Trichur Ramachandran

Dr. Trichur Padmanabhan Ramachandran PhD, died at home, after a brief illness, in Baton Rouge Louisiana on June 24, 2023.

T.P., Ram, Chandru, or Dr. Ram, as he was known among friends, family, and colleagues; is survived by his wife of 56 years, Radha; their children Anand and Asha, Son-In-Law Kevin Frame, and Grandson Neel Frame.

He was born in Trichur, India to Alamelu and Muthukrishnan Padmanabhan Iyer. He arrived in 1962 by boat from Bombay to London, plane to New York, and bus to Baton Rouge. He obtained his doctorate in Chemistry at Louisiana State University with a scholarship under the guidance of Dr. Philip West. He was the only one of five siblings to venture so far away on his own.

Shortly after graduation, Dr. Ram returned to India and married Radha. They began wedded and working life in State College Pennsylvania. The couple moved across country to Idaho Falls, Idaho for a new job with Argonne National Laboratories. Later their son, Anand was born.

Destiny brought the Ramachandrans back to Baton Rouge in 1973. Later, daughter Asha was born. He would stay in Baton Rouge with his wife for the rest of his life. The kids came and went as they pursued their ambitions in various locales. Anand would finally settle in Baton Rouge as well.

Over the years, Dr. Ram applied his expertise in Analytical Chemistry throughout the Louisiana Agrichemical sector starting at March Chemical Company in Denham Springs He did his longest stint at and "retired" from Ciba-Geigy/Syngenta/Novartis. He then worked at Southern University, Georgia Gulf, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and finally the Audubon Sugar Institute before retiring in full in 2006.

Apart from his scientific abilities, Dr. Ram had natural art and musical aptitudes. He could replicate detailed DC and Marvel comic book panels freehand. His musical aptitude was primarily for the piano. Those interests and abilities would pass to his children and grandson.

He loved pizza, Mexican food, Kung Fu movies, and spending time with his grandson. He and wife enjoyed collecting curios and kookie knickknacks especially during their travels. He traveled extensively with his family. He came from humble beginnings and lived a rich, adventurous life. Those who knew and loved him will miss him tremendously.

There will not be a viewing or service in keeping with Dr. Ram's wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that well-wishers contribute to the charity of their choice.