Judson Moses Ravi

Judson "Jud" Moses Ravi passed away peacefully on September 26, 2022, at the age of 90, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, of complications of lymphoma. He was a man of great faith, deeply connected to family, who sustained many lifelong friendships. He was much loved and will be missed.

Judson was born in Nuzvid, India, on March 4, 1932, to Ravi John Moses and Sundaramma Pilli. His father was the business manager and chaplain at Gifford Mission Hospital and his mother was a homemaker. The family was Seventh-day Adventist (SDA). He was the fifth of seven children-older siblings Violet, John, Florence, Mary, and younger ones Bharathi and Lalitha. Judson recalled being very happy as a child in British India.

In 1937, Judson's father became an ordained minister, and after he accepted the call to serve in Singapore and Malaysia, the family moved to Kuala Lumpur. Judson learned English in school and Malay and Chinese from his many friends. The Japanese occupied Malaysia during World War II, so he learned Japanese as well. He and his family experienced the realities of war, and for their safety, they would relocate to a rubber estate.

When Judson was 14, the family returned to India, and he attended Spicer Memorial High School, an SDA boarding school in Pune. He was considered a foreigner because he associated only with classmates from Burma, Ceylon, Ethiopia, Malaysia and with Anglo-Indians (children of British and Indian marriages). His studies continued at Spicer Memorial College, where he received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He was greatly influenced by his American teachers at Spicer.

On September 11, 1955, Judson emigrated to the United States, the first in his family to do so. His immigration sponsor was E.C. Whitaker of Los Banos, California, also an Adventist. Judson maintained lifelong gratitude for and friendship with Mr. Whitaker and his family.

Judson made his home in Southern California, studying at La Sierra College and then the School of Medical Technology at the College of Medical Evangelists (later Loma Linda University). He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1958.

At White Memorial Hospital in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, Judson began his career as a laboratory technologist. He soon met Brita Sellden, a nurse at the White, recently arrived from Sweden. She became an Adventist, and they married in 1959. Daughter Jennifer was born in 1960, and Brita became a homemaker. The young family attended White Memorial Church, travelled internationally (including Judson's year-long sabbatical with study at Oxford) and settled in Pasadena in 1967.

Judson and Brita divorced in 1970, and Jennifer would live with her mom. As they all navigated the then less common terrain of divorce, Judson remained an engaged and supportive father. He kept lifelong ties with Brita and her family in Sweden.

In 1970, Judson moved to Glendale City Church (SDA), his spiritual home for the rest of his life. He served on the church's A+ Preschool Board and was an Elder for many years. He became a U.S. citizen in 1970, for which he was grateful and proud. Judson was an enthusiastic international folk dancer (at Intersection and Caltech).

Over his 25 year career at the White, Judson became the clinical laboratory supervisor, an instructor of hematology and a member of the open heart team. He published several scientific articles and presented at national and international medical conferences. He was a member of many professional organizations, including President of the California Society for Medical Technology and the Rotary Club of East Los Angeles. He belonged to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council for decades.

In 1975, Judson received a Master of Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University. In 1983, he received his PhD from California Coast University in Healthcare Administration. He worked at Panorama Community Hospital as an Administrative Management Assistant for three years.

Judson joined STAAR Surgical Company, a manufacturer of intraocular lenses, as Director of International Healthcare in 1986. He negotiated the company's joint venture with Canon. Later he was Vice President of International Affairs and developed markets in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. He retired from STAAR in 1994.

Members of Judson's extended family would relocate to the United States, enriching his life immensely. His brother John and sister-in-law Stella emigrated from Singapore, following their children, and would settle in Southern California. Some of his sisters and their families would also move to the U.S. Uncle Jud, as he was known to his nieces and nephews and their families, emceed weddings, attended graduations and celebrations, both in the U.S. and abroad. Judson would remember birthdays and other occasions with a phone call, card, or gift.

He became a grandfather to Blake in 1994 and to Catie in 1996. Pai, as he was affectionately called, saw his grandchildren frequently, no matter where they lived. He welcomed them to his condo, stocking it with goodies from Trader Joe's. He supported their education, followed their hobbies and interests, and stayed in touch with calls, e-mails, texts and FaceTime.

Judson's last eight years brought health challenges. He was determined to live independently at home. His many friends (neighbors, classmates, church members, folk dancers, colleagues...) and extended family made this possible. The family is grateful for all who assisted him during this period and also for his care at Adventist Health Glendale, Huntington Memorial Hospital and The Terraces in Pasadena.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Judson lived with Jennifer and son-in-law Russell in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Later, he transitioned to Retreat Gardens in Rio Rancho, with final support from Hospice de la Luz of Albuquerque. Their care is deeply appreciated.

Judson is survived by Jennifer and Russell Parker, grandchildren Blake Parker and Catie Parker, 20 nieces and nephews and two cousins.

An online memorial service will be held on November 26, 2022, at 2 pm Pacific Standard Time, on Glendale City Church's YouTube channel . A recording will be on the channel afterwards.

Interment will be at San Gabriel Cemetery, California, date to be determined. The French Funeral & Cremations website will reflect updates.

If you would like to make a gift in Judson's honor, please consider Glendale City Church (church budget), Adventist Health White Memorial or Alzheimer's Association.