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BORN
1940
DIED
2015
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Prakash Desai Obituary
Prakash N. Desai, M.D., age 74, resident of Oak Park, former longtime resident of River Forest, passed away January 5, 2015. Beloved husband of Alice, nee Meara; loving father of Reshma (Barb Sessler) and Natasha (Matthew Solomon) Desai; proud Daji of Sophia Desai and Huck and Tuesday Solomon; dear brother to nine siblings and fond uncle of many. Prakash will be missed greatly by his countless friends and colleagues. He served as chief of staff at the West Side V.A. and as a professor of psychiatry at University of Illinois Chicago Medical School. Memorial visitation Saturday January 17th from 1 PM to 3 PM with Memorial Services beginning 3 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 W. Cermak Rd., Forest Park. Cremation rites held privately at Woodlawn Crematory, scattering to take place in India. In lieu of flowers, memorials to; Apna Ghar Inc., 4350 North Broadway Street, Chicago, IL 60613, or Indo American Center, 6328 North California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60659, are appreciated. Info: 708-442-8500, or www.woodlawnchicago.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Prakash Desai
January 27, 2016
Dr. Desai was my therapist in the 1970s. I always felt to fortunate to have found him at such a critical juncture in my life. he was so important in helping me find out who I was and who I came to be. He has always been with me in spirit.
Seeing the video of that wonderful smile brought back so many memories.
I was so surprised to learn of his death a year after. He was too young.
Bhadrayu and Anjani Mehta
Bhadrayu Mehta
February 5, 2015
Prakash was my Rosary High School friend and relative. He helped my wife get best treatment above HMO and advised my son for his career. He was a great humanitarian and advocate of Hindu Religion. I will miss him.
Al Collins
January 27, 2015
Two months before he passed, Prakash asked me to select a few verses from the Upanishads for his memorial. This guest book is the best I can do, but here they are, old friend and co-author.
(the great Sage Yajnavalkya speaking to his wife Maitreyi in the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad:)
"For where there seems to be duality, one smells another, one sees another, one hears another, one speaks to another, one understands another. But where everything has become his Self, then by what and whom should he smell, see, or hear? To whom and how should he speak? What and how should he think? What and how should he understand? By what should one know that by which all this is known? By what, my dear, should one know the Knower?" (yatra tv asya sarvam atmaivabhut. . . vijnataram are kena vijaniyad?).
Al Collins, Ph.D.
January 22, 2015
Prakash has always been a very close and dear friend of mine. He was always ready to help my family and my self when we needed.I valued his kindness, generosity and caring personality.
I had known him for more than 50 years. I will always treasure fond memories of Prakash.
I miss you a lot.
Sulu Trivedi
January 20, 2015
Dr. Prakash Desai was a great advocate for veteran patients and represented the University of Illinois medical school with vision and integrity. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to his Family, colleagues,
and friends.
Dr. Ray Zeiss
Emeritus Professor of Medicine
Feinberg Northwestern
Kim Rogers
January 19, 2015
I have such fond memories of Prakash cooking for our family in the 70's when we lived in Hyde Park. He would come over with his tins of spices and make the most amazing meals. I was in junior high and had never eaten Indian food before, nor had I ever seen a man cook. Prakash's food was a culinary revolution and I would eat his spicy potatoes until I cried. He would offer cucumbers in yogurt to soothe my burning mouth. I loved Prakash's visits, and will always remember his wonderful laugh and twinkling eyes.
Alex Marshall
January 18, 2015
I am so glad to have known Prakash. He was a loving father, uncle and role model to me. He had a great sense of humor, a beautiful voice, and was so interesting to speak to. I'm so glad my daughter Stella and wife Amy had the chance to meet you Prakash. I miss you greatly. I love you!
niklas Papadopoulos
January 17, 2015
It is with great sadness of my learning of his passing. My condolences to his family.
I met Dr. Desai in June of 1988 during my internship in SWS and Psychiatry. From the first moment I met him ,he provided great respect to me as a student and later as a professional, especial to our profession-Social Work. I learned a lot as a student and then he was a mentor. Since his retirement and now with his passing ,I truly respect him even more.He kept the VA hospital a peaceful place. My thoughts are with your family. Niklas Papapdopoulos
Amal Trivedi
January 17, 2015
I am so saddened to hear about Prakash Uncle. He was an amazing person and a dear friend to our family. His friendship with my mom and dad spanned many decades.
