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Dr. Varanasi Murthy Obituary
Dr Varanasi Rama Murthy was born on July 2, 1933, to late V. Ramabrahmam and V. Yasoda in Andhra Pradesh, India. Rama graduated with honors from Indian School of Mines in 1954. He was the first member of the Varanasi family to arrive in USA on a scholarship to Yale University. He earned his Ph.D. from Yale in 1957 in Geology and Geophysics.
Rama joined University of Minnesota in 1965 after serving as a postdoctoral fellow at Caltech and assistant professor at Scripps Institute in La Jolla specializing in Isotope research in Geochemistry. From 1965 to 2006 Rama achieved high distinction in research, teaching and administration during his tenure at the University of Minnesota where he rose to the ranks of Distinguished Professor emeritus, Dean of Institute of Technology to Vice President and Vice Provost. During this period, he garnered many honors such as being selected to study rocks from the Apollo mission to the Moon in 1969. He was elected as a Fellow of American Geophysical Union (AGU) in recognition of his exceptional scientific contributions and eminence in the Earth and space sciences.
Since 2007 Rama was a Research Professor with Institute of Meteoritics at the University of New Mexico and continued to study application of Isotope Geochemistry and trace-element systematics to understand a variety of geological and planetary science problems.
Rama leaves a legacy of his extraordinary scientific contributions, his exceptional teaching and mentoring of young scientists in his field, his active and valuable involvement with AGU, American Association of University Professors, and many committees.
Above all, Rama is remembered by his family and friends as a charming, fun loving, approachable, gracious and gentle but sharp witted man whose skills as a negotiator and storyteller were legendary. He was much loved and admired by the younger generations of family and friends who were quietly mentored by Rama. He leaves a great void in the lives of his loving family in USA and India, especially his grandson Valen. He will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.
His children request any donations or gifts be given toward an earth and environmental scholarship in honor of V. Rama Murthy made to: University of Minnesota for the Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science & Engineering, 310 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (612) 624-1333 or American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 462-6900.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dr. Varanasi Murthy
Lynn Havens
November 1, 2021
I remember him and the visits we had as though it was yesterday. What a special and wonderful man. His contributions to the world will always be there. Love and respect in his memory to friends and family.
Katya murthy
October 7, 2013
Katya murthy
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Katya murthy
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Katya murthy
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Katya murthy
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Katya murthy
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Katya murthy
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Katya murthy
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Katya murthy
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Katya murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
October 7, 2013
Katyayini Murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
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Katyayini Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
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Katya Murthy
October 7, 2013
Martin Menzies
October 3, 2013
Rama you inspired me with your friendship and professionalism. Our shared interest in mantle isotopes meant my time in Minneapolis was scientifically pivotal and memorable. Your family's hospitality was truly special and I can recall the boundless energy of Aanand and Katya after we had had a long day on the mass spectrometers. My lasting image of you is a smiling face, a sparkle in your eyes and a pipe in your hand. You live on in my memory and in your contribution to our science. Thanks
Ginny Catania
January 5, 2013
Dear Rama, I will never forget your hospitality when you took me under your wing as a new grad student (and I wasn't even your student). You invited me to your house for dinner and made the most wonderful food. When I asked for the recipes you did one better and had me over for a private cooking lesson. So generous with your time and so caring and loving. Thank you for making Minnesota much much warmer. You are missed. Ginny
December 13, 2012
Dear Ramam mamayya garu,
There are so many memories that bring sparkles into our eyes when ever we remember you!
The two paintings that you liked and carried all the way to the US which boosted my morale as an artist,
the gifts you brought for our children,
the sambar you prepared for us when we visited you,
the ten days you spent with us at leisure when we stayed with you,
your smile that used to transform your eyes into twinkling stars,
your forgetfulness which used to push everybody around you into peels of laughter,
our visit to the university with you to witness the prestigious award being given to you,
your generosity,your laughter, your humility,your simplicity, ... the list is quite long.
Just like bamma ,you made me feel very comfortable and special.
You were a towering figure whom Jayanth and Varshini idolized.
You occupied a very very special place in our hearts and you live there forever !
Chinnari and Sharma
Milton Strauss
December 4, 2012
Such a wonderful man was Rama, with so many new friends in his last home in Corrales. How sad that we could not have a proper farewell upon his passing. He lives in the hearts of his family and friends here in New Mexico and in those of his step-children and step-grandchildren in Minnesota.
Lakshmi Varanasi
November 30, 2012
Dear Ramam,
I no longer have a 'birthday mate', to wish me! I remember the day we discovered that in Rao Valluri's house, and I was so thrilled! We will miss 'the Ramam factor' in all the family stories! Thank you for being the father figure in Vamsi's school years in the US, the one he so looked upto. The list is endless, you will always be in our hearts as the special 'classy' family member from Bhimavaram. I am so glad that we could spend such wonderful times, when we visited you and on your trips to India. Shine on, bright star, and keep an eye on all of us!
November 29, 2012
Dear Ramam,
I no longer have a 'birthday mate', to wish me! I remember the day we discovered that in Rao Valluri's house, and I was so thrilled! We will miss 'the Ramam factor' in all the family stories! Thank you for being the father figure in Vamsi's school years in the US, the one he so looked upto. The list is endless, you will always be in our hearts as the special 'classy' family member from Bhimavaram. I am so glad that we could spend such wonderful times, when we visited you and on your trips to India. Shine on, bright star, and keep an eye on all of us!
