Dear Rajee, Arvind and Rohan I met Martin Manen in London yesterday quite by chance. I asked him if he had known Prem in KL led me to the sad news that Prem has passed away. Prem and I shared a study at Epsom College and it has always been a shame that we lost touch after we left school. We had both been sent to Epsom with the intention that we would go onto become doctors. However by the time we finished our exams we both knew that medicine was not for either of us. I asked him what his plan B was and he said chartered accountancy. Based on this cursory discussion which largely centred on the money they earned, I decided to do accountancy, despite having little understanding of what that meant. By accident I fell into a profession for which I had an aptitude. So I have often thought about him without success in finding him if only to thank him for this nugget. Sadly it is a little too late. With my very best wishes Gautam Dalal
Rajee, Arvind and Rohan. I just found out about Prem’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. Rajee, I’m sad that despite the efforts he and I made to reconnect. nothing came of it . May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Sometimes its the little things that matter the most. Taking time out of his lively Christmas parties to play chess with a young boy sure was a testament to his great compassion and thoughtfulness. Even though I never managed to beat him, I do treasure those memories playing with "Santa Claus" and will sorely miss the good times. Rest easy.
You always led by example... A great and dependable friend, fine gentleman and excellent company for beer with a great sense of humour. You leave behind some great memories.
It is very rare in life that you meet someone who is both beautiful of heart and beautiful of mind. The warmth of his smile and the naughtiness in his eyes will remain etched forever in my memory. Prem was a great friend, well-wisher and mentor. I am sure everyone who has the had the privilege of knowing him feels the same way, irrespective of how old or young they are. Will miss you badly dear friend.
My sincere condolences to the family. I have known Prem since 1975 in the UK. One of the most wonderful, selfless individuals I have every met. May the good Lord bless Prem and his family. Till we meet again my dear friend.
Here are photos that sit on one of the corners of my desk here in Hawaii. Left to right: youngest daughter when I had darker hair, oldest daughter in her wedding dress, brother and wife, and then skipping to the right, two grandsons. There in the background is Rajee, Ari, Rohan and the good soul - Prem Kumar.
He was very important to me, and I shall miss him. But souls don’t die, I will be carrying him around with me forever.