Satish Kumar Saroj

PLATTSBURGH -- Satish Kumar Saroj of Plattsburgh, died on Feb. 25, 2008, at CVPH Medical Center. He was born in Kuchesar, India, Jan. 15, 1929.
As a young man he joined the British Army in India, later to become the Indian Army after its independence. He spent 14 years in the military and earned the rank of Colonel. His assignments included a Military Attaché to the Consulate of Tibet, a cryptographic appointment to the Indochina Peace Commission in Vietnam and the UN Indian Contingent for the Suez Canal crisis.
While serving in the Army, he began his higher education and obtained degrees in Education and English. Throughout his career, he studied and received various degrees from the following countries; India, Ireland, Russia, England, Sweden and Norway. Ultimately, he received a PHD in Clinical Psychology in 1971 from the University of Wisconsin and completed post-doctoral work in neuro-psychology from Texas A&M (formerly East Texas State University).
Satish also taught at several universities in Europe, Canada and the United States (including SUNY Plattsburgh). Later, Satish devoted his career as a clinical psychologist and worked for 10 years as the chief psychologist for the Oklahoma State Mental Hospital before opening a private practice in Plattsburgh.
Satish was an avid traveler in his younger years and traveled to 42 countries and lived in 18 for six months or longer. Satish was also an avid mountain climber and while stationed with the Army in the Himalayas, he climbed extensively with Tenzing Norgay and climbed 19,000 feet of Mt. Everest.
Satish enjoyed reading, extensively on world matters and enjoyed writing. Satish had several poetry publications in India and currently has a novel in the final stages of publication.
Satish married the love of his life, Karen Perry in 1975 and devoted the last 33 years to her and their family. He is survived by his daughter, Maya of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; a son, Paul of Brandon, Fla., a son, Christopher; a daughter, Monica; and a grandson, Riley of Plattsburgh.
Most importantly, Satish's family and loved ones would like him to be remembered as the best father and husband that anyone could ask for.
His entire life was selflessly focused on his family. Satish was also loved and respected by his extended family and friends through relationships cultivated over the years.
Calling hours will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Brown's Funeral Home, 29 Broad St in Plattsburgh.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cumberland Head Fire Dept.