Dr. Kathirvelu Baskaran, a caring father, a loving husband, a great friend, and a humble human being, peacefully passed away on July 7, 2021, in his adopted hometown of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Although he lost his long battle with cancer, he took up the fight every day with immense courage, strength, pride, and a great smile, until his last breath. Even during his final days, Dr. Baskaran proved that he is a real hero to his family and friends.
As a child, Dr. Baskaran grew up in his father’s village, Ullikkottai in Tamil Nadu, India. After his early education in his hometown, he pursued his B.S. in Chemistry at Bishop Heber College, in Trichy. Then he moved to the Biochemistry Department of the University of Madras, Chennai, and successfully completed his M.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1990.
During his Ph. D. research, Dr. Baskaran worked on an extract from the leaves of Gymnema Sylvestre that was known as GS4 for controlling hyperglycemia in Type 2 diabetic patients. His Ph.D. dissertation focused on the advantages of GS4 use over conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic agents. His research demonstrated that patients who were given GS4 supplements exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and glycosylated plasma protein levels, better than the conventional anti-diabetic drugs. Given this groundbreaking research, about 20 percent of the patients in his study were able to discontinue their conventional drug and maintain their blood glucose levels with GS4 alone.
Dr. Baskaran moved to the United States in 1990 to pursue advanced biomedical research in various universities. He found his life partner Bhuvana Baskaran, in 1992. They were blessed with a son, Kapil Baskaran in 1997. The family moved from downtown Chicago and settled down in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, more than two decades ago.
Upon coming to the US, Baskaran continued his interest in diabetes research at the Northwestern University Medical School of Chicago and contributed to the development of scientific knowledge related to the transformation of pancreatic duct cells by carcinogenic chemicals. He briefly conducted cancer research also at the University of Chicago where he cloned an acute leukemia-related proto-oncogene called AF4. His love to find an advanced cure for various diseases had eventually led him to join biotech and pharmaceutical companies such as Abbot and Baxter where his industrial expertise blossomed by helping with drug and device development.
Dr. Baskaran also possessed Mechanical and Civil engineering talents that he sufficiently transferred to his son Kapil during the final years of his life. Dr. Baskaran loved to work on his Oldsmobile, Nissan Maxima, and Infinity for resolving mechanical and electrical problems. It was well known among the friends that he loved fixing appliances and artfully finished his basement and skillfully rebuilt his deck several times without calling professional handymen. Dr. Baskaran frequently told Bhuvana “playing sports is important for one’s health but working and resolving issues at home is good for both mind and body.” Though he teased Bhuvana with the famous phrase, Dr. Baskaran loved exercising and he had actually built a gym in his basement with several types of fitness equipment that could parallel professional gyms in Wisconsin. He used to work out with his family in a very fun and competitive manner. He also enjoyed karate and secured a black belt several years ago. Whenever he had a chance, he enjoyed playing Golf and Tennis. Bicycling with his family was another activity that gave him pride and joy.
Dr. Baskaran and his family have become an integral part of the Kenosha and nearby communities and are truly loved and supported by numerous families who are near and dear to them. Dr. Baskaran never hesitated to extend his helping hand at times of need, and always cared for the wellness and togetherness of the community. Dr. Baskaran and his family have been involved in various social activities and supported several fundraising events of the local, national, and charitable organizations. Dr. Baskaran remained a man of honor, humbleness, courage, compassion, and care till the last days of his life.
Those who wish to donate in honor of Dr. Baskaran may do so to the American Cancer Society. Dr. Baskaran’s life accomplishments will be recognized and honored in the ‘Celebration of Life’ on July 11, 2021, at Proko Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 9:45 AM-11:30 AM followed by traditional Hindu rituals.
