Arkesh Pandit

With heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of Arkesh Pandit, a beloved brother, husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He was a pure-hearted man with deep love and compassion for all. Before coming to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1970, he had a rich educational history in India. In addition to degrees in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, he also was a practicing ayurvedic doctor who was known to have the most healing hands. He would walk at least 10 miles a day for his work and personal life, long before Bengaluru was the cosmopolitan city it is today. His life in India was simple, modest, and filled with memories of time spent with a close-knit family.
Southeast Michigan – Detroit, Warren, and Southfield – became Arkesh's adopted home for several decades. This era marked the marriage to his beloved wife, Vijaya, and the birth of two daughters Abhaya and Surabhi. He retired from 3M after a long career as a chemist and spent much of his retirement in the company of family, friends, and great books. He was loved by all and will always be remembered as a kind, jovial and empathetic friend. His home was a landing spot and launching pad for hundreds of people across the globe, and he quietly worked in service of others for his entire life.
Arkesh is survived by his beloved wife, Vijaya; daughters Abhaya and Surabhi; sons-in-law Shamik and Ajay; granddaughters Anika and Simran; sister Aparna and brother-in-law Mylari; brother Keerthi and sister-in-law Manjula; nephew Kiran and niece Megha and many friends and family members. His memory will forever be a blessing. Om Namah Shivaayah. Om Shaanthi.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Forgotten Harvest a nonprofit organization based in southeast Michigan dedicated to relieving hunger and preventing nutritious food waste.