News paper article about Dr. Varanasi RamaMurthy
November 28, 2012
Stan Hart
November 27, 2012
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
Vandana Varanasi
November 18, 2012
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
Eswar (UMA) Varanasi
November 18, 2012
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 !!
Vinay Varanasi
November 18, 2012
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
Laalasa Varanasi
November 18, 2012
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.
May 2010
Sangeetha, Narendra & Leena
November 17, 2012
I am so sorry to hear the news of Ramam Thatha.. he will be very missed. I'd like to share a picture of him with several of his brothers with my family during our wedding. This was the last time we had the pleasure of seeing him and we're so grateful he was able to make the long journey to attend it.
Bill
November 15, 2012
Rama was my friend.
Bill,
Steve Gudeman
November 15, 2012
Rama was the exemplar of a university professor - a superb scientist and scholar, and a generous, thoughtful friend to all. Quick, optimistic and filled with humor and chuckles, he always brought a smile to my face and lightened the day on seeing him. I am so saddened by the loss of this decent and extraordinary human being. We miss you Rama.
November 15, 2012
What a Living Treasure Rama was! How grateful we feel, so very extraordinarily lucky to have known him. His love and his laughter and his stories and his wisdom, his voice, his hugs. We have so many memories of happy times with him in La Jolla and then later on in New Mexico, reliving La Jolla memories and laughing and laughing. We are indeed so blessed and benefitted and deeply nourished by the experience of having him in our lives – a darling man and friend. We send love to him as he makes his way to the role of beloved ancestor and to all his loved ones.
Martha and Christopher Harrison
November 14, 2012
I was very saddened to hear of Rama Murthy's passing. I have known Rama for about fifty years. At the University of Minnesota, where I first met Rama, he supported my doctoral research by procuring and processing a specimen of the Canyon Diablo meteorite for my mass spectrometric analysis. Rama was an exceptionally accomplished researcher and an effective and respected administrator. But especially he was accessible and helpful. I will miss his extensive knowledge, ever-present encouragement, positive outlook, and gentle humor.
Thank you Rama for being there!
Jacque Hohlfelder
Meredith Belber
November 14, 2012
Rama provided a home for me during my 4 years of medical school in MN. He shared so much of his life and wisdom as well as provided gentle guidance during stressful times. He was a soft spoken, generous, loving man with an infectious laugh. I considered him my family away from home and a good friend. I will deeply miss him.
Meredith Belber
November 13, 2012
Ram, you and your work gave me inspiration, beginning at Yale. Best!
Julius Dasch
Father & daughter for sure!
Katya Murthy
November 13, 2012
So many memories! It's sad we cant make more together, but what we shared was very special. We sure went through a lot and grew together. My faithful, open, humble, patient, reliable, inspiring, wise, honest, compassionate kind, friend- who was my loving father. So much of who I am today is a part of him that will live on. He will be missed now that he has moved on, but he sure made a huge mark while he was here, leaving this world a much better place.
I thank all of you for taking the time to remember him and write a comment here in his honor.
Will and Lynn Havens
November 12, 2012
May your light forever burn as brightly as it always has and does today.
November 12, 2012
Dearest Rama and Family. We are so blessed and fortunate to be part of many of your family get togethers.Our respect and love is with you.
Even though are names were not Murthy we felt that you all accepted us as family. We love you all and will miss you Rama. The world will miss you. Your students will miss you. You are part of the Universe now, as you have always been and will continue to be. Your star will forever shine upon us. Will and Lynn Havens
Ammalu
November 12, 2012
Dear Ramam, we are just 3 years apart. As I saw the obituary with your many accomplishments and photo, our growing up years have been on my mind: our middle school years in Repalle, that time I fell while I was playing with you and had a scar on my face for years, your support for my continued education, the sari you bought for me when you were in Dunbad (you had to explain to me that your professors helped you select)...............
Rani
November 11, 2012
Dear Rama, holidays are around the corner. We celebrated many Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays with you. I am planning to make Dahi Vada for a Diwali party next weekend. Needless to say I will talk about Dahi Vada on your driveway-- on a heap of snow!
Shankar & Divya Karedla
November 11, 2012
Ramam Babai, you are a very warm person, may your warmth be eternally present in one and all who have interacted with you.
Sekhar & Anandhi Varanasi
November 9, 2012
Dear Ramam Babai,
We will be remembering the great time we had when ever we were with you (both in India and USA). When you visited Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore during 70's, Sudhakar Babai and I had such a great fun attending all the parties with all eminent friends of yours. We are so proud to be in the family with people of your intelligence and charming personality.
Sekhar and Anandhi
Tine B. Larsen
November 9, 2012
Dear Rama,
you will be missed. You were always interesting and fun to talk to, very encouraging, and you held the best parties for grad students at your home in MN! Rest in peace and love!
Usha
November 8, 2012
Dear Ramam,
I MISS you so much! You have been a great friend and brother who was present at all our significant milestones for the past 50 years! Thank you for leaving us with many lovely memories so you will live in our hearts forever.
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