Name: Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center
Address: West Palm Beach, FL

Thank you again, Dr. Vara. I learned from and listened to you, and now I share the light you gave me with others. When I feel beaten and lost, I remember all the treatments you gave to me while you yourself were hurting from your own challenges. I will always carry you in my heart. Thank you for showing me a better way.

Six years have passed since you departed. I am moved by the messages from your colleagues.  There is a whole in the lives of your family. You were an amazing brother and friend.

Rest in eternal peace Dr. Vara🌹🙏🏼

Six years have passed, but your memory remains as vibrant as ever. I miss you deeply, and your wisdom continues to guide me. Thinking of you today and always.

John,
You are still missed, I saw a feather the other day and thought of you and now this reminder came up. Blessings to your family and pray you are RIP. Michele VA

Five years since we spoke and we walked your journey with you to eternity. Know that there is a big hole in all our hearts. You gave so much to so many. May peace be with now. Until we meet again…Irene

Today is the anniversary of one who will remain in our hearts eternally. Although Dr. Vara has passed from this life to the next, he will always be remembered. We were all so very lucky to know him.

                                                 R.I.P 
                                                             
                                                                     Dr Vara


                                                                                Gone but never forgotten.

                                                                                            WPB VA  Medicine Service!                                   

Dear John 

The work we do sometimes you can’t see the trees amongst the forrest. You get so fixated on the work you are not paying attention why you’re doing it. Your gift was always being able to stop me in the hallway or at the office and take a moment out of my day. In that moment however long or short it was you were always able to ground me by just wanting to know how I was doing, or what has been going on. These conversations brought the color back into my work life and the kindness back into focus of the job at hand. The focus or the trees I was missing, was the kindness and humanity associated to what we do each and every day. Your inspiration and legacy is that for me. The focus of kindness in all we do for the people we care for and work with. The kindness needed to live a full life. RIP

Dear John: The Frangipani Tree we planted in your memory is growing tall and has beautiful flowers in the spring and summer. Our Valor Way Hospice Veterans and families look outside the window and can view the beauty of their blossoms providing comfort. I miss you. 

It is four years ago today that peace came to you. We all miss your love and wisdom.
Gone too soon. Some day we will be together again.
Your sister Irene
2/24/23

There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone. He is deeply missed. 

There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone.  He is deeply missed. 

Heavenly Anniversary. Rest in eternal peace Dr. Vara. 🙏🏻🌹

I was just talking about you yesterday.  You were such a great colleague and you were always available.  You boosted my career to another level and I will always be grateful.  You always checked on me after Ovi past away which meant more than anything!  

He will always remain a dear friend and colleague.  I think of him often.

Rest in Peace Dr. Vara. Never forgotten!🙏🏻🌹

Your light left us three years ago. Your words of wisdom resonate more each day.

Dr. Vara, you will never be forgotten and will live on in our hearts.  Today we remember your amazing life.



A great man who was always available if you needed someone to talk to!  He was instrumental in the success of my career at the VA.  

We are our guiding light as we continue our life’s journey. You have been raised on angels wings.

Dr. Vara  you are truly missed. Rest in peace. 

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.”

I miss your guidance and your wisdom.  Even to this date, when I found myself not knowing what to do I imagine I see you standing there, in front of me, waving me across the finish line.

Zaskia 

Miss you John. I hope you are happy and praying for us.  We planted a tree in our Valor Way Hospice Meditation Garden. I miss you my friend.  

