KUALA LUMPUR: Pioneering Armed Forces medical officer, Col (Rtd) Dr Natarajan Iyaswamy Pillai died on Tuesday, leaving a sterling legacy of service in an illustrious 66 year career. He was 92.
Dr Natarajan, who survived a hail of enemy gunfire during an operation with troops off Sabah waters 53 years ago, and was known for his passion for playing the sitar, died at his home in Bukit Damansara.
The funeral will be held on Sunday at the Cheras Crematorium in Jalan Kuari, Kuala Lumpur.
His eldest son, Michael Ravi Natarajan, said his father had been ill of late and was pushing to finish his research paper on upper limb injuries suffered by musicians playing string instruments.
His second son, Cyril, said his father often advised him to be methodical, disciplined and punctual in life.
“He lived his life according to these traits. He was a religious man, loved Indian classical music and always dressed well,” said Cyril.
Natarajan leaves behind United Kingdom-based anaesthetist Michael, 61, urologist Cyril, 56, and daughter Jacinta, 59, four grandsons and two grand-daughters.
His wife Rita died six years ago. Natarajan also has four siblings, including Lt Col (Rtd) I. Sundram, 97, who retired from the Indian Army’s ordnance corps.
Armed Forces Medical Corps Veteran Officers Association president Lt Col (Rtd) Dr Jaswant Singh described Natarajan as an ever-willing volunteer to assist those in need.
“He was a very dedicated and loyal member of the association and often provided valuable advice on healthcare. We owe him a debt of love and will miss him dearly,” said Jaswant.
He added that one of the most striking quotes of Natarajan’s was “land of milk and honey”, which he used to describe Malaysia, which he said offered abundant opportunities, way back in the 1960s when they worked together as army medical officers.
“Natarajan was the most senior member of the association and always earnestly drove his Proton Gen 2 car to all our meetings and reunions.
“He was a gem of a guy,” said Jaswant, whose association has 140-odd members.
Former Armed Forces Medical Services director-general Major-Gen (Rtd) Datuk Pahlawan Dr R. Mohanadas said Natarajan always advised him that “if a dog barks at you, just throw a bone at it and move on in life.”
“This dictum kept me motivated to seek success. He was very kind and caring to his junior officers, advised us on career prospects and was a true public health professional,” said Mohanadas, who is a life member of the Malaysian Medical Association.