There are many fond memories that I have of Prakash Uncle. I will always remember his unique wit, his zest for life, the love he had for his family, and his brilliant mind.
He was an important presence and source of support for my family during moments of joy and sorrow. We will miss him dearly.
Ashish Sen
January 17, 2015
Prakash was thinking of how to help you even before you asked – even before you knew you needed help. And he helped me in so many different ways. And I will never forget the lunches we had, all the beautiful conversations, his sense of humor. I will miss him very much.
Donald K Wood
January 17, 2015
Dr Desai will be remembered by myself and many others as a kind and gentle man. His sensitive presence was calming to those who were upset, his intelligent insights were guides along a bumpy road and his friendship was unconditional. I had the privilege of working with and for him in caring for the veterans of Chicago and he made the experience of doing so rewarding and assured of the highest quality possible. Professionally and personally I have lost an honored friend and colleague.
Ann Bulmash Selin
January 16, 2015
Dr. Desai was always so respectful of my profession, speech language pathology. While we worked together at Jesse brown VA, he demonstrated much generosity as he assisted me in attendance of many professional educational activities that I know improved my my ability to help our veterans. Dr Desai's sincere respect for his patients and colleagues certainly improved the quality of the lives of all the patients he treated and all the physicians he trained. He left us all, too soon. May his name be for a blessing.
John DeNardo
January 16, 2015
It was an honor and pleasure to work with Prakash over the years at West Side VA Hospital and the University of Illinois. He was insightful and wise and provided me essential guidance through many challenging times. But he was also kind, caring and had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed.
Philip Woollcott
January 16, 2015
Prakash and I were friends and colleagues from 1979 when I arrived at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and even after I retired in 2004 to Northern Michigan we would get together for meals and share ideas. We met weekly to discuss ideas, especially relationship between cultures. We published two papers jointly, and used our meetings for clinical problem-solving. He visited our cabins in northern Michigan, and my wife, Trisha, and I have visited he and Alice on our visits to Chicago. We shared a monthly meeting with colleagues at the University of Illinois for several years. In addition to being a stimulating professional colleague, Prakash was one of my best friends over the years, and I will sorely miss him. He has been courageous living with cancer during his last months.
During my last visit a few months ago, after the insertion of the feeding tube in his stomach we had an exchange I wish to report that is typical of his spirit. We usually went to an Indian restaurant when I visited, and when I greeted him he was in his usual good spirits, indicating it was time to go to the restaurant. I said " you don't want to go for a meal when you can't eat". But he gave his big smile and said he loved to watch his friends eat! It was an indication to me of what a joy he took in friendship.
January 16, 2015
Prakashbhai was my friend, philosopher and guide. I was always in awe of my older brother. I felt so proud to be called his sister – he was so famous and popular. At a young age, I was introduced to many intellectual ideas owing to the various discussions Prakashbhai and his friends had at home revolving around many themes political, social, cultural. There would be debate competitions, public speeches, poetry sessions we would all attend with him. He was popular with everyone-be it my parents'friends, older relatives, his own wide group, my friends, intellectuals, scholars and people from all walks of life- everyone wanted to see him, even till this date whether during his time in India or during his short visits later on. He won everyone's heart and always had sometime for each one. . To us, his visit every winter was like a festival because the house would come alive.
Whether it was my professional or personal life, I always sought his advice. So did all my friends and even later if a colleague had a problem, they would seek help and he would be so happy to help or sometimes just lend an earAs accomplished he was as a professional and inspite of having an illustrious and busy career, he was extremely devoted to his family and worked towards bringing everyone together throughout his life.
rekha desai
January 16, 2015
Prakashbhai was my friend, philosopher and guide. I was always in awe of my older brother. I felt so proud to be called his sister – he was so famous and popular. At a young age, I was introduced to many intellectual ideas owing to the various discussions Prakashbhai and his friends had at home revolving around many themes political, social, cultural. There would be debate competitions, public speeches, poetry sessions we would all attend with him. He was popular with everyone-be it my parents'friends, older relatives, his own wide group, my friends, intellectuals, scholars and people from all walks of life- everyone wanted to see him, even till this date whether during his time in India or during his short visits later on. He won everyone's heart and always had sometime for each one. . To us, his visit every winter was like a festival because the house would come alive.
