Happy Birthday, Big Bro...

I've had so many dreams over the past year, where you were right there.  Some of those dreams were strange & uncanny, I must admit.  But, the real truth is that I miss you a lot.

I still find myself struggling to come to terms with the fact that you are gone.

I am doing everything you told me to.

And I'm hoping that I am keeping you proud.

Thinking of you and I miss you Doc! XO Forever Grateful!

Shona (Minters) Costanzo
Chatsworth High School Friend
I rarely visit Los Angeles ( Canadian) and found myself there this past few weeks to lay to rest my brother. I was hoping to see old friends. Saleem’s office happened to be a mere 15 minute drive from my family members home. I was so excited at the opportunity to see Saleem after all these years. I was going to surprise him. Much to my despair to see an obituary with his name. My love and sincere condolences to his family. 

Dr Saleem, You as any other human, had some years on this planet you share with us.  You lived ...hard... then died hard. I'll see you in the afterlife ;} Peace! Namaskar!  Peace!

To the Desai family, please accept my deepest sympathies. Dr. Saleem Rest In Peace dear friend. Wishing you comfort and peace. My heart is saddened by your loss. A great doctor, friend and such a rare noble human being.. I will Always remember you brother ...  To Saleem's Mother, Son and brother and all Desai family I'm very sorry for your loss. 

Sami Awad

Dr Desai was one of my first clients. I started my business while in college in 1999 and Saleem was one of the first people that trusted me with his MCS vbusiness. We have worked with him many years later and always appreciated him, Please accept my sincere condolences, very sorry for your loss.

I see the entrance of new members in mourning the passing of a great healer. I bid them welcome even if this is most unfortunate. But I will confess that I am glad to see the door opening with new members because I refresh very fond memories of my own, and I'm allowing myself the comfort of knowing we all have this in common. We were his patients and his admirers. Glad to know there are many. I hope many more will come and join us. Good health to all. Do the things He would want for our lives.  DH

6 months later and I just found out right now that we lost the greatest person and doctor on the planet! XO! I am heartbroken to say the least.

Dr. Desai, I was sick for 2 years and no one could find what was wrong with me. You did. You conducted the right test and sent me to the most amazing surgeon. You saved my life.

I loved talking with you at our appointments. I loved your sense of humor. I loved our hugs. I loved your spirit. 

I will miss you forever, think of you always, and eternally be grateful to you. 

All the peace and love to you for infinity. XOXO

Can't believe Dr. Saleem Desai passed away , he is too young to die.
Just found out when I try to call his office  to make appointment for my husband to see him , that's  a shock to me and my husband, we were both his patient, last year he told my husband , 81yrs,  that your colonoscopy result are good and you don't have to see me anymore , this is your last colonoscopy.!!??? but my husband still needs to see him for his acid reflux problem ....
too bad Dr. Desai has gone too soon.... Our prayers are with you and your family. Rest-In-Peace Dr. Desai.
 You will be missed & loved.


Thuy Nguyen & My Bui family

 It was nostalgia to see you in my dreams yesterday... Unfortunate for me to wake up with you not there... 

Just found out today, what a shock. Such a cool guy, loved talking cars with him. He always had a moment to chat or just say "what's up." Caring doctor, always concerned about the welfare of the patient. A true clinician. Totally cheerful dude, no matter what, always smiling, so energetic. I can't believe he's gone. West Hills will definitely remember him fondly.

I will miss Dr. Desai, and I still morn his passing.  He was a caring physician and credit to the Human Race. It's a shame someone so talented was taken from us at such an early age. God bless his family and those he worked with. 

You were the only Doctor who cared and made me feel relaxed and at ease.  You made me feel like we new each other for decades.  It was extremely shocking to hear of your passing.  God be with you and your family.

Thank You for being You.

S, 

You were the light for me and you said I was the light for you.  I will always leave a light on for you so you can find your way to my door. 
❤️ B

Dr Desai saved my life; he would not let me re-schedule my colonoscopy, He said take the prescription and I'll see you in the morning!!!! I owe him my life. It took me two weeks to write this because I had a hard time believing he is gone. I got the call from his office, and I immediately broke down in tears. Dr. Desai was one of the greatest human beings I've ever met. He cared for his patients as human beings before patient.  I used to call him with different things regarding my health although it had nothing to do with his specialty, but Dr. Desai always made sure to guide me to the right doctor, he always took the time to listen to my concerns.   Thank you, Dr. Desai, thank you for saving my life and for being the human being you were. May you rest in peace and may you be in a better place. God bless your soul and God bless your family always.

