Hari N. Budev, M.D., devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, just two weeks shy of his 89th year.

Born in 1937 in Saba Saba, Kenya, Hari was the fifth of seven children of Nanthalal and Dudhiben Buddhdev. From an early age, he carried the quiet strength and steadiness that would define his character and life. He was also blessed with physical strength and athleticism, qualities that shaped a lifelong passion for cycling, hiking, squash, badminton, and tennis.

When he was 11 years old, Hari and his brother Chandu moved to Nairobi to finish school. After turning 17, he and Chandu boarded a boat to India for college and later, medical school.

Their time in India forged close friendships that endured for decades and across continents. One day Hari and friends sought badminton partners for mixed doubles and met an intrepid Rekha Shah, who joined the group despite never having lifted a racket. Hari and Rekha stayed together for the next 70 years, moving to the US, then Kenya, until finally settling in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they practiced medicine, raised their two children, and traveled across six continents.

In 1978, Hari helped found the Ankur Gujarat Samaj society, creating a space for culture, community, connection, and friendship that continues today. A formidable bridge player, his foursome began playing at the Ankur building in the 1990s and grew into an active and competitive bridge club for the next 30 years. He also served as President of the Cincinnati Association of Indian Physicians, starting their now annual and beloved picnic and canoeing tradition.

A lifelong learner, Hari read widely - history, biographies, finance, world affairs - and delighted in sharing ideas and knowledge with those around him. He had a calm, thoughtful presence, typically listening more than speaking, but his few words carried clarity and wisdom

Hari loved nature and found joy in the simple and enduring rhythms of life. He was most at peace outdoors— cycling, hiking, gardening, or playing tennis and badminton. He won multiple badminton medals and cycled regularly well into his 80s. When he and Rekha moved to Orlando, they enjoyed countless hours planting and caring for their garden. Hari planted mangos, papayas, avocados, limes, loquats, bananas, and passion fruit, harkening back to his days in Saba Saba.

Hari achieved much in life, but he will be remembered most for the unwavering integrity and sincerity of his character. In a world too often abundant with guile and selfishness, Hari chose a higher plane, and we were very blessed indeed to have known a man whose kind, gentle demeanor did not readily reveal the secret of his inner strength.

Hari is survived by his wife Rekha, his children Ashish and Sapna, his grandson Niam, his brothers Chandu and Sharad, and his sisters Neela and Ami.

A virtual celebration of Hari’s life will be held on Saturday, May 30, bringing together family and friends from around the world. Details will be shared in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Hari’s name to a cause of your choosing or one of the following:

Public Broadcasting: https://www.npr.org/donations/support or

https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/support-pbs/

Promoting Financial Literacy: https://www.climbusa.org/

Indian Americans in Politics: https://iaimpact.org/

Racism & Injustice: https://www.splcenter.org/ or https://www.aclu.org/