When I first met Dr. Vara,  I had just gotten home from a 15month deployment and I was a mess. Several providers treated me as such to where I would be afraid to go to appointments . They had no patients, they would be mad because I was such an introvert. He took me under his wings and has guided me through some if my toughest times. He saved my life. He was someone I admire, respected and he was my role model. He encouraged and  taughtme to focus on me, how to forgive me and live me again. He was like a father. If I missed appointments he would call and call until he got an answer and even took time out of his busy schedule to offer support and comfort. I am still mourning.  Everytime I go to the VA i am expecting him to come around the corner or out the door. I was always greeted with a warm smile. A smile that comforted you and after our session I felt whole. I am so hurt and sad about this. I will never forget him. Such a great, humble, genuine selfless soul.  He truly cared about the Veterans and would go out of his way to help each and every vet that needed his help.   Stand strong and my condolences to the family and friends.  My hands are shaking, my eyes cant hold 5he tears. He was my only friend for years

John was a mentor and friend who received my calls humorously lamenting that he answered the phone, and then quickly asked how I was. Many laugh filled lunches at Franks and conversations about our profession and what mattered: Love and Boundless Compassion. He reflected love and boundless compassion while celebrating our human foibles. I am blessed with these memories and will continue to live as you hoped for me. Thank you.

From all of us who you brought home after the mission, to all those who have never known the true kindness of this man's soul, we will carry the torch and message to others it is possible to be better than yesterday, be good today, and become our best tomorrow. Dr. Vara, you saved my marriage, my relationship to my children, and my connection to humanity. You will never be forgotten as I thank you every day.
Please forgive the revised copy – My eyes, my fingers, my heart were all swollen as I had just learned of Dr. Vara’s fate. It took me five months of searching for an answer of what was Dr. Vara’s reason for his untimely disappearance when I came upon his obituary. I learned from our time together beginnings have an end, and ends can be new beginnings. Therefore, I will continue my path with his memory brought to my next beginning. And to his family I wish to share a sincere thank you. Thank you for sharing Dr. Vara with us all, and allowing him to be as dedicated as he was to helping us have hope again in our lives. Without your support, he could not have never carried us as far. He spoke highly of you all, and I personnel know of his great love for each of you. We have all of you to thank. Many blessings.

From all of us who you brought home after the mission, to all those who have never known the true kindness of this man's souls, we will carry the torch and message to others it is possible to better than yesterday, be good today, and become our best tomorrow.  Dr. Vara, you saved my marriage, my relationship to my children, and my connection to humanity. You will never be forgotten as I thank you everyday.

I was so sad to hear of this! You were such a comfort during those meetings back in the day with a quiet twinkle in your eyes and a knowing smile. I know how much you meant to the Veterans who saw you. You were one of a kind and are sorely missed.
Rest In Peace, Dr. Vara, knowing how many you impacted in your life.  What a beautiful legacy.



It is with sincere condolences on hearing of Dr. Vara's Passing. I started my VA career at the Miami VA in 2007 as the Employee Travel Technician and worked daily with Dr. Vara and his staff in the Chief of Staff office. During my first few days at the hospital I was given a tour of the facility and that's when I first met Dr. Vara when he was serving as Chief of Staff for the facility. When I was introduced to him he got up and came from around his busy desk to shake my hand and welcome me aboard and it was then that I sensed his warm and laid back personality.  From that moment on I enjoyed going down to his office and speaking with him and his team and he just made you feel so at ease and always had a kind thing to say. I once told a co-worker I would love to work for him because he was so down to earth and always made you feel like as though you were an equal as it related to just one human interacting with another human. I know the West Palm Staff is going to miss his presence as we did when he left Miami. May he Rest in Peace.

I was deeply sadden when I heard the news of  Dr. Vara's death.   I was fortunate enough to work with him at the WPB VA and Miami VAHS.  I can honestly say without hesitation that I would not be where I am today in my career without the support of John Vara!  Even after I left the facility and starting working for VACO, he would routinely send me an email or call and check on me to see how I was doing.  I will miss my friend!  

