Monthly Archives: August 2011

Mahen and Sheela

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Sheela & I, saw Sameer  for the first time in 1965 in Virginia, when his parents paid us, a short visit. We had no children then & so this was our first exposure to a baby in the house.

Tiny as he was, he nevertheless left an indelible impression on us, being so full of life, uncontrollably demanding, making his parents tend to him 24 x 7.

Honestly, we got so petrified & wondered if we had the abilities to handle such a baby of our own. Resultant effect we postponed our parenthood by a few years

Thereafter, we have seen him grow.  We met him practically every year, during the visits to India & when on a few occasions we stayed with them in Bangalore and Florida.

During the first visit to their home in Florida, Sameer was at the Tampa Airport to receive us.  He was so proud of the way Tampa airport was laid out – he told so many details with so much passion.

During the various interactions with him, my children found him to be a very likable person.

Intellectual discussions with him were very stimulating. He always listened to and respected the counter views & smilingly, laughingly. But accepted those if he was so sold.

He always had something new to tell us about Mumbai and Life in Mumbai that too in a novel way.  Many times he came up with observations which in hindsight  made us wonder as to why we had not seen it that way.

In subsequent years, I always looked forward to catching up with him whenever my travels took me to wherever he was.

I got one such opportunity when he was in Madrid, Spain.  We had a wonderful afternoon together – here was Sameer a grown up young man, working with McKinsey Consultants – first time discussing the politics, the world around him, his work,  etc with me  whilst giving me a low down on which wine could go with which cuisine etc.

I was so impressed with the interaction that I immediately wrote to Naren,  letting him know how happy I felt meeting him & how well Neena & NC (Naren) had reared him into  becoming such a fine young man.

After many years, I met him again in Florida, post his chucking the job with McKinsey Consultants.  He wanted time out to think through his next options in life.  He was so so relaxed whilst thinking that  I could not but help  letting NC know that this characteristic  was so very different from that of NC.

I had many other interactions with Sameer thereafter as well & what impressed me most was his personality.

He knew what he wanted in & from life.  Even when deciding to choose his life partner, despite requests, persuation, goading etc.by his parents time over no. he waited & waited till he met  his dreamgirl in Surekha.

In my minds eye, I will always remember him as  very clever, very clearheaded, Jovial, accommodative, helping person.

May God rest his soul in Peace

Sheela-Mahendra
Poorvi-Ashish
Swati-Deepak

Natalie Ellis & Bipin Manuel

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When we met Sameer: 10/25/2005

We were introduced to Sameer and Surekha by a mutual friend when they moved into our building (in NYC). We had an enjoyable first evening together in late 2005. But it wasn’t until we ran into each other in a neighborhood café a few months later, when we realized we were both expecting our first children within a few days of one another, that we really started getting to know each other and became friends.

What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer

We remember and appreciate our shared family times with Sameer, Surekha, and the kids. Sameer was always fun to be with, a great storyteller, political and economic debater, and clearly dedicated to and enamored with his family life.

We remember distinctly November 2006, when Sanjana and Laila were born, just a few days apart. As it turned out, Laila showed up first, so Sameer and Surekha came to visit soon after we came home from the hospital. Sameer had such an excited look of anticipation that their little girl would soon be making her own entrance to the world, asking a million questions. He simply couldn’t wait to meet her. The photo of the new fathers and babies was taken a week or so later — two proud Dads holding their first born little girls with a mix of wonder, disbelief and glee. The look on Sameer’s face tells it all.

laila-sanjana-dads

Click to see larger version

Over the years, we enjoyed family get-togethers, and shared bonding over early baby and toddler rearing. In the baby days, Sameer told us about reading to Sanjana in her crib – not the typical baby books but rather Moby Dick, or epic history works. While he was certainly deliberate about exposing his kids to more sophisticated art and literature at an early age, he never took himself too seriously, always laughing as he shared the story.

Extended thoughts about Sameer. Please write as much as you like.

At every birthday party and outing Sameer always looked at his kids with the same beaming smile and happiness. It was a wonderful thing to see and be a part of. We will miss Sameer’s presence very much, and send our warmest condolences to his family. We are thankful that his warmth, smarts, and wit will continue to shine through Sanjana and Arjun for many years to come.

Neil Kent

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I was recently thinking about Sameer and was very happy that he was doing so well in his career. I am shocked and saddened by his passing.

I will always remember talking to Sameer a number of years ago in Indialantic, hearing his laugh and him saying that this real estate price increase was a bubble and it won’t last. I should have listened to him—he was much smarter than me.  He will always be remembered and greatly missed.

Neil

 

Bharti And Arvind Shah

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We knew Sameer since his early childhood, as we are very close friends of his parents.

I remember Sameer when he had a lot of interest in Airports and flights and so on. His knowledge of logistics was amazing for someone who was just a child then.

