Samir on top of Mission Peak
Samir Shah – our dear friend and an important cog in the KV family – unexpectedly left us for his heavenly abode on Jul 11 2014. An avid runner that Samir was, he passed away while doing one of his favorite activities – training for the marathon in the wee hours of mornings.
Samir finds a faster way to hike
Personally there have been so many quality memorable moments with Samir, that its hard to digest that he is not around. Me and Samir go back to Junior College days. We are from the same village in Kutch (Naredi) and even had our Mundan together in Kutch in the early nineties. Even in India we both stay in Mulund and hence whenever we used to come to Mulund from Pune, we managed to meet Samir and his family on many occasions.
BAKS during New Year Celebration 2014
Even though Samir-Amisha had been in California for 3-4 years only, they made a strong bond with every KV family. “BAKS” as their family acronym in KV goes, could always be relied on to be ready for any activity. They were not the ones who would prefer a passive lazy day. They were super active and were a part of any action happening in the community. They carried the same attitude when they returned to India and were an important part of KV India since they were always ready to join or initiate any activity. Their enthusiasm used to rub off on others and made them active as well.
Samir was an important part in the Mulund KVO “Bherpo” program which took place last year. It was a 4 team multi-discipline competition spread over several days in which many Mulund Kutchis participated in events such as sports, dance, drama, etc. Samir led his team “Khelaiyaa” to victory through his co-ordination and management skills. He made many friends in Mulund because of his running and games activities.
Samir – the adventurer at Castle Rock State Park
Samir was an adventurer and one of the first runners in KV. Seeing him run, many others have taken up the activity as well. While in USA, he was a part of many KV hikes.
Samir – the Game Master
Samir always had interesting games up his sleeve for the group to play. I call Samir-Amisha the “Game Masters”. Samir was intelligent, was a logical thinker and was good with calculations. With him around, we used to outsource most of the group calculations work to him.
Samir at an amusement park
We have a lot to learn from Samir. Some of his qualities that impressed me and influenced me are :
- Samir was always smiling. Difficult situations did not used to bother him and he had a solution no matter the problem.
- Samir had a positive attitude towards life. He made the most of his life by being proactive. Why laze around in life.
- Samir was adaptive. I refer to Samir-Amisha as one of the most successful R2I (Return 2 India) couples. They made lots of friends in India too upon return and managed to find things which will keep them happy and busy. This is something that I have not been able to do.
- Samir was a loving father and a caring husband. If everyone was like Samir in this world we would have a lot more peaceful world.
- Samir was an adventurer. He pursued his dream of running and cycling with an unmatched zeal. Early mornings practices are not everyone’s cup of tea but Samir did it.
- Samir kept things simple. He led an uncomplicated life. He had a clear and simple thought process. He was available to help whenever required and He had no bad things to say about anyone.
Samir running a marathon
We miss you so much Samir in our KV family and that is an understatement. I will miss a friend whose advice I valued and with whom I could communicate any time during the day without any reservations. We aim to keep you alive in our hearts and minds by following your qualities. We hope to catch reflections of you through interactions with Amisha, Bhumi and Keya since they have taken up many of the qualities that you had come to represent. There is a part of us missing with you gone. May you rest in peace Samir.
Other Posts related to Samir:
Farewell BAKS : Written when BAKS were leaving California for India.
Mumbai Marathon 2010 : Article written by Samir on Mumbai Marathon 2010.
Camping in Shimla : Article written by Samir on Shima Camping
YellowStone National Park: Article written by Samir on Yellowstone Park.
Meeting Old Friends: Article posted by Samir on bumping into old friends.
Congrats Samir/Amisha on Mumbai Marathon 2012: A congratulations post for Samir-Amisha when they complete Mumbai Marathon 2012.
Samir lived an exemplary life. His and Amisha’s simplicity is something that always comes up in discussions when we talk abt how families who returned to India have successfully settled. And I always thought it was their positive and easy going attitude that helped them settle back so fast.
It’s hard to believe that he is not amongst us anymore!!!!
But he has left some very good examples for us to follow and lots of good memories for his friends and family.
Its very sad and shocking. Samir- we will surely miss you. Words fail to express the sense of disbelief one feels at the loss of a life in its prime. He was so simple and friendly. Heartfelt condolences ! Sending prayers for the family to find the strength to cope up with this immeasurable loss.
Samir You will be missed! It’s difficult to comprehend that you are no more with us. Samir has left lasting memories with the time he spent with his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
I have been remembering Samir more and more since his untimely demise .. He was a gem of a person – down to earth and living life to the fullest.
RIP Samir ! Heartfelt condolences to the family. A big hug to you Amisha for the strength you have.
We met Samir and Amisha couple of time when they were here, can’t forget that smile. RIP Samir! Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family.
You will be missed Samir! Words cannot express the pain and sorrow we all are feeling due to this loss. Samir will always be remembered for his simple and loving nature, calm personality and strong deteremination.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and we wish you peace Samir!
We are all shaken by the unexpected tragedy. The pain endured cannot be relieved, the loss can never be replaced, the memories can never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they face this difficult time in their lives.
RIP Samir. You will truly be missed !
I personally had a chance to interact with Samir couple of times and still remember his simplicity.
Prashant, thanks for writing this article. It helps me to know more about Samir and also helps me to learn : Think Big and Live Simple.
RIP Sameer. You will be missed.
Amisha, you had a gem which someone else has borrowed now…..
Hiten and Ami.
Thank you all for the support you have shown by phone calls and messages!!