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story about Dr. Vara. I worked with him 1996 – 2002, and again in 2010, a team of us worked on CREW – Civility, Respect and Engagement in the Workplace. We met every two weeks to discuss the ups and downs of Medical Center as we looked for solutions of how we could teach staff how to “play well in the sand box with each other”.  We started the meetings with Ghirardelli chocolates and almonds at every meeting :). As a Friend – we discussed our children – upbringing, my overbearing sister, how to prepare for my retirement, and care for my 93-year-old mother, my son’s wedding; but most of all, he wanted to know what makes me happy. September 2019 – I knew something was wrong. I could feel it and I heard it in his voice, then we got the news.  December 2019– in a dream, he said good bye, and said we will see each other again. A letter he wrote to me, Dear Rojean, What an incredibly committed, compassionate curious and caring person you are. I hesitate to think where we would be without you during this very challenging transition. Today, I say, Thank you John, for helping us through our transition and for the 30+ years you have given to us and our veterans, Thank you Maggie, Clare, Madeline and Ned for allowing us to be a part of John’s life.  In closing, God does not take our loved ones from us, nor does God abandon nor does God abandon us in our times of sadness.  We are the ones that sometimes shut God out by the darkness of our grief.  God is benevolent, loves us unconditionally, and allows our loved ones to still be with us in spirit form.  This is a magnificent gift, if we are willing to accept it.  Our loved ones are only a thought away from us. We just need to unwrap this gift of spirituality from God.  When we open it, we find the spirits of our loved ones waiting there for us.

Friday, November 2,  2007 will always be a special date for me in my tenure at Miami VAHS (back then Miami Medical Center).  I was in the main lobby, looking up a map to locate Human Resources’ office. A polite voice behind me, gently asked me, “May I help you find something, young man? (back then, I was young). I told him. He introduced himself to me, “I am John.  Let me walk you over to HR; I am headed that way.” No airs about himself, no mention of being the COS of VA but a down-to-Earth, friendly person. On our way to the HR, he chatted with me like an old friend. I realized his magnanimity serendipitously when I ran into him again for the 2nd time in the hallway, months later; he joked, “Al Karim, do you know now where HR is?” I was floored by his memory and the care to remember a subordinate’s name despite a chance-meeting. Up until 2010, Dr. Vara  would always take time to stop and ask me, “Al Karim, how is Research going?” (Back then,  I was a Research coordinator).
I pray for eternal peace for this larger-than-life person,  Dr. Vara’s noble soul. 

I had the honor--and pleasure--of meeting, and working, with Dr. Vara when he was appointed as the new COS, while I worked in the Director's Office (99-04) at the Miami VA Medical Center. From the first time I met him, until the last day I knew him, he was always a positive, professional, intelligent, and compassionate human being--who not only earn my utter respect, but my sincere admiration and appreciation. One of the few individuals that I encounter (after having left the military) that not only showed me equal respect--as both a professional and human being (despite the difference in our rank and positions), but who honestly appreciated the knowledge and experience I brought (as a veteran and administrator) to the VA, even when others were unwilling and/or unable to do so. I will miss him profoundly, but take great solace that he is at peace. May God continue to bless and watch over him and his family.

I was sincerely saddened by the passing of Dr. Vara.  My condolences to you, Mrs. Vara and your children.  I had the privilege to work with Dr. Vara both in Miami and then West Palm Beach.  He was the most kind, gentle, compassionate  and professional man.  As many said today in the memorial service at the VA, he made you feel like you mattered always and no matter how crazy work got he always asked about my family.  Taking care of my in laws before they passed away and continuing to care for my mom, Dr. Vara never forgot to ask about them and always asked how I was doing.  I love the memories and laughs he had with the Health Informatics group that I worked in at both facilities.  We had a great time with him.  He always fed us chocolate and almonds! :)  He was the best.  Rest in Peace and God Bless, Dr. Vara I will never forget you!  

Shock and sadness cannot even describe the feelings of losing Dr. Vara.  He was an esteemed colleague, a gentleman, a force to be reckoned with and a man of integrity and superior intelligence and wisdom.  The void of his presence has already impacted the hallways of this medical center.  I remember walking down the hallway with him, always impeccably dressed with his starched bright white lab coat discussing healthcare, families, travel, and educational opportunities.  I will miss his smile and his jokes, but most of all his ability of always making me feel like a better person after I conversed with him....God Speed My Friend....You will be missed....Thank-you for all the wisdom you imparted and thank-you for being great leader.  All my prayers to your family, may they find peace one day in the memories they have of you....

