Baber Zaheer Rathur

His life and career were defined by compassionate care, professional excellence, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Dr. Rathur was raised in a close-knit family by his father, Ata Mohammed Rathur, and his mother, Hameeda Begum. From an early age, he learned the values of responsibility, humility, and devotion to family—qualities that remained central to his life. He pursued his calling in medicine at King Edward Medical University in Lahore, one of South Asia’s most prestigious and historic medical institutions. After earning his medical degree in 1967, he devoted nearly six decades to the practice of emergency medicine, serving patients during their most critical moments with calm expertise and genuine empathy. He practiced for many years, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients alike. Known for his steady presence under pressure and thoughtful approach to care, he touched countless lives through his work and embodied the highest ideals of the medical profession.

Medical School & Work Experience

King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan: Medical School; Emory University School of Medicine: Residency, Surgery; Northeastern Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Internship, Transitional Year; St Joseph’s Hospital, Atlanta, GA, Southern Regional Hospital; Rathur Family Practice Medicine.

Carrying His Voice and Joy Forward

Beyond his professional life, Dr. Rathur was known for his quick wit and joyful sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh, frequently quoting his favorite movies and breaking into song—especially tunes by Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Jim Croce, Otis Redding, Elvis, Celine Dion, Louis Armstrong, and many more, whose music he adored - often changing the lyrics to amuse his kids. He was famous within his family for creating silly, spontaneous songs of his own, many of which his children still sing today, carrying his voice and joy forward through generations.

A Life Well-Traveled

He also had a deep love of travel, adventure, and family. He believed in learning through experience and created lasting memories by taking his children on road trips filled with fun, exploration, and meaningful visits to family for special occasions. These journeys extended far beyond highways, as he traveled the globe and shared a curiosity for the world and its cultures. One cherished symbol of his adventurous spirit was a well-worn pair of shoes that traveled with him to every continent—later lovingly bronzed by his children as a tribute to a life well-traveled.

His Devotion as a Husband

Baber met Carolyn, a registered nurse, at Northeastern Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1970. Their children like to believe it was love at first sight. During their courtship, Baber taught Carolyn how to cook the foods of his homeland, while Carolyn taught Baber how to drive—small exchanges that reflected the partnership and mutual care that would define their life together.

Their love and devotion to one another formed the foundation of everything they built side-by-side. Together, they created a warm, bustling home in Riverdale, Georgia, raising six children, welcoming foster children, and caring for many beloved family pets. Baber expressed his love for Carolyn in both grand and quiet ways, especially cherishing special occasions and date nights, when he delighted in taking her out to dinner and celebrating the life they had built together.

His Devotion as a Father

At home, Dr. Rathur expressed his love in quieter, deeply meaningful ways. In his spare time, he meticulously assembled photo albums for each of his six children every single year, carefully developing rolls of film, printing the photographs, and arranging them by hand. These albums—filled with birthdays, holidays, school milestones, and everyday moments—were his way of preserving memories and showing his children how profoundly they were loved. They remain treasured keepsakes and a powerful reflection of his devotion as a father.

He was also known throughout his family for his distinctive, elegant calligraphy penmanship, lovingly addressing every birthday card, holiday envelope, and special occasion note by hand. Each carefully scripted name and message was a small work of art and a personal expression of his care. To this day, his children and grandchildren recognize his handwriting instantly—a visual reminder of his thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and the pride he took in every connection.

Dr. Rathur delighted in classic films, often enjoying old movies and AMC Classics, finding comfort and joy in timeless stories that reflected his appreciation for history, storytelling, and nostalgia. He also truly loved food—especially dessert—and took great pleasure in sharing meals with those he loved. He believed deeply in never wasting food and gently but firmly taught his children to be grateful for every meal, a value rooted in appreciation, respect, and humility.

Family Was Foundational

In addition to being a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, Dr. Rathur was a deeply devoted son, loving brother, uncle, and cousin. Despite building his life and career in the United States, his bond with his parents and siblings, along with their families around the world, remained strong. He stayed closely connected, offering guidance, support, humor, unwavering loyalty, and a place to stay for healing or local sightseeing.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Rathur (D’Arcy); his sons, Tariq Rathur of Griffin, Georgia; Sharik Rathur and his wife, Susan (Nguyen) of Fort Myers, FLA; Baber M. Rathur, Jr. of Sandy Springs, GA; and Sharaff U. Rathur of Brookhaven, GA; his daughters, Annie Dennis (Rathur) and husband Edmond "Lee" Dennis II of Smyrna, Georgia; Sarah Rathur-Price and husband Roderek “Derek” Price. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Yasmin Rathur, Alex Rathur, Carter Rathur, Reese Rathur, DeeDee Rathur, Elijah Rathur-Price, Emma Rathur, Ava Rathur, Derek Jr. Price, Kayla Rathur, Madelyn Rathur, Sebastian Price, and Ellis Dennis; his beloved sisters: Anjum Ara Rathur of Lahore, Pakistan, Rana Rathur of Lahore, Pakistan, and Rukhsana Rathur of Birmingham, UK, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dr. Rathur was preceded in death by his father, Ata Mohammed Rathur, and his mother, Hameeda Begum of Pakistan; sisters, Hussan Ara Butt, Roshan Ara Malik, Jahan Ara Butt; brothers, Nur ul Qamar Rathur, Anwar ul Qadeer Rathur, Badar ul Munir Rathur, and Azaz Tanveer Rathur; his sisters, and many cousins; and his daughter-in-law, Kimberly McIntyre-Rathur.

Deeply Missed and Forever Cherished

Those who knew Dr. Rathur will remember him for his kindness, humility, wisdom, humor, compassion, and quiet strength. While his passing leaves a profound loss, his legacy lives on through the many lives he healed, the family he loved deeply, the journeys he shared, the laughter and songs he created, the memories he so lovingly preserved, the lessons he taught, and the beautiful details—handwritten and heartfelt—that defined the way he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A committal service will be held at Arlington Memorial Park, located at 201 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA, 30328, US. The service is scheduled for January 17, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.