

Born on April 11, 1939, in Multan, India, Brij lived a life defined by kindness, integrity, curiosity, and devotion—to learning, teaching, and to his family, friends, and community.
Brij came to the United States from India in 1961 to pursue his Master’s degree at the University of Chicago, followed by his Ph.D. at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, which he completed in 1967. After brief stays in Rochester, New York, and South Bend, IN, the family settled in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1977.
During his 28 years in Terre Haute, Brij thrived as a Professor and Department Head of Physics and Optical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He later Co-Founded and served as Chief Operating Officer of Rose-Hulman Ventures—a pioneering innovation lab that has, for more than two decades, supported entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies alike through creative engineering solutions and mentorship. He was extremely proud to have supported 43 founding companies during his six years at Ventures with the support of the university.
Upon retiring in 2005, Brij and his beloved wife, Renu, moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where they found another warm and welcoming community to call home. In retirement, Brij continued to share his expertise as a Scientific Advisor at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research for eight years, while also pursuing his lifelong passion for golf.
Brij was known for his gentle spirit, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others. He will be remembered for his deep love for family, his dedication to lifelong learning, and his quiet strength that inspired everyone who knew him.
Family was everything to Brij. He and Renu, his wife, partner, and best friend, shared 58 wonderful years together. He is survived by Renu and their three loving sons: Adit, Sunny (Kinnari), and Anil (Elizabeth); his devoted brother, Suraj (Renu); and his cherished grandchildren — Devan (16), Shaan (15), Kaaviya (12), Jayan (9), and Maya (5). He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends who were truly like family. All will forever hold his memory close.
A celebration of Brij’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 (please note the specific address, as the other Mackey location is currently under construction). The family welcomes all attendees to also join for lunch and continued celebration at the Vedic Center (520 Bethel Drive in Mauldin, SC) starting at 1:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Brij’s honor to the Greenville Vedic Center, https://vcofg.org/donations/vedic-center-donations/.
Brij’s memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know and love him.
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