While Sameer had many interests my interaction with him was more on matters of Intellect and finance.

He had a job in which he advised a lot of international companies and in the process travelled and imbibed the essential qualities of a citizen of the world. His taste were very refined .

The man was a leader and not a follower.

We will miss him deeply.

Miriam E. Martinez

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When I met Sameer: 1982

Where Sameer and I spent time 

I met Sameer when I moved to Satellite Beach from Cincinnati, Ohio. We bought the house across from the Shah’s and they immediately open their home to us. Not only were they our neighbors, but my husband and I also worked at Harris, as Naren did.

What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer

I used to visit the Shah’s house often because Neena managed to get me to like spicy food and I, in turn, would help her with flower arranging and hairdos for special events. Sameer was there most of the times that I visited and would engage in conversation with me. I was always pleased that unlike typical teenagers, he found it interesting to talk to someone some 20 years older. When I complained that I needed gallons of water to chase the spicy food Neena gave me, Sameer would tease his mother and say that hot peppers were like a drug for her. Neena would ignore him, but he kept pacing around the kitchen with a smile on his face trying to get a rise out of her.

At this time, Sameer was in high school. I helped him with his Math homework now and then and quickly realized that he was very bright. When I heard that he had gotten accepted at Amherst College, I was very happy.

Sameer was very sociable and had lots of friends. I do remember the big parties that he had at the house. I also thought that he was always very close to his brother and included him in all social activities.

Although I did not see Sameer as much after he left for college and later took a job in New York, I always tried to see him if I knew he was in for a visit.

I was happy to hear that he was getting married and met his two children when they were born.

Sameer always had a smile on his face and he was open and outgoing.

It is hard to think that he left us at such a young age. I will miss him.

I hope that his children will follow in his footsteps and live life with the same zest that their father had.

Tom Novak, Sr.

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When I met Sameer:  01/15/1974

Where Sameer and I spent time:  Indian Harbour Beach–I was his Little League Coach on the Lions team

What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer

Attitude! Sameer was one of the most well behaved and enjoyable boys on my team, as he always “gave his all” with enthusiasm, without complaining, even though there were many times it was hot, it was “buggy”, and it was raining. He never got discouraged when he went into a slump, and he was humble when he was on a hitting run.

Extended thoughts about Sameer. Please write as much as you like.

Sameer and Shalin were great kids on my Indian Harbour Beach Lions team. They showed up for every practice, played any and all positions they were asked to play, and were an integral part of our championship season. Their skills improved tremendously over the season, because they were willing to do things over and over until they got it right! They were great companions to the rest of the team, as they were two boys that everyone liked.

Bob Kemerait – Childhood friend

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When I met Sameer:     1973

Where Sameer and I spent time:  
Indian Harbour Beach Little League, Cub Scout Pack 386, Boy Scout Troop 376, Throughout School

What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer

I have not talked to Sameer, Shalin, or Mr. and Mrs. Shah for nearly 30 years; however Sameer and the Shah family will always be a part of that most wonderful time in our lives when we are young, innocent, and hopeful for the future. Like cousins not seen in many years, I have never had any doubt that I could call or visit Sameer, Shalin, and the Shah family and be welcomed with warmth and hospitality. I ask myself now, under such tragic circumstances, why I waited for a such a visit.

Extended thoughts about Sameer. Please write as much as you like.

For the children of Sameer, I can tell you that I knew your father as a boy and as a young man. I wish I could tell you all about him and just how proud you can be of him.

Your father and Shalin were a constant part of my childhood. We all played baseball together in Indian Harbour Beach, we went to Ocean Breeze Elementary School together, and most importantly, we were in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts together. In fact, your grandfather was one of our leaders in the Cub Scouts. You have a wonderful family, as I am sure you know.

My own father is a man of very few words, and of even fewer compliments, He rarely shares his thoughts. However, one of the earliest compliments I ever heard him pay was to your father and your uncle. At the time, Sameer (known to me then as “Sam”) and Shalin (known to me as “Charlie”) and I were playing in the lowest “farm” league of the baseball program. I wasn’t much good at it and complained bitterly about it fairly regularly that I was ready to give it up. One day my father said to me quietly, “Bobby, do you know who I admire?” “No Daddy, who?” “Bobby, I really admire those Shah boys. Do you know why?” “Nope, I don’t Daddy.” “Bobby, because they get out there on the baseball field at every practice and every game and give it their all. I admire them.” That has been over 35 years ago and I still cannot forget my father’s admiration for your father and your uncle; he has few compliments for anyone.  They did try very hard; while none of us went on to stellar baseball careers, I believe the three of us learned much in those early years.