Our world will not be the same without your presence; however, your loving spirit will remain in our hearts. Condolences to the family and encouragement that he provided so much to so many and left an everlasting impression on lives around the world. Sending comfort during this time of loss. 

I would like to express my deepest condolences to Dr.Vara's family. I am so saddened to hear about his passing. I had two very heartbreaking and personal losses back to back and will be forever grateful to him for recognizing and seeking help for me through a very difficult time in my life while he worked at the Miami VA. Dr.Vara was a very kind man and I am honored to have known him. 

Words alone cannot express the sorrow and pain I feel for the loss of your very dear family member. He adored you all! His passing will not only leave a void in your hearts but also in the hearts of all that knew him. I was blessed to have known him since 1996 and can say that he was truly an amazing human being and leader showing respect, compassion, integrity, dignity on a daily basis. He was my mentor and friend. He looked for the best in everyone he encountered. In his leadership role as CME Committee Chairman he was the heart of the approval process ensuring that topics were offered to meet the licensure requirements of our clinicians. He was instrumental in WPB VAMC CME Program achieving Accreditation with Commendation at a time when only 17% of all medical schools, hospitals, and universities nationally had achieved this status! Quite an accomplishment! Our CME program routinely collaborated with our community partners to include Alzheimer's Community Care and the Palm Beach County Medical Society. He was very active in the planning process for the annual Future of Medicine Summit for the last 12 years! Deep in his heart he was an educator so when the Palm Beach County Medical Society advertised that they were seeking nominations for various Heroes in Medicine awards, Francine and I nominated him for the Heroes in Medicine Healthcare Educator of the year for 2015 and he was selected by a panel of his peers for this honor. I miss him terribly and will never forget him. His legacy will live on. I will continue to pray for your family that God gives you strength!

My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Vara.  He was a wonderful man, kind, compassionate, funny and always had a smile.  He was truly an advocate for his patients and also for the staff who worked with him. What a great legacy he leaves. It was a pleasure working with him. He will be greatly missed.  

I was fortunate to have been able to work with John in my capacity as Chief, Nutrition and Food service at the West Palm Beach VAMC in 1996 and in various capacities thereafter in Miami and after he returned to West Palm Beach.  He exemplified the dedication and commitment to our mission in service to Veterans and their caregivers and in his leadership to all staff. A consummate professional with a great sense of humor and strong work ethic, he made a difference in the lives of many people. He was a dedicated father and strongly committed to his family. He leaves a tremendous legacy behind.  My wife Karen, a Oncology nurse who also worked with John  and I send our deepest condolences to his family and may your faith, friends and family comfort you during this difficult time.

Dr. Vara was a consummate professional and dedicated physician. He was also a wonderful and kind man. I have been blessed to have known him. May he rest in eternal peace. My condolences to his family.   

I am saddened to hear of the passing of John Vara. MD. We worked together when he first arrived at WPB VAMC to serve as Chief of Staff and again through Education when he returned from the Miami VAMC. We shared the goal of providing the best possible care for our veterans. My condolences to his family and all those who closely worked with  him at WPB.

It was a pleasure and honor to work with Dr. Vara during his time in Miami. He was a warm and decent human being who cared for the welfare of the Veterans. My condolences to his family.

I am so grateful to have a met such a man of great caliber, honor, and pride demonstrated towards everyone he came in contact with... I send my deepest condolences to his family... Know that he will truly be missed... He had a distinction that topped many... Take your rest Dr. Vara... Thank you for being a living example even at  this stage of life and now death the standard of care exemplified by you could never be measured. 

Dr. Vara was a kind and compassionate leader. He was an asset to the Miami VA and a friend of the Department of Anesthesia. He will be missed. Rest easy, Dr. Vara.

