Vimla Bhatia, passed away seven weeks ago. They were predeceased by their infant son Kaka and daughter Renu.

Mr. Bhatia is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Dr. Rekha Bains of Chelmsford and Nalini and Dr. Ravindra Malhotra of Mansfield, Ohio; his grandchildren and their spouses, Geetanjali and Rishi Sondhi, Chiraag Bains and Tara Ramchandani, Deepika and Dr. Sundeep Shukla, Prianka Malhotra, and Pavan Niel Malhotra; five great-grandchildren, Millan Sondhi, Roopa and Vaasu Bains, and Deven and Riya Shukla; and many nieces and nephews. His family, who called him "Papa Ji," miss him dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service Saturday, January 4th, at 9:00 AM in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01835. Cremation will be private and at the convenience of his family. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent by mail to these organizations:

High Pointe House Hospice and Palliative Care Residence 360 North Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830 (978) 377-9100 https://www.homehealthfoundation.org/for-patients/hospice-care/high-pointe-house/ Donate online: https://www.homehealthfoundation.org/donate/

Sangat Samtavad USA c/o Dr. Ashok Gupta 1680 Hero Way, Apt. 2203 Leander, TX 78641 (512) 456-0413 Tax ID 83-2183907

Please specify "Memorial Donation in Honor of Mr. Ratan Lal Bhatia."