For most people, a pediatrician is the first doctor they remember, the one whose bedside manner can make or break their relationship with doctors and the medical profession in general for the rest of their life.

An entire generation of thousands of Suffolk residents will remember their pediatrician fondly as one who cared deeply about his young patients and their families and worked hard to make sure they got the best possible care and were treated with respect.

Dr. Kalathil N.V. Sankaran, better known to many as “Dr. K.,” died last week and was remembered by former patients, employees and family members for a story in this newspaper on Sunday.

Sankaran grew up in India and came to Suffolk in 1976. He and his wife, Dr. Nellie Sankaran, opened a pediatric practice together and worked together for 34 years.

The Sankarans adopted Suffolk as their hometown, raising two daughters here and contributing many years of service to the community. His family remembered the emphasis he placed on hard work.

As the Sankarans continued to work hard, their patient rolls expanded. Sankaran was remembered last week for going with patients to the hospital in the ambulance, calling their families to get updates, meeting parents with sick children at the office on holidays and even examining children in his living room.

That kind of dedication is a rare jewel, and Suffolk was lucky to have the Sankarans caring for so many children here throughout the years. We wish his family comfort in the days ahead.