On Jan. 18, many friends and colleagues gathered with his family to say goodbye to the late Dr. Swamikkan Nallathambi.

For many years, Dr. Thambi and his wife, Helga, where shining examples of Christian service to our community of Butler.

For five decades, he provided medical care for thousands of people here in Butler and surrounding communities. I had the privilege to work alongside him for the past 20 years.

He not only encouraged me in beginning my medical career but was a mentor beyond measure. As we sat in the memorial service, listening to his family, close friends and physicians speak, I could not help but think of the countless ways he served his fellow man.

That dedication to serving people was also evident when in 1999, he founded the Indo American Home for Children in his hometown in India.

This school was and is tasked with providing a Christian education, food, clothing and health care to many orphaned and impoverished children who otherwise would have little opportunity.

Dr. Thambi took a personal interest in the lives of each and every child there and was known to pray for each one by name. He was not perfect but was a perfect example of how to live beyond ourselves and to serve others. Please help to continue his work by supporting the Indo American home for children or even consider sponsoring a child. Donations can be sent to:

Nallathambi Education and Health Foundation P.O. Box 909, Butler, PA 16003, or go to indochildrenshome.wordpress.com.