I was always impressed with Dr. Vara's dedication to service. In his role as COS at the Miami VA, he did not have to take call. However, he requested to take weekend call on the Acute Inpatient Psychiatry unit, as he wanted to continue to see patients and be of service to veterans. My deepest condolences to his family.

It has been a gift to have such a loving, caring brother who will be missed and cherished forever.  A magnificent person.

It is with great sadness that I offer my condolences not only to the family of Dr. John Vara, but also to everyone who knew him. I will always remember his kindness during my pre-employment interview at the West Palm Beach VA and my exit interview in which he offered "to have the VA cafeteria make Cuban sweet plantains on a daily basis if you decide to stay." John's passing is a great loss not only to the veteran community, but to his colleagues as well. Dr. Vara was a great physician and a loyal friend. I will always miss him. May he rest in peace.

My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to your family and your friends.

My deepest sympathies during your time of loss, my thoughts/prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Dr Vara - his legacy will be with us in our hearts - a loving husband and father, mentor to residents and students,  a dedicated physician to veterans and their families, a  friend and mentor to peers and fellow employees.   His smile, laugh, and stories is now being shared with his fellow Angels.  My deepest sympathy to Maggie and his children.  

Dr Vara, words are not enough to describe this immense loss. You will be dearly missed and thank you for the wonderful person you were. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to your family and your friends.

I worked at WPB VAMC from 1997-2016  (retired).  I crossed paths with this divine gentleman throughout my years there.  He had a comforting spirit that made him so easy to talk to.  Blessings for the Veterans & staff he served so well and to his family in this time of great loss.
Kelly & Hansen ( Service Dog)
US Army 1974-77

I had the honor and privilege to work with Dr. Vara at the West Palm Beach VA. I will forever be grateful for his advice and guidance on a family matter that he so graciously made time for. Dr. Vara had such a kind heart and gentle soul. There's not enough words than can truly define how much he is greatly missed. Sending warm wishes to the Vara family. I am so sorry for your loss.  

...I remember my first day at the VA as a fresh, first time, chief resident in quality and safety. He was the first person I met...appeared warm and friendly, very professional, with outstanding manners. After that I had the true pleasure of working with him - which really means under him- on a multitude of occasions, but never felt the pressure of a boss, rather the clever touch of a gentleman. Always assertive and kind, supportive, welcoming; always exemplifying the essence of a true leader by walking alongside for common goals, and seeking how to help accomplish them. I think his work is evidence of how we can transform places and people for the better, and his life is prove of how a virtuous human can only enlighten the life of others. I thank God for the opportunity to have met and learned from him. I praise for his soul, extend my heart to his family, and will always remember him as one of the greatest men I ever met. Dr. Vara, please rest in peace, and know we'll always love you.

My deep and sincere condolences,

Javier. 

I will always remember John as a great friend and a wonderful  mentor.  It is a great loss for all of us as he was truly compasionate and caring as a physician and as an administrator.  As Chief of Staff in the Miami VA he was a pillar of support to all of us, and I could have never survived without his guidance.   My condolences to his family.
alberto

My first encounter with Dr. Vara was being interviewed for the ADPCS position at Miami VA. He was the Chief of Staff and was heading the interview panel. He was such a gentle and kind human being, that he immediately made me feel at ease. Shortly after arriving at Miami, Dr. Vara transferred back to West Palm VA, but left a positive lasting impression on me for the short time we worked together. Whenever I visited West Palm VA he always greeted me with a big hug and an even bigger smile. I know how much his family meant to him, and I pray for peace and comfort for them and all those he has touched during this deeply sad period. He made the world a better place. What a legacy!

Marcia

Dr. Vara,  to say you will be deeply missed is an understatement. I feel extremely privileged to have worked beside you.   I will miss your laughter,  great sense of humor and kindness. You never hesitated to help others and give support when needed.   The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center has lost an amazing Leader and we have lost a wonderful co-worker and friend.  I send the deepest condolences to your family.  I pray the Lord gives them the strength needed to cope with this incredible loss. Rest in peace. 

