Bijoy Bhuyan

Bijoy Kumar Bhuyan was born on August 30, 1930, in Cuttack, Orissa, India where he lived with his parents, Tilottama and Mahendra Bhuyan, and 3 brothers and 4 sisters. He attended college in India, earning his Bachelor of Science at age 18 and his Master of Science at age 21. In 1952, at the age of 22, he left India to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin, where he met Janet, his wife of 68 years. He highly valued education and encouraged and supported his children in their academic endeavors.

Following his studies, Bijoy returned to India, with Janet, for a year and worked for Hindustan Antibiotics on penicillin production. In 1960, he and Janet moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he was employed with the Upjohn Company until 1992. During this time, he worked on cancer research, including production of 2 new anti-cancer drugs.

In 1992, Bijoy retired from Upjohn and pursued a Master of Counseling degree from Western Michigan University. He volunteered at the Gryphon Place for many years, leading anxiety management groups. He generously volunteered his time throughout his life, not only at the Gryphon Place, but also for political candidates and Meals on Wheels. Bijoy believed in the dignity and freedom of all people and supported democracy in all its forms.

Bijoy loved being active and played badminton throughout his life. In 2002, he won the title of "Golden Master" (age 70+) in the Senior National Badminton Championship. He played regularly every Friday and made many friends, and mentored many players, throughout this time.

Photography grabbed his attention and allowed him to express his creativity and his love of nature, particularly flowers. He won several local awards for his photographs and had shows in various galleries. He also greatly enjoyed traveling, taking his children and grandchildren to India, Costa Rica, and South Africa. In addition, he and Janet traveled to Spain, England, Canada, and Africa.

Bijoy was best known for his love of people and his curiosity in the world. No one was a stranger to him, and he approached everyone with an open heart and mind. Those that were fortunate enough to know him will remember his joy of life, love of family, and strong intellectual curiosity.

Bijoy is survived by his two children, Shanti (Angie) Bhuyan and Leela (Brian Duncan) Bhuyan-Duncan, as well as his two beloved grandchildren, Cali (Neil) Brady, and Connor Duncan, and 2 sisters, Banashree and Bishnupriya, along with many other much-loved Indian family members.

Celebration of Life will be held at Grange Hall, Oshtemo, Mi, on October 18th from 2-4 p.m. Please wear white or light colors, which symbolize purity and peace.