Vasant Contractor

Vasant was born in Mumbai, India, the eldest of four siblings. He studied pharmacy and embarked on his career in India, but more importantly, it was India where he developed lifetime friendships that endured until his last day of life. With those friends, he had food eating challenges, skipped classes to watch the latest Hollywood movies, and sang Bollywood songs reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan. One time someone told him he could be Amitabh’s brother, which he considered one of the highest compliments he could receive!

It was also in India where Vasant met his lifelong love, Kailas. He would fondly recall how he was enamored by her beauty the moment they were introduced. It was a perfect match ordained by the stars, and within a few months they were married.

In 1971, Vasant took the bold and courageous step of immigrating to the United States by himself in order to build a new life for his young family. While it was a valuable opportunity that many could only dream of, it was also a leap of faith to leave the country he knew and start over in a new environment on the other side of the world. It was a sacrifice to leave behind his family and the comfortable life he had in India, and begin anew in a country where his education, experience, and culture would not carry equal weight. And yet, through hard work and perseverance, he succeeded and provided his family with opportunities they might not have otherwise had. He finally retired at the age of 74.

Vasant was a Lord Shiva devotee and never missed a Monday at the temple for prayers. Along with his spirituality, he also enjoyed a good rock song by Bon Jovi, Rolling Stones, or the Black Crowes. He would surprise you with the songs he liked and silly dance moves. He could have endless conversations about any classic Hollywood or Bollywood movie or movie star. He was a great companion to enjoy a cup of gelato, tropical drink, or chocolate with, and perhaps even some candy from one of his hidden stashes around the house. He also enjoyed having chats over a midday coffee about everything and anything with his son-in-law, Mike. As the two grew closer, it was Mike who eventually went above and beyond to take care of his father-in-law during his cancer journey.

He loved his family deeply, especially his granddaughters. It was the highlight of his life when he became a Dada. His face would light up whenever his granddaughters entered the room. He loved to support his granddaughter Priya in school, and he would cheer her on during all of her soccer games. He loved to watch his younger granddaughter Asha experience the new world around her and he delighted in watching her grow. Barely able to speak, one of the last words he said in his last days was Asha’s name as he lit up watching a video of her dance.

Vasant was compassionate towards everyone, with a loving and gentle spirit, and faithfully devoted to providing for his family. He had a caring heart and the ability to always give a special smile to anyone who met him. His goodness, spirituality, kindness, and generosity has left a lifelong impression on everyone who knew him.

The family would like to thank the Lexington Oncology team, Agape Hospice, and HomeInstead for their kind, comforting, and loving care for their father during his cancer journey and last weeks of life.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kailas; three daughters, Vibhuti (Mike), Dipali (Tom), and Toral (Greg); granddaughters, Priya and Asha; and sister, Hema. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bhogilal and Nirmala; sister, Vasanti and brother, Dilip.

The family will hold a private celebration of life ceremony. In remembrance of Vasant Contractor, the family asks that charitable donations be made to multiple myeloma cancer research or to the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of SC in Columbia, SC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Contractor family.