Dr. Hushang “Henry” Najat, age 89, of Monroe passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at his home. He was born October 22, 1932, the son of Javad and Farkundi (Escandani) Najat in Tabriz, Iran. He was a postgraduate of Northwestern Medical School in Chicago, IL where he completed his orthopedic thesis in bone grafting.
Dr. Najat was an Orthopedic Surgeon for 50 years, retiring in 2007. He was Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery, a member of the Green County Medical Society, State Medical Society, American Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, and International College of Surgeons.
After completing his specialty training, he was asked to join a practice in downtown Chicago. Dr. Najat decided to move his family to Monroe, Wisconsin in January 1967 where Dr. Nathan Bear had aggressively courted him. Dr. Bear was a fellow alum of Northwestern Medical School, took a fast liking to Henry and quickly recognized Dr. Najat’s talents, specialties and potential based on his extensive training and accomplishments while in Chicago. Dr. Najat practiced medicine for the Monroe Clinic & Hospital for the next 40 years. He did the first total hip replacement in Monroe, Wisconsin in 1972.
His medical skills and genuine care for his patients saved and improved the livelihoods of countless patients. He was a local celebrity. He would frequently be greeted warmly by former patients when out and about in the community. He loved people and being loved by them.
In addition to caring for patients he also taught senior medical students on the volunteer staff of University of Wisconsin Medical School.
Dr. Najat was not only very gifted but also committed to the betterment and wellbeing of the community. As one example, he taught agricultural safety at the Green County Ag department to educate farmers on the dangers of farm equipment and advised of the precautions one should take while operating the machinery.
He was a member of Masonic Smith Lodge #31 and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite. He was also a member of Kiwanis for over 50 years working the brat stand at the county fair and selling delicious locally made chocolates for fund raising.
But wait, that’s not all! Dr. Najat was a man of many interests and many talents. He had an amazing green thumb and claimed the largest private rose garden in Wisconsin with an estimated 1,000 rose bushes of various varieties at its peak. He won many of the highest awards for his own roses and eventually became a consulting rosarian and rose judge. He was a member of the American Rose Society and editor of Old Garden Rose and Shrubs. Amongst his many accomplishments he served as a rose judge for international rose competitions. He was as well known for his roses as he was for his healing. One person once said, “I know you, you are the rose doctor.” He maintained his enthusiasm for roses and was pruning one of his favorite Damask roses on his final day of life.
He also kept bees and donated honey to several local charities including Monroe Clinic gift shop, Monroe Arts Center, Christmas Stockings, Olbrich Gardens gift shop and of course kept his fan base well stocked!
He prided himself on having attended every church in Monroe. A motto from his home country was “Good words, good thoughts and good deeds.” He lived by these words and was an icon of the community. His great spirit lives on.
Henry is survived by his children, Audrey (Fiancée West Esterle) Najat, aka Mira Portents, John (Jessica) Najat, and Joseph (Melinda) Najat; grandson Robert Miller of Madison and brother, Manutschehr (Marlise) Nedjat of Germany.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Adair Najat.
A memorial service will be held at Noon on July 16, 2022 at the Ludlow Mansion. Donations can be made to the Literacy Council of Green County.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: Shriner111.com
