Dr. Varanasi Rama Murthy

Rama and I were both "isotope geochemists", and consequently our paths crossed erratically and unpredictably. There was nevertheless always a "strange attractor" sense to it all. I used to be a pipe smoker way back when, and I actually first met Rama by smelling the wonderful scent of Dunhill pipe tobacco (London Mix, my brand also), and following it to the source! During the Apollo Missions, with the geochemical community going absolutely nuts, I loved the way Rama could stay centered, relaxed, gentle-spirited and, remarkably, a gentleman. That is always the first vision that arises when Rama comes to mind.
Rama, I will not forget your spirit - and I do hope you are now learning more, first hand, how all these isotopes were created! Tell me, when next our paths may cross -
Stan Hart

Dear Papa,

I will always cherish our somewhat non-traditional(by Indian standards anyway) father-in-law/daughter-law relationship.

Here are just some of the many things I will miss about you-

I will miss sharing a good(usually a great)bottle of wine with you.
I will miss cheering Djokovic on while watching a grand slam on TV with you.
I will miss learning from you though engaging conversations about the earth, space and our universe.
I will miss you telling amusing stories about Aanand and Katya"s childhood.
I will miss watching you read to Valen.
And of course, I will miss having you just a phone call away when I need your invaluable advice.

But every time I miss you, I will tell myself the same thing I tell Valen....although we don't see you anymore, we just have to look at the brightest star in the sky and know that you will always be with us....watching us and blessing us from far above.
You had a remarkable life and will be greatly missed...but will live on in our hearts forever.
We love you very, very much.
Vandana and Valen

Ramam was the inspiration for my decision that I made in my high school years to come to America I can never forget the picture that he sent home standing well dressed next to his big long car ( I think he was still at Yale then) I still remember the day one Sunday morning in medical school hostel when one of my friends came running to my room telling me that Ramam was one of the 140 scientists all over the world to be selected to analyze Moon rocks from
Apollo 11 mission. I ran to our library to read the Span Magazine with excitement. Sita and I became closer to him after his 60th birthday party in Seattle when all our brothers met. Sita loved his way of telling a story. We had such a laughter when he told us about the VIP dinner in China, Thanksgiving dinner at his professor's house when he was a Grad student and so many others. I miss his wit, charm and sophistication He is in a better place smiling and laughing, may be telling stories to angels. No pain No stress !!

Dear Ramam Pedananna,

When I look back at the time we spent in the US, one of the first things that comes to my mind is our wonderful stay at Minnesota with you. The chrismtas we spent together and the good times we shared are all memories I cherish deeply. Thank you for being such a lovely father figure to Vamsi and me, thank you for making all the time spent with you so unique and memorable . Essentially, all I'm saying is, thank you for being you.
Love and miss you.

-Vinay Varanasi

Dear Ramam Peddanannagaru,
You are one of the most inspiring and knowledgeable people I've known, and I am so proud to be your niece. I loved our discussions about music, and I thank you for all of the wonderful CDs you've given me and the Spotify playlists that you've shared. I think of you whenever I listen to the CD of Hilary Hahn playing Bach sonatas. I will always remember you as a loving and jovial person who inspired many people with your great accomplishments.