He was my Babooom… Can’t believe he’s gone. Taken away too, too soon. All that hard work, all that planning… what for? 

…We’d only just got started.

I met you in c. 1997, you were always working hard & playing hard, right? Why did you have to leave so soon, buddy?  We were gonna rock da house and kick some a**. 

Gonna miss you. RIP Bro’

Not fair.

I miss you so much. You were my best friend. I miss your 4:30 am txts i miss your face times i miss your voice your smile your  presence. The most I’m going to miss is our talks for hours. I knew Saleem for about 20 years maybe a little less through my parents and we became very close past  years  he loves his son he spoke about Jordan all the time.he cared for his education   He loved his family he was so proud to be an uncle to his New baby Niece he would speak about her names  and smile he spoke about his brother often  his mom he would call his mom and have the cutest conversation with her his sisters  He worried for his father esp before he passed his dad was in the hospital he was on phone with doctors to  tell them to take good care and check for his situation he was sad  ..he spoke of his daughter and how he took the girls to horror night  how he  got nauseous after a ride. He would always tell me to get out of my liquor buisness and tell me stories about their own back in the days on Arleta street he would say if  I’m not mistaken. He would tell me stories taking the bus there and how much dad would pay lol. We talked and talked and had so much more to talk  about a week before his passing he spoke about Sofia and how beautiful she was i said you miss her he said yes he even talked about death i was afraid of death and few weeks before he passed i said I’m scared of dying he said very clearly i am not in such firm tone he said i accept death. It’s so surreal that he actually passed few weeks later of this talk. 
Saleem  was often times alone .. his talks were often about his family he  loved his family. 
 He was funny he would txt in strange ways but after a while you would understand him and What he was trying to say. He was a big baby smart very calm caring intelligent with a photographic memory like he would say . I will miss you so much Saleem. 
My heart goes out to his family his children.
Heartbroken 

I am sadden by the lost of my dear friend Salem Desai words cannot express how I feel just finding out about his passing... I will  miss him dearly. 

You are a hero, to me...
You helped me combat depression.
You taught me the significance of having a family, and protecting them. You were a pillar.
You were my keeper.

I couldn't have asked for anything more ... But just more time together ...



I met Saleem and his family back in 1980. His family took me in to their home and allowed me to work at their  market in Arleta. Saleem and I became great friends and spent a lot of time together. I knew he was going to do great things. I had no idea of the countless lives that he would save as a doctor. The heavens have gained an angel and I’m sure he has work to do there as well.

Love you brother! Tony Economou

Dr. Desai will truly be missed. He was a wonderful doctor and a great friend to us. We’ve known him for over 10 years. We would have the greatest conversations whenever we met with him that had nothing to do with our health. He had a wonderful personality and was always kind. We are so sorry to hear about this and our prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Cathy and Dave Bertovic 


May He Rest In Peace, 
Praying for his loved ones, such a tragedy for the  family he leaves behind. 
Heart felt sympathy to his entire family 
Much regards 
 Mrs Naghmana P

I am in utter shock; cannot believe Dr. Desai has passed. He was my doctor for many years. He always explained everything in laymens terms, would look for a cause rather than prescribe a random drug to mask the symptom, was empathetic and had a great bedside manner.  He was proactive with my health and after the last few surgeries I had, he explained what medications were detrimental to my health. My sincerest condolences to Dr. Desai's family, friends, colleagues, patients and all those who loved him. May Dr. Desai rest peacefully and may our Lord bless him. He will be greatly missed.

We lost a great man a great doctor I thank you for allowing me to work with you and training me. We had a lot of fun together and I considered you a really good friend you will be missed!

Dr Desai was my Doctor for the past several years and a very nice person, with great bedside manner. I am so sorry for the family's loss. I am very sad to hear this news. My prayers and blessings are with his staff and family. 

Man I’m in complete shock. I have been diagnosed with achalasia and it’s something that no one knows well about it and it’s rare. Dr. Desai took deep care of me and provided great support. I went through surgery because of his recommendations and I’m very happy with the results. He had referred me to a surgeon who he personally knows so that I get great care. There were times when I was very nervous as I had to deal with such health problems at a young age. He would treat me well and have personal like conversations. We were making great progress in bettering my health. I still remember the personal feeling of having such great support from a doctor. I’m truly sad to this news. May he be granted another life for being such an amazing person. 'iinaa lilah wana allah rajieun.