I worked for John at the Miami VA.  He was such a kind man.  Before I knew him, he caught my attention one day in the cafeteria line.  What I noticed was his interactions with the serving staff. He was greeting and joking with the staff. I was new to Miami so I had no idea he was the Chief of Staff, but his actions that day have stayed with me these many years.  A few years later, I was privileged to work for him and he was great.  He taught me much in the time I worked for him.  His was committed to excellence in health care.  His love for his family was also evident.   My sincere condolences to his family.  He will be missed. 

Dr. Vara was a man of dignity and respect.  He was a kind man with a heart to help others. He was wisdom where wisdom was needed.  He will be sadly missed.  May the family find peace and comfort during this sad time.  

We connected by our love for THE Notre Dame Fighting Irish as he went there and a few of my family members did as well; we were connected by the Midwest haha. He was so kind, funny, a great mentor and leader. I'm saddened by hearing of his passing. My prayers for comfort and peace to his family and friends. 

Dr. Vara, you will be dearly missed, more than words can express. You taught me so much over the years. Thank you for always checking on me, always remembering every word, you were an incredible human being. May your family have comfort in this very sad time. It was an honor to know you and to work with you.

Sandi

I will always remember Dr. Vara as a very intelligent, compassionate and caring colleague. He was one of the first individuals to welcome me when I joined the WPB VAMC Team and I will always be grateful for the consideration and professional support he conveyed. My deepest condolences to the family for their loss and I pray that you find comfort in your memories, with your family and in knowing the lasting legacy Dr. Vara created by being a very special person. 

I would like to share my deepest condolences to Dr. Vara's family. I had the honor of serving on several committees with Dr. Vara and every time we met, his warm smile and acceptance was felt and appreciated. Dr. Vara's spiritual strengths were many, and those I had the privilege of experiencing included compassion, wisdom, encouragement and discernment. Dr. Vara was someone I could trust and share thoughts and ideas without judgment or pretense. He was well respected in all his roles here at the Medical Center and will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his loving family and friends. Chaplain Kim House

"We are captains of our own ships sailing the sea of life, but in times of stormy weather, you will discover true friends when they don't hesitate to be a lighthouse." ~Dodinsky

To the Family: Dr. Vara was this and so much more! His presence and dedication was unmatched and he will surely be missed! I am so grateful for the time we had, the support he gave so effortlessly and the lessons learned. I know that words cannot mend your heartache, but those of us who care and share in your loss wish you comfort and peace. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends. 
My Deepest Condolences. 
Hugs & Prayers, Michele

On behalf of the staff of Employee Education Services, I write to extend our deepest sympathy to his dear wife, children, siblings and family members. Dr. Vara was indeed the underpinning of education and research for our facility and staff by providing guidance support and structure to our service over the years. We want the family to find solace knowing our dear Dr. Vara impacted our staff and countless people’s lives for the better with his unique ability to connect with people through, his expertise, passion and commitment to Healthcare, Education and Wholeness.

Only knowing this great man for about a year we would see each other every morning coming to work. He always had a great smile on his face and would ask how my morning was going. I would always reply "well I am here". Monday thru Friday if Dr. Vara was at work he was always positive and those positive mornings have been missed over the last few months. He will be missed by many and prayers to his family. 

William
HR Supervisor

I would like to share my deepest sympathies for the Vara family. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Vara for a few years while I was working at the West Palm Beach VAMC. His compassion for his patients was second to none. I was never one of his patients but he would welcome me into his office when I was needing guidance or just someone to talk to on a rough day. Dr. Vara never turned anyone away if they were in need of help. 
I will cherish the memories of our conversations, the wisdom you shared with me, and our seemingly endless friendly banter about Notre Dame vs. Michigan. You always supported me to do better and strive for more. Rest in Peace Doc. 

