R.I.P. Dr. Rusie Rustomjee
(1912-2011)
The oldest member of the Australian Zoaroastrian Association of NSW, Dr Rusie Rustomjee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 6th October 2011 aged 98.
He entered Medical College on a full scholarship and went on to become the first Asian F.R.C.S of England in Ear, Nose and Throat diseases. During World War II he served with the British Armed Forces at the time of the Japanese invasion. He was President of the Ceylon College of surgeons and held many other prestigious positions. In 1975 he emigrated to Australia and worked as an ENT surgeon in the Blue Mountains till retirement at age 89. His career in the medical practice spanned a very impressive 75 years. He was the doyen of Sri Lankan doctors in Australia. Besides medicine, he was also involved in various community projects. He was offered the opportunity to be the 1st District Governor of Lions International in Sri Lanka but declined due to commitments at his medical practice.
However, his greatness lay not in the honours and accolades he received but in his kind and gentle nature. Everyone whose lives he touched, admired his kind and selfless ways ”“ he was a man who shunned publicity and respected people regardless of their position, wealth or standing in society. He never spoke unkindly of anyone and a harsh word rarely escaped his lips. What better words to describe this great man who helped thousands with his surgical skills and always remained the most humble genteel person one could find.
He will be sorely missed not only by his family and the Zoroastrian and Sri Lankan communities but also by the numerous friends and well wishers. He leaves behind his devoted wife Jer ”“ (a marriage of 65 glorious and happy years), their three children, Zarine, Tehmi and Jamshed, four grand children and two great grand children.
Men of his caliber are a rare gift to our community a giant not only in stature but one who stood high in our eyes and mind ”“ Rest in Peace Doctor Rusie Rustomjee ”“ gone but never forgotten.
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