Whether it was my professional or personal life, I always sought his advice. So did all my friends and even later if a colleague had a problem, they would seek help and he would be so happy to help or sometimes just lend an earAs accomplished he was as a professional and inspite of having an illustrious and busy career, he was extremely devoted to his family and worked towards bringing everyone together throughout his life.
prerana vaidya
January 16, 2015
Prerana Desai Vaidya(sister)
Prakashbhai was older to me by 10 years and about 13 years ahead in school. To me, he was a parent figure who nurtured every aspect of my life. I called him Pabhai: he was an important figure in my life even before I learnt to speak. He pampered me. From the time I was a baby, he would take me on his cycle to all the cultural events he was participating in-debates, public talks, plays. I got to meet eminent people like the Vice-chancellor-Smt. Hansaben Mehta as a small child because of my accomplished older brother.
He also encouraged me to perform impromptu on stage and then also asked his friends who knew dance to teach me. My love for the stage and classical dance was nurtured by him.
The incident that etched very clearly in my mind is when I got diphtheria when I was 11-it was Pabhai who made the diagnosis and saved my life. He stayed awake an entire night by my bedside as I was running a high fever and in the morning got me admitted to his university hospital.
Our bond remained as strong through the years inspite of the distance, he was always there for me. I always looked forward to his visits. My brother made the world a better place. When he became ill, all I wanted was to make him better and would leave no stone unturned when he came to India and constantly wanted to find that magical cure for my brother. I wish I could have.
rajesh desai
January 16, 2015
Rajesh N. Desai (brother)I knew Prakash, more than a brother and a friend as a psychiatrist. I was very close tp him and he was my confidante. He knew my most intimate details and problems. He was very helpful to me as a doctor and he helped me get over my problems and lead my life successfully. I have lost a friend, a brother a confidante, Prakashbhai was eight years older to me. Growing up, there was always a distance between us because of the age difference. It was in the summer of 2013, I stayed with him in Chicago and we travelled across the U.S, and we became best friends. It was only after we became best friends he passed away.
Ambarish Shastri
January 16, 2015
Prakash was a darling of the family. he had wide and deep interests in varieties of subjects and people, and was full of life
Biniti Trivedi
January 16, 2015
Prakashmama, my memories of him are those of a man full of life and love for his family. What struck me most was his positive thinking even when in lot of pain.
Prakashmama, we will always remember you and miss you!
Ruwan and Manasa Perera
January 16, 2015
Rest in peace Prakash Kaka. You were an integral part of my move to Chicago and I thank you immensely for that. You will be missed.
Tejal Chinoy
January 15, 2015
They say a person is alive as long as someone remembers their face, their words, or their work. We will always remember Prakash mama as a loving, generous, thoughtful and intelligent man with a great sense of humor who lived his life to the fullest. He enriched our lives by his presence and we will never forget him. He will be in our hearts forever!
Love,
Tejal & Bilal
Pranav Desai
January 15, 2015
At this moment, the Desai family is struggling hard to fill the deep void created by the passing away of their beloved brother Prakashbhai by his fond memories. Prakashbhai will always be remembered for his profound sincerity towards family responsibilities, his profession and ideological commitments. Prakashbhai, as an elder brother, was twelve years older to me. As a toddler, he extended his arms to make me learn walk, talk and play. He left India for USA while I was twelve years old. The physical distance never mattered for the loving care and his concern for his younger sibling. I remember the festivities while he would visit us in India or even make a phone call. Later as a grown-up person, I had an opportunity to be with him while I stayed with him in Chicago and several short visits thereafter. With his sharp sense of observation, he took care of my smallest comforts. I was able to confide in him more like a friend by then. He always helped me at all stages in my life and carreer and guideded and inspired me in my intellectual pursuits. Me and my wife Ona have very fond memories of the times we shared with Prakashbhai and Alicebhabhi and my nieces Reshma and Natasha.
Munish Alagh
January 15, 2015
Munish Alaghs reflections on Prakash Desai
To me Prakash Desai was not just an uncle but: an institution and, in some ways, a second father. I connected with him at various levels, cultural, personal and celebral. We shared various interests: food, cricket, politics et al. He used to not eat as heartily as me but took vicarious pleasure in my eating adding a note of caution about weight. Prakash Desai had long discussions with me often on wide ranging topics, I inherited my sharpness in logic from him and my Brahmanical intuition/genius was in much measure his contribution to my DNA. I always cherished my association with him and will miss him heartily, I know he treasures the fact that in Tasha, Reshu, Tashu, me, Rima and the rest of the extended Desai clan he has left boundless positive energy which will continue through the coming generations…..Such men do not die, their soul lives forever…..
