Our world of friends and family is made poorer by the loss of our brother and friend, John. I knew John first, at Spicer High School in Pune, and then, to my  surprise, he accepted a job offer to work with my parents at Yele SDA School in Yele, Sierra Leone, in 1971.  And he thus became a brother, since my parents grew to love and respect him as an individual and as a Christian teacher. John was markedly intelligent, gentle and godly. And he led by example. My family and I will always miss him, and I pray that Ileen and Johnnie and Michelle and their families will be comforted  by how much John was loved. 
RIP, dear friend

I feel so blessed to be a part of this family’s life. John has always spoiled me by buying me this sari, jewelry, books, and many more. I loved spending time with John and learning more about his life and his art collection. I have always looked up to John and Ileen, and they taught me how to love, serve others, and how to put God first. I am forever grateful for everything that I learned from them. 
Love, Kati Carlson

During my visit in June, I was honored to spend time with both John and Ileen. John has taught me so much and I am forever grateful for the generosity and kindness that both John and Ileen have shown me. 
Love, Jaci Carlson

I got to know John more as a brother than a brother-in-law when he taught at the SDA school in Yele, Sierra Leone , during which period he stayed with my parents, David and Linnet Rao, where Dad was Principal.  John and I always had friendly arguments, with him always taking an opposing viewpoint just for the sake of argument.  He loved art and shopping with him was fun because he had an eye for style and took immense pleasure in buying beautiful clothes for Ileen and Michelle!  John will always be missed by his entire family.  May he rest in peace🙏

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John Sathyamitra Veda Rathnam

May 17, 1949 – November 8, 2024

Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

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