Birth date: Feb 1, 1933 Death date: Mar 25, 2021
Raj Varad Kilambi, age 88, passed from his earthly life Thursday, March 25, 2021. Born in Tenali, India A.P., he is survived within his immediate family by his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Jaya, his sons Neal, Navin, and Nirmal Read Obituary
Nirmal,
Very sorry for your father’s passing. Our prayers are with your family.
Chris Magann
I am saddened to hear of Dr Kilambi’s passing. He and Jaja were favorite customers at banks I worked for. Always enjoyed visiting with them.
Thoughts and prayers with family
Chris Bell
Nirmal,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You and your family will be in my prayers as you walk this through this difficult time in your life. Be at peace...
Aaron Harris
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Kalambi. He was one of my favorite Professors at The U of A. He was a very distinguished man and an individual of very high intelligence. I send prayers and condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time. 🙏🏻
Nirmal,
My condolences to you and your family. How fortunate for you to have such an outstanding father to rear and guide you for such a long time. His legacy will continue to grow and be a positive influence for good through many, many students and associates and through his children.
Norman Tubb
I was working on a book (with Doug James) in Department of Zoology in the 1980s when I met Raj. He invited me to the annual "Friends of India" banquet. Being an Arkansas native, I'd never experienced anything like it. Besides the outstanding food, various people provided entertainment, including Raj. I don't remember a lot of details, except that Raj gave a performance that included standing on his head. That's not something you see very often from anyone, let alone a faculty member! He always made me feel welcome in the department and that never stopped, even after we were both in retirement. I saw Raj and Jaya several times in stores around Fayetteville. It was always a time for smiles and memories. What a great legacy to leave for our world.
Joe Neal coauthor (with Doug James) of Arkansas Birds (U of A Press, 1986)
Today is April 9, 2021, and we just learned that our dear neighbor of 50 years had passed away in March. We go back a long time with the Kilambi family and their sons and cherish the memories we share in raising our families for all these many years. The Kilambi family are very special to us and we are grateful for the times we shared together. A lot of our memories were created with their sons especially Nirmal who was the same age as our daughters Lara and Lydia. We most often shared a friendly wave at the mailbox or nice chats as we did our respective yard work. They were wonderful neighbors and life long friends. We shall miss Raj immensely. He and Jaya raised three remarkable sons, and were proud parents and a benefit to our Country. With Corvid 19 being a part of our lives we had not seen Raj and Jaya in awhile. Our thoughts are with each of the Kilambi family members as they grieve the loss of this extraordinary man. Rest in peace, Raj.
Jaya, we are here should you ever need anything. Fondly, your neighbor and friends.
John and Betty Marinoni, Daughters, Melissa Marinoni Smith, Lara Marinoni Henry, and Lydia Marinoni Tedford.
Raj Kilambi Family:
I was a fishery science student at UAF in the 1980's. Dr. Kilambi was my professor, the advisor for my Ph.D. program, and I was a co-author with him on some publications. In the 80's, the Arkansas Legislature passed a bill that had to do with Creation Science and the public school system. It was quickly signed into law by Gov. White. Dr. Kilambi came into our Fishery Science class, and very matter of fact announced the legislation details. He made absolutely no negative comments about the legislative body or the governor. He then preceded to give a serious presentation about a Hindu Creation story. At the end he made a couple of tongue-in-cheek comments about his desire to be compliant with the new law, asked for any questions, and then dismissed the class. I felt that Raj's presentation was masterful, and one of the most memorable lectures of my lifetime. I certainly have many other memories of working with Raj over the years, but this one was near the beginning of our professor/student relationship and thus really stood out. I completed my Ph.D. in 1990, with appreciated assistance from Dr. Kilambi, and was hired by NorthWest Arkansas Community College as an instructor at that time.
Marvin L. Galloway
Dean of Science & Mathematics
NWACC
Dear Jaya,
I am so sorry your dear husband has died. I remember him, and you, fairly well from many decades ago when he was a new member of the Department of Zoology. I joined the physics faculty in 1964, and I think Raj joined the Zoology faculty in 1966. He, and you, were always quite friendly to me when we passed each other on the campus. The two of you were quite a handsome, beautiful couple. I was always glad to see both of you. You must feel lonely. I share a part of your grief. We are all together on this Earth--a beautiful but sometimes sad fact of life. Take care of yourself.
Art Hobson
Emeritus Professor of Physics
Nirmal, I was saddened to learn of your great loss. I extend to you and your family my deepest sympathy.
Jimmy Horton
