Lalit Barai

On Sunday, June 19, 2016 Dr. Lalit K Barai peacefully passed away in his sleep surrounded by loved ones. He was 78 years old.

Dr. Lalit Barai was born in Raval, Gujarat, India as the eldest of eight siblings. He earned his medical doctorate in Calcutta while helping care for his younger brothers and sisters and working in his father's plastics factory. With hard work, an intelligent mind, and perseverance and made his way to Chicago Illinois where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Cook County Hospital.

He brought his family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1979. He served the community as a physician for over 35 years. Cherished by his patients, he treated all with compassion and brilliance. Among the things he loved: his family, practicing medicine, anything Bengali, Seinfeld and Columbo, the stock market, a nice home cooked meal (with extra green chilies), flexing his brain around an interesting medical case, philosophical conversations, taking naps and sleeping in general! Anyone who has been lucky enough to meet Dr. Barai would know that he loved to joke around, never shirked responsibilities, and was there to help you whenever he could without expecting anything in return.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Anju Barai who dedicated the past 4 years to making sure he was cared for and comfortable after his diagnosis. His intelligence and his love can still be found in his son and daughter, Sumeet and Manoshi, and 4 grandchildren, Rheya, Lyric, Ishan, and Arth. In India, he is mourned by his mother, Chandrakala Barai. His loss is also felt by his 3 brothers, Kirit, Champak, and Ashwin and 4 sisters, Bharti, Damini, Kamini, and Charulata. We love you and will miss you more than you can even know.

I cried when you passed away. I still cry today.
Although I loved you dearly,
I couldn't make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hardworking hands at rest.
God broke my heart to prove to me
He only takes the best.

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