Kyle Laramie. 


We had the pleasure of working along side of Dr. John Vara during our time (1995- 2014) at the West Palm Beach, FL VAMC. Dr. John Vara was a special man. He left his foot print every where he went. He was highly thought of by everyone including but not limited to staff, students and patients. He saw everyone, no matter your role in the VA he made it a point to make sure you felt seen and heard. He always had a smile and always left you with words of encouragement. He maintained and calm and positive demeanor making people feel comfortable in his presence. Our condolences to his family, we hope that you can continue to cherish all of the special memories you were able to make with him. Losing a loved one never seems to get easier but knowing the impact he has had on the many lives he encountered hopefully comforts you through this difficult time. ~Ralph and Kimberlee Chiavola

Dr. Vara was one of the first people I met when I came to the West Palm Beach VA. He was one of the kindest, welcoming  persons I had the privilege of meeting.  He will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to his family.

Deepest Sympathy , RIP  Dr. Vara.  what a wonderful example of a Godly man. You will be missed, your kindness will not be forgotten and my condolences to the family.

Dr Vara gave me all of the latitude to be the leader at the Broward VA clinic I needed. He always embraced my leadership and benchmarked our performance improvement. Miami VA was so sorry to lose him.   I will truly miss him and hope he will be remembered for his beautiful way he embraced leadership and supported it. Miss you John !!!

"Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.” May my condolences bring  comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss.

Oh my...I could never forget a man who was very helpful in just encouraging me to get help. I am a Gulf war veteran and being in an outpatient clinic at the time I met him, he walked up to me and I felt his sincerity and true concern for me as he asked me "what's going on". I explained to him I needed help with PTSD and many issues I was experiencing from my service in the Army. I would run into him throughout the hospital often and he always had time to chat for a few minutes, no matter how busy he was. He always asked "how are you doing Bruce", to me that made it personal. I since then have always thought our relationship was personal. I will never forget the help he has done for me which started my compensation for my disabilities from my military service...Gone too soon, but I will never forget you; thank you sir!!!

How can one ever forget that charming, kind smile and the soft-spoken healing voice of this gentle healer.  I have worked often while on our inpatient unit with Dr. Vara, and saw first hand, how his calm demeanor, direct eye contact and dry sense of humor, made him an instant hit with these veterans and staff.  The untiring dedication, level of expertise and unwavering support Dr. Vara provided, will never be duplicated in my opinion.  I will miss him tremendously, and I'm sure he has an elevator directly to heaven...
God Bless this family during this time, and bring them peace.
Sincerely, 
Virginia Wagner, Social Worker

I've had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Vara since 1996 and most recently as co-chair of the patient education committee. He always had a great outlook on life and would always remind me to enjoy life. He continuously shared Leadership tips and information with all the service chiefs here at West Palm Beach VA Medical Center that included keeping our employees happy and engaged. That is who he was - he wanted everyone to be happy! We shared information about our children's status of which he was a so proud. Our last communication he assured me that I would be able to cover for him while he was away with very strong encouragement. I loved working with him. I didn't know that would be our last communication. Dr. Vara you helped, directed and encouraged me to be a great person and I thank you. Miss you and many many blessings.

What a tragic loss! Dr. Vara had a profound impact on everyone he encountered. He will be greatly missed.

When the VA opened you were an inspiration, I will never forget your gentle and kind mannerism.  My prayers to your family and friends. You will be missed, may you RIP. Thank you for sharing your gift. 

Dr. Vara was a very special person, he was always kind, caring and respectful. I worked with him at the Indianapolis VAMC and transferred to West Palm VA shortly before he came back. When  When my father passed away a few years ago, he contacted me to check in. I have missed him and I will continue to miss him. To his family and dear friends, cherish your memories and know that he was dearly loved by the staff at West Palm. He will be missed.

OBITUARY

John Robert Vara

June 7, 1953 – February 24, 2019

Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center

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