The world woke up a little darker, and the colors have been less vivid with the passing of Dr. Nirmal Kumar Rustagi. Consummate family man, devoted father and husband, and my eldest brother. Our family lost a limb with his passing and we are a broken bunch with his sad and untimely demise. Five weeks ago he was hale and hearty, and then in a flash, he was gone. Yet another medical professional who paid the ultimate price for following his calling of healing others.
Where does one begin to tell the story of a rare human being, a kind and gentle soul, and a man who loved and lived life to the fullest? Bhai, as I affectionately called him, was truly the emperor of his world, holding court and dismissing power and the powerful for small gestures towards the less fortunate. He was larger than life, and carried himself with a regal air, well suited to Indian royalty. He was particularly kind and generous to those who had little.
He was an exceptional listener and an even better storyteller. He had the ability to make people feel special – particularly the ladies. He was a ladies man, who turned on the charm, and his gentle manner endeared him to all those that came in touch with him. He was always a thorough gentleman, and was very well respected in his community and circle of influence. Everything about this special man was lovable. Bhai loved life and loved all the children in the family. I saw him beam with pride when my daughter Jasmine got married. His joy knew no bounds.
After Mom and Dad passed, he was the family patriarch and stepped up to the plate to embrace that role. He called us brothers and our only sister, almost every Sunday as a ritual to maintain the bond of love and togetherness. He loved getting the gang together for drinks and dinner. The food and the Scotch were always perfect. The laughter, the love, and the whiskey flowed freely.
Nirmal Bhai loved Florida. He loved the water and the beaches. We would often vacation near the beaches and it was impossible to get him out of the water. It was his happy place. Maybe that’s where he found his solace and his Zen. Now all that has come to a crashing halt.
The grief has come in waves, the broken pieces of my heart and my psyche may never be whole again. I felt compelled to share his story, because he was that rare gem, and one of the finest of God’s creations. I struggle that I will never see him again, or hear his laughter or be able to reach out for his wisdom. I ache for his grieving wife and his heartbroken children. I mourn the loss of a father figure in my life, and the loss of a dear brother. I can’t believe he is gone. My world will have less vivid colors, because the Angels have gained a friend……
About Hemant Rustogi
Hemant – an exceptionally articulated article written from your heart about your brother – one can only imagine the amazing human being that he was. We grief with you ,my friend , and wish you and your family all the strength and courage during these trying times,
Always there for you and your family
Ashish
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
As
Dr. Rustogi I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother may he R. I. P..
Love Capt. Maddie and Family
What a beautiful and loving tribute
Rusty! Trust me he is in a better place resting in peace . God send strength to you in your hour of grief. 🙏❤️
So sorry for your loss . Losing a family member is tragic and specially someone with such fine qualities . May you find strength to bear this loss.
I remember meeting him many years ago when I was in college… Yes, he was a wonderful human being. May God grant him eternal peace. Om Shanti. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Such beautiful words for a beautiful soul. He will forever be missed by all of those who had the blessing of knowing him and sharing his wonderful hugs. He is walking among the angels because he was one. And once again is is hugging his Father and Mother. You will be forever missed and forever loved. To all of the Rustagi family our deepest condolences with much love.
So beautifully expressed. I remember him for his sauve and sophisticated mannerism, his refined taste and articulate demeanour.
His aristocratic style always impressed me! A true connoisseur of the good things in life!
Rest in peace Sir!
Dear Rusty,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. I lost my youngest brother, Andy, unexpectedly 11 years ago. I feel your pain and I know that you are also celebrating his life. Andy was our comedian and when I think of all the funny things he said and did my heart fills with joyous laughter, he, too is with the angels and our parents in heaven.
Special hugs,
Co