Growing up with Jordan Dr. Desai was a huge inspiration to me and was the definition of a very determined hard-worker that would do whatever it takes to achieve his goals not only for himself, but for his family. To who I considered my uncle, I’ll miss you dearly and I know you’re finally at peace from all the hard work and stress.

I was his a patient and had two different procedures with him. 
Great professional and human being. 
So caring and friendly.
I will miss you Dr. Desai, and I will always remember the good news you always gave me. 
Rest In Peace and keep looking out for your patients from wherever you are.
Mario Fard. 

Dr Desai was one of the first friends I was introduced to when we moved to LA. He’s been a mentor and friend since. We would text and talk almost every week. Huge loss for all his friends, patients, loved ones, and family. 
Will miss you brother.

I don't really have a recent photo because we have not met physically for years and now we won't. Not in this life. Saleem and I hit it off since the moment we met at KIMS in Karad. We became great buddies, laughing all the time, cracking jokes, trying to be diligent students. It was the eighties. Madonna was huge and I remember him bringing back a cassette of Papa Don't Preach. It was transparent and we could see the tape inside. 
I met him again many years later when he visited Mumbai with his wife Sofia. Then we lost touch and reconnected again last year on Instagram. We shared photos of our children and invited each other to visit Aotearoa New Zealand and California respectively. 

He was such a wonderful human being. May Allah give strength to Sofia, Jordan and Sienna. 
Lots of love.

Funerals are an opportunity to reflect on the value of life; our precious time on earth before death; as well as the reality of our own inescapable fate; and how each person leaves a legacy – some positive, some negative – that makes a difference in our lives.
Each of us that have entered the cycle of life must also exit. Despite knowing that death is inevitable, we are never fully prepared for their end. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose on earth, a time to be born and a time to die.

The poet David Harkins wrote the poem He is gone:

You can shed tears that he is gone
or you can smile because he has lived. 

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all he has left. 

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Here in this last act, in sorrow but without fear, in love and respect everyone will remember Saleem’s life. The sorrow is a reflection and measure of the love, happiness, and comfort we shared.  His body we commit to its natural end; his character and personality we commit to our memories; and his loves and ideals we commit to our hearts.

We must say goodbye to Saleem today and move forward with our lives.  We should incorporate our thoughts of Saleem, each in our own way, and carry forward his spirit. 


 

I met Saleem in the early 2000s back in Boston through a friend in common. Saleem and I used to hang out and “go crui--sin’” around Boston as he loved to say melodically.  Stunned by this news, I reflected upon my time with Saleem.

 

What memories, thoughts, and life lessons can us friends and his family take with us I thought.  Here are a few things that stand out to me.

 

First is his positive attitude. Every time I saw Saleem, he was either smiling or using humor to frame a challenge.  I don’t recall him dwelling or complaining about anything.

 

Second is his proactiveness.  He seemed to focus and achieve tasks on his ambitions.  Every so often, he briefly shared some goal or accomplishment – not dwelling or bragging – just that “this is where I’m at” or “I intend to do __X__ in the coming year.”

Third is to enjoy.  Saleem loved his rap music, Chinese food, sushi, etc. as well as his cars.  He made sure to create fun moments amid all his work and professional projects.

Fourth is his efficiency.  His sudden passing shows us that life is indeed short. He somehow embraced this and achieved/did a lot in his short time.  He was efficient… even in the way he spoke with his own “phraseology” – one word / one phrase to convey a point.  Never dwelling and continuously seizing every moment.

Saleem and I connected a few times briefly after he moved to the west coast but haven't been in touch for some time. Time has indeed flown by.  Thank you Saleem for some fun times, some good laughs, cruisin' w/ rap, and memories.

- Dhee

Saleem was always a great neighbor to us, always with a friendly greeting and good conversation. We will miss him a great deal. Our hearts and prayers go out to Saleem's family.

I have known Saleem for 25 years, as we trained together in Boston. We stayed in touch throughout the years and met up at educational conferences.  He constantly had an upbeat attitude and smile on his face. He was always fun to be around and  I was glad to at least see him recently.  He called me when I was leaving while I was the airport.  We talked about making plans to get together again and staying in touch. Words can't describe.  Will miss you buddy!

It was around 1986 that we first met.  We became instant friends and he invited a friend and me to his house to hang out.  We met his mom who invited us to stay for lunch. Being Indian, she asked for our parents’ numbers  and said she wants to be friends with them and invite them over.  Because that’s what Indians do.  

