Tara K. Nigam

Tara K. Nigam, MD, 70, Rockford died at 6:43 .a.m. Friday, November 26, 2010 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born June 16, 1940 in Kanpur India, son of Tej B. and Rameshwari Nigam. He was a board certified surgeon who was one of the leading orthopedic surgeons in the Rockford area for 40 years. He was also a Fellow in Orthopedic Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons, Canada and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. He was a pioneer in the Indian Community who worked diligently helping with all aspects and was a very proud member of the Downtown Rotary Club. He was a generous contributor to many social causes and charities, having had a profound impact on the community. He always tried to help people, especially rising and promising youngsters. He established scholarships at the University of Illinois School of Medicine where he was an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and was also a major donor to a charity hospital in India. He was well known as a warrior in life and through his tenacity, exceptional integrity and selfless devotion to patients and members of the community, he always commanded respect. He was passionate about living and was always an ambitious entrepeneuer . Tara was one with the earth who always had his biggest smile when he was in the mountains, whether it be the Rockies or the Himalayas. He was a self sacrificing family man who was most proud of his wife and children. His values and teachings will forever be treasured by those who loved him. Survivors include his wife, Kumud Nigam, MD; daughters, Piyusha Nigam and Ashlesha Nigam; son, Avneesh B. Nigam; four brothers, 2 of which are physicians and 2 are engineers; 2 sisters, one of which is a homemaker and 1 a physician; many nieces and nephews and four special dogs. A visitation will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2010 with a service at noon. Cremation will follow. Memorials may be made to Montessori Private Academy,8101 Sayer Rd. Rockford, IL. 61108 or Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main, St. Rockford, IL. 61103. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.