Dr. Raj Barathur passed away on August 20, 2020 due to complications from lung cancer.
Bujji, as he was known to family and friends, was born on January 7, 1949 in Hyderabad, India. He was the second and most mischievous of four brothers. At a young age he learned of helping others from his late father, B.N. Ramaswamy, who died saving another man in a fire accident. His passion and compassion, he learned from his mother, Srimathi.
Dr. Raj, educated in India and the US, founded or co-founded several companies in the US and India, focused on genetic diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals, including the very first PCR test in the world for HIV and genetic tests for neural tube defects, which cause spina bifida. He was widely published and held many patents.
Bujji's proudest accomplishments were in his personal life, known for acts of kindness, large and small. He was a supporter, mentor, and advisor to friends and family around the world.
Bujji is survived by his wife Uma of Sonoma, CA, daughter Archana Chattha (Vijay Chattha) and grandchildren Amrik, Taj, and Jaia of Novato, CA, daughter Angana Barathur Patterson (Douglas Patterson) of Los Angeles, mother Srimathi Ramaswamy and brothers Dr. Saiprasad and Capt. Vijayendra of Bangalore, India, and Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy of Redmond, WA.
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