Over the next few years, our parents became good friends,  but Saleem and I went our separate ways as we left the valley and life takes its course. He went to med school in India and I went to med school in Chicago.  We met once or twice in Bombay in the late 80’s.   Our mothers remained great friends until Alzheimer’s robbed my mother of her memory. 
 But despite that, Khalida Auntie would call my father regularly to inquire about mom and make sure they were okay. 

On December 11, 2021, I was invited to a Holiday party and being new to the medical scene in the valley (since Covid permitted social gatherings),  The first person I was introduced to was a Dr. Saleem Desai. I immediately recognized him, and although it took him a minute, we chatted and  caught up the whole night.  He told me that his mom was just talking earlier that day  about what a great husband my father is and the excellent care he gives my mother.  We talked about our own divorces, our children, our careers and exchanged numbers. We planned to meet,  and stay in touch. 

It never happened.  

Today, I learned that Saleem passed away on January 1, 2022.  My stomach is in knots. I was shaking before I catatonically went about the remainder of my work day. 

Four weeks after we reconnected, I will be attending his funeral today.  Not at all how i expected to see him again. 

Don’t let days turn to weeks, weeks to months and months to years before catching up with friends and family. Let people know how you feel.  Tell someone you love  and miss them.   Make plans.  Stay in touch.life is precious and short and can change in an instant. 












It was around 1986 that we first met.  We became instant friends and he invited a friend and me to his house to hang out.  We met his mom who invited us to stay for lunch. Being Indian, she asked for our parents’ numbers  and said she wants to be friends with them and invite them over.  Because that’s what Indians do.  

Over the next few years, our parents became good friends,  but Saleem and I went our separate ways as we left the valley and life takes its course. He went to med school in India and I went to med school in Chicago.  We met once or twice in Bombay in the late 80’s.   Our mothers remained great friends until Alzheimer’s robbed my mother of her memory. 
 But despite that, Khalida Auntie would call my father regularly to inquire about mom and make sure they were okay. 

On December 11,  2021 I was invited to a Holiday party and being new to the medical scene in the valley (since Covid permitted social gatherings),  The first person I was introduced to was a Dr. Saleem Desai. I immediately recognized him, and although it took him a minute, we chatted and  caught up the whole night.  He told me that his mom was just talking earlier that day  about what a great husband my father is and the excellent care he gives my mother.  We talked about our own divorces, our children, our careers and exchanged numbers. We planned to meet,  and stay in touch. 

It never happened.  

Today, I learned that Saleem passed away on January 1, 2022.  My stomach is in knots. I was shaking before I catatonically went about the remainder of my work day. 

Four weeks after we reconnected, I will be attending his funeral this Saturday.  Not at all how i expected to see him again. 

Don’t let days turn to weeks, weeks to months and months to years before catching up with friends and family. Let people know how you feel.  Tell someone you love  and miss them.   Make plans.  Stay in touch.life is precious and short and can change in an instant. 













Missing you Dr Saleem!
You shared a deep bond of friendship with Anil and with me & Mrinal too!
All we three will always miss you....!

Dr. Desai was my husbands GI doctor when I was training as a resident at Northridge. He was very dedicated physician and passionate educator to us Northridge Family Medicine residents. RIP   

Dr. Desai was a great Attending Physician to the Residents at Northridge Hospital Medical Center.   I will always remember his kind and respectful demeanor no matter what time of day we would call him for a consult request.  He was always happy to teach us, but also treated us as his colleagues.  He will truly be missed.   My deepest sympathies for the Desai family, wishing you peace and comfort through this difficult time.  



Dr. Stephanie Pezeshkian
Class of 2012


Dr Desai, we will  always be thankful to all the support you gave us during residency. Northridge family practice residents, class of 2012. 

To one of the best. 

He was one of the first attendings who taught me at northridge hospital while I was a medical student. He was always honest , caring , and kind. His memory lives on with me as a great mentor. I continued to work with him years after I completed residency and truly will miss him. He was respected by our whole Residency class and he will never be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace.

Dr. Fadel Abdulhai 

I am deeply saddened by the news of Saleem passing away. He always had a friendly smile and was kind and helpful. He will be missed!! 
The entire Desai family is in my thoughts and prayers.


I am deeply saddened by loss of Saleem. I remember him being such a kind gentle soul during residency. I admired his diligence and care as a physician and person. 

This was a shocking news for me.He was my room partner in KIMS KARAD.
May god give enough strength to his family to bear this loss

OBITUARY

Saleem A Desai

27 February, 1968 – 1 January, 2022

Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary

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