It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Arni Sekar on April 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Radhika, and his beloved children, Nandita (Adam) and Vikram (Marla). He was a proud and cherished grandfather to six grandsons: Maverick, Parker, Luke, Aidan, Zack and Archie.
Dr. Sekar's life was a true Canadian immigrant success story.
Born in September 1940 in Bangalore, India, to past governor and chief justice of Karnataka, Somnath Iyer and Kamala Iyer, he graduated at the top of his class from Bishop Cotton Boys' School. He often spoke openly of his early academic struggles and later triumphs, a narrative that comforted and inspired many of us navigating our own journeys.
He went on to earn his medical degree from Bangalore Medical College, graduating in 1965. With courage and ambition, he moved to the United Kingdom to continue his medical training, earning his MRCP in 1970. In 1974, he immigrated to Canada with his young family -- with $1,500 in hand! He earned his FRCP in internal medicine in 1976, followed by gastroenterology in 1979.
Settling in Ottawa, Dr. Sekar began his long and distinguished medical career at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Over the following five decades, he became one of the city's most respected gastroenterologists, recognized for his skill, dedication and pioneering work in procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
His passion for teaching helped shape the next generation of physicians -- many practising gastroenterologists in Ottawa today were fortunate to have trained under his guidance. He had a remarkable 50-year career in medicine, finally hanging up his stethoscope at the age of 83.
His life was a testament to the quiet power of hard work, kindness, and faith in the promise of opportunity.
Dr. Sekar's unwavering commitment to patient care, his tireless work ethic, and his generous spirit left an indelible mark on the Ottawa medical community and beyond. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, patients, friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Sekar's memory to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, in appreciation of their outstanding end-of-life care.