Kosha bhatt
January 15, 2015
I will always remember you for your warmth, love, kindness and positivity towards life. Prakashkaka you were our mentor you will stay in our hearts forever. You will surely be missed . Lots of love
Kosha and Spandan
Yoginder Alagh
January 15, 2015
Remembering Prakash Navinkant Desai
Yoginder.K.Alagh
I had known Prakash many years before I met his sister Raksha in the US, courted and married her. We were then close relatives but our relationship for a lifetime carried that elusive quality of a friendship cemented in the days of youth. Prakash went in for a medical education but he was at heart an intensely social being. He belonged to a group of well known Indian intellectuals, who were influenced by the Radical Humanist M.N.Roy. These included Rajni Kothari, Ashis Nandy and many others. I belonged to a more radical tradition and we met in many University debates, colloquia and discussions. We both represented our respective universities in national meets, youth festivals and the like and were both excellent friends although we competed for the same laurels. The Fifties and early Sixties of the last century were in some sense the golden decades of Independent India's history and Prakash Desai was right there in the center of the youth movements of the period. The cream of the land in the Presidency Universities, Delhi, Kolkotta, Mumbai and Madras and elsewhere, Aligarh, Lucknow, Pune and Hyderabad, knew him. India's dreams were dreamt then and fashioned into calls for action. The young Desai was there. He carried that concern for the rights of the poor and those ravaged by the system, the intense need for broad based growth, but above all the compelling requirements of individual freedom and personality development for those shackled by history and circumstances. It was not at all surprising when he took psychiatry as his calling. He of course had a yen for social psychiatry as a concern.
At a personal level he was if nothing else an intense individual. His concerns mattered and he made those around him feel that with his unbounded energy. The Indian Diaspora is much talked about and its contributions are well recognised and documented. For the literatti, the cereberal activist and for thinking leaders from Gujarat and elsewhere Prakash and Alice were a required stop as they went westwards. He rose in his profession in the country of his karma, the USA and was an office bearer of the American Psychiatry Association and therefore contributed to both countries. We value the plus points the Diaspora made to India, but in Prakash's case the xenophobe in me always secretly lamented the loss his settling in the suburbs of Chicago, did to India at critical periods of its growth when his presence would have definitely mattered. He knew that and was always just a phone call away. In 1972, 1977,1984,1991, 1992 and 2002 his concern for developments in the land of his birth always came through. He would come to India to see and feel for himself and to participate in its glory and pain. He would use me to meet the actors and his presence in hours of need was always cathartic.
The loss of Prakash is personal to all of us in his family and to Raksha,Tavishi, Munish and me the fortnight we spent in Oak Park in May last year, to begin with him our American Holiday, will always remain a memory. Prakash would come with Alice in the morning to the small house he rented at our request for us and we would go to them. We can locate him in his last phase of activity.
Prakash Desai cannot be remembered in sadness. He lived life in full measure. He gave life and those around him his energy and idealism in full measure. He made us all richer. Thank You Prakash. You are to be remembered in your glory and with pleasure.
January 14, 2015
Dear Alice, Reshma, & Natasha:
I have very fond memories of Prakash and yours and his warm hospitality that invited many of us over many many times to debate and discuss politics, policies, culture and communities in an animated way. You two always provided fodder for thoughts, spark for debates and food for the gut. His contribution were significant, both to the field of Psychiatry and also for the Indian Community in Chicago. At a personal level Prakash helped me out with my nephew Prateik when Prateik was barely a two year old. I would always remain grateful to him for that overture. Please know that Prakash lived a full life and his memories are yours forever.
with warmth,
anita
B. Kasinath
January 13, 2015
Dear Alice: we are very saddened to learn that Prakash is no more. We fondly remember our times together, particularly when we lived in Oak Park in the 80s. He was such a learned man! He was very helpful to our daughter Manasa as she was considering her career choices. Uma and he shared the same specialty. Our heartfelt condolences.
