Obituary

Dr. V.A.  “Arj” Arjun
May 11, 1939 – January 19, 2025

Dr. Virbhandas Asrani Arjun, lovingly known as “Arj” was a beloved and devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, and physician who passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 85. Born as Arjun Asrani on May 11, 1939, in Rangoon, Burma, to Virbhandas K. Asrani and Bhagwani Bai, he was the fourth of eleven children. His early years were shaped by the tumultuous period of the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, during which his family relocated to northern India before eventually settling in Madras (now Chennai).

Dr. Arjun’s academic journey began at an early age, with his mother, Bhagwani Bai, steadfastly supporting his desire to become a doctor. With her encouragement, he attended Andhra Medical College in Visakhpatnam, earning his degree in 1964. He then worked as a house surgeon at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam, India until 1967 before moving to the United States for a surgical residency.

In 1967, he moved to Chicago with just $7 and a medical degree to his name, determined to succeed. He navigated the challenges of his residency while adjusting to life in the United States. Due to errors in his immigration paperwork, he became known as Virbhandas Asrani (V.A.) Arjun. However, to his family and friends, he was always known as Arjun or “Arj”.

From 1968 to 1970, he completed his residency in internal medicine in Chicago. In 1973, he moved to Compton, California, to work at the Dominguez Valley Hospital, where he earned his license to practice anesthesia from the American Board of Anesthesiology.

That same year, Dr. Arjun met Elizabeth Scott, the woman who would become his wife of 50 years, at the hospital where they both worked. They were married on October 5, 1974, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Little Chapel of the Flowers, with two of his sisters, Pushpa and Rajkumari, proudly serving as witnesses. Both sisters, also anesthesiologists, attributed much of their success to their big brother’s unwavering support.

Dr. Arjun and Elizabeth had five children, and nine grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Nano.” He dedicated his life to providing for his family and building a legacy of love, generosity, and education. As an anesthesiologist at Saddleback Hospital and Mission Hospital in Southern California, he touched countless lives throughout his long career. Colleagues and patients alike admired his skill, integrity, and, most of all, his gentle bedside manner, earning him the respect of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

While medicine was his profession, Dr. Arjun also had a passion for real estate and the stock market. An avid investor, he developed a deep understanding of these industries over the years. His keen business acumen, combined with his sharp strategic thinking, enabled him to achieve considerable success.

Dr. Arjun was a deeply compassionate and civic-minded individual, with a strong sense of duty to give back to his native country and support educational opportunities for girls and women. Unbeknownst to his children until recent years, he funded the construction of two schools and supported the education and training of hundreds of young people in India. He firmly believed in the power of education to uplift and empower women, a conviction that guided him throughout his life.

A man of strong values, Dr. Arjun was known for his generosity, his love for his family, and his pride in his work. He was a cherished friend and an unofficial godfather to many among his extended family and circle of friends.

Dr. Arjun’s greatest legacy is the impact he had on those closest to him—his children, who saw him as a hero and guiding light throughout their lives. His family, colleagues, and friends will forever remember him as a man who made the world a better place through his work, his kindness, his boundless generosity, and his humble and quiet presence.

Dr. Arjun is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; his five children: Elizabeth, Patricia, Renu, Christina and Scott; sons and daughter-in-law Adam, Will, Matt and Bridget, his nine grandchildren: Arjun, John, Raj, Asha, Thomas, Ish, Aden, Anara and Zara; and his four sisters and one brother-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. His passing leaves a profound void, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dr. Arjun loved many things in life, and his joy in the simple pleasures was contagious. Among his favorites were the food at 20/20 Pizza, Natraj, and Nina Grocery, all of which he shared eagerly with friends and loved ones. When he found something he loved, he made sure to bring others into that joy, sharing meals, laughter, and good company with everyone around him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in July 2025 with family and friends. Donations in his honor can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Foundation.