Kasinath Family
San Antonio, TX
Kishore Thampy
January 13, 2015
I have fond memories of Prakash Desai who was my supervisor at ISPI (1971-74). Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
January 13, 2015
Dear Alice aunty, Reshma, Barb, Natasha, Matt, Sophie, Huck and Tuesday
I have no words to console you for your loss.
I remember Prakash kaka as my most loving uncle. He knew about my love for reading and would send me the most popular novels when I was small. As I got older i would go to him with my problems & he always had time to listen & give me valuable advice.
He will always live in our hearts.
Minoti
Bhagirath Desai
January 13, 2015
What a younge brother to haveDistinguised himself as a bright student,a top notch debataer winning inter yuniversity three times,had a large social circle,beloved in his family.a dear dear brother.wish Alice,Reshma,Natasha and their families will have strength to face the loss.We his Indian family are with you to share the grief.
January 13, 2015
Dear Alice, Reshma and Natasha,
Words cannot fill the gap created by God between my world and taking Prakash away from all of us. I was so lucky for having Prakash as a very dear friend for more than 58 yrs. He supported Prateep and I in many ways and shared many happy moments often. I am so glad that he accomplished so much in his life and have left behind a beautiful family. Memories are our best friends forever------Sheela Mehta
Purva Bedi Stoler
January 12, 2015
My dad wrote "Prakash was a very good friend always generous with his time and effort to help anyone who needed it. We will miss him and remember him and the wonderful time that we spent together."
Prakash Uncle was a dear and loving friend to me, my parents and my family. Even my 2 year old daughter got to meet him when he was in NYC and he was so warm to her. He will be missed.
Bill Chamberlin
January 12, 2015
Prakash was a good friend and confidante. He helped me through some trying times with sage advice and genuine concern. He spanned cultures easily, and mentored so many professionals and friends. He was a mensch. You have my deepest condolences on this loss of such a fine soul.
Francois Alouf, John Rogers, Prakash Desai, Peter Rogers (5/24/69)
Tom Rogers
January 12, 2015
Lenore Khan
January 12, 2015
Dear Alice,
Anwer and I fondly remember our days as young marrieds straddling two cultures along with you and Prakash and the Pingles. We know that you, Reshma, and Natasha will miss Prakash deeply and extend our sympathies.
Debra Boyd-Santee
January 12, 2015
I am saddened by the passing of Dr. Desai. He was a pleasure to work for and with.
My condolences to all of the family. May GOD continue to keep HIS loving arms around you during this time of bereavement.
Deirdre Rogers
January 12, 2015
Dear Alice, Reshma and Natasha,
I have always and will always have fond memories of Prakash and your entire family. He was one of my father's oldest friends in this country--they met, I believe, while doing their psychiatric residency together at Circle Campus. I remember as a child going to your house with the mysterious pool with water up to the rim and Prakash decoding the mystery for me. I remember amazing Indian food like I had never tasted before (though I think Alice might have been at the helm here). But more than anything, I remember stories upon stories from my father, John, with Prakash featuring large, from Chicago to India and back.
With fond memories and sadness for your loss, I wish you all the strength to get through this difficult time.
Deirdre Rogers
Tom Rogers
January 12, 2015
Dr. Desai and my father, Dr. John Rogers, were friends for over fifty years. They often ran into each other at psychiatric conventions in various cities, for many years. Prakash was always great company at any social gathering. He will be missed...
January 11, 2015
Dear Desai Family
My husband, Marty Gutenkauf, worked with Prakash at Chicago Read Hospital. They were close associates and friends. Marty thought very highly of him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely
Alice Gutenkauf
January 10, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
(Isaiah 61:1,2) Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and He cares. 1 Peter 5:6, 7
January 9, 2015
On behalf of Dr. Evaristo Gomez and family, we send our deepest condolences. His was a life of valued service, commitment and compassion. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him or were lucky enough to cross his path personally or professionally. May you be blessed with the support and love you need to get you through these difficult days of loss.
Peace -
Sincerely,
Family of Evaristo Gomez, M.D.
Francis Lu
January 8, 2015
I am very saddened by the passing of Prakash. He and I were members of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry Cultural Psychiatry Committee for many years. He was a giant among psychiatrists interested in cultural issues. He contributed greatly and inspired many who will carry on his legacy.
Wanda Block
January 7, 2015
Reshma
With Sympathy to you and your family at the loss of your Father.
Wanda Block-Co-Worker
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
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