I remember being in the scouts with your father. When I first moved, at 11 years of age, to the Boy Scouts from the Cub Scouts, your father was already there. I was put in the lowly “Panther Patrol”, I believe your father was in the elite “Raven Patrol” with guys like Neil Kent, Mike Hock, Steve Brunton and later Josh Litwin. Our Panther patrol was straight out of the movie “The Bad News Bears,” your father and his crowd were unbeatable in scout craft and winners at everything they did. Was I jealous? You bet I was as I am sure my patrol buddies Mike Moulder and Mike Clanton were too! But your father always had a kind word for me and was a friend to me. I remember especially that he helped me get my coin collecting badge and I bought my then most precious coin, an uncirculated Roosevelt silver dime from him. I could go on and on about what a special person your father was, but I will stop here.

Let me just conclude that despite the years since I last saw your father, your uncle, your grandfather, or your grandmother, I remember them with the utmost respect and appreciation. Your father was brilliant, everyone knows that, but more importantly, he was a friend, he was good humored (I never saw him angry but always smiling and joking with a razor wit) and he was faithful to his friends. I regret so much that I did not see him recently, I regret more that it is now too late. But I am blessed most with the memories that I have of my time with him and the Shah family during that most special and formative time in our lives- our childhood. I wish both of you the greatest of success and happiness in life. I know that your father is so proud of you.

To the Shah family, I am so very sorry for your loss.

– Bobby Kemerait

Abbas Sitabkhan

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When I met Sameer

When he was born

What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer

We have known Sameer since his birth in Cleveland.

Our fondest memories of him are when his parents left him with us when they went on vacation and he was less than a year old. He was like a son to us. Our children grew up together till the Shah family moved to Florida. Our last meeting was in Thanksgiving of 2010 at a friend’s house. We were never to see him again.

He was always respectful and courteous. We have never seen him angry. His many memories will be with us forever.

May God give comfort to his family.

Close friends of Naren and Neena
Abbas & Latifa Sitabkhan

Glenn Evans, Amherst

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Sameer and I were classmates and fellow Economics majors at Amherst College.

What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer

I got to know Sameer as a result of sitting in several Economics classes with him. From the start Sameer struck me as a totally engaged student, a favorite of the professorial staff, and the one student I had to keep up with and keep an eye on. I did my best to keep up grade wise but perhaps I was more successful keeping in touch post-Amherst on developments in our respective academic and professional careers.

While we didn’t speak regularly, when we did speak the conversation was invariably effortless and, in our own little way, intimate. I think later in life Sameer and I shared a skeptics swagger and a willingness to look at things as they presented themselves to us and just laugh.

Extended thoughts about Sameer. Please write as much as you like.

I wish I had more time with Sameer. At our Amherst College Reunion in May we talked about getting our families together, considering the few short miles that separate us. We ran into each other a month or so prior at a Stanford/Harvard Business School bowling party and talked about spending more time together then. Our Gods didn’t permit these plans to be realized but they did bless us with a unique friendship, and for that I am deeply grateful.

Helen O’Hara Erdman

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I knew Sameer at Satellite High School we graduated in the same class.

What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer
I was never as smart as he, as popular or as politically active but I knew him as a friend of some mutual friends. He was kind and genuinely friendly to everyone. I have a very clear picture in my head of his smile, so clear that I even went back through old photo albums to find it…..I guess that’s just how much of an impression he made on me that I can see him that clearly almost 30 years later. My heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Lee Lacy, Satellite High

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I met his dad a technical conference. When I reconnected with Sameer on Facebook last year, I told him: “I told your dad that in high school but you were my academic “hero”. You inspired me to try harder. I was jealous of your brains.” This incident reminds me of how important it is to convey to people how they positively influenced your life.

Brad Goodchild, Boy Scouts, High School

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Sameer is part of one of my favorite families in the whole world, the Shah Family. Sameer will be greatly missed as he was greatly loved.

Those of us from Satellite Beach are well aware of how open the Shah home has always been to us. Not just the legendary high school parties, but open every day to Sameer’s and Shalin’s friends. Sameer was the older brother to my best friend Shalin. He was the older, wiser(sorry Shalin), and more mature big brother. Of course he made fun of us younger “scouts” and kids, with that classic Sameer sense of humor, which comes from Mr. Shah.

I miss, as an adult, my times in their kitchen with Mrs. Shah trying to get me to eat Indian (read spicey hot) snacks and meals. Sameer always in the back ground pouncing on our rhetoric with his wit. To that point in my life I had not known anyone that dressed as well as Sameer. Whenever I see someone wearing Kaki pressed pants, striped shirt and a sweater hung over his shoulders, I think of Sameer. I remember a few years after the “Members Only” era, of him poking fun my way as I was severely tardy for that trend.

And how smart and clever was Sameer. On a trip to India and Nepal in 1985, Sameer argued with a Casino/travel department over the value of “one time play” chips. So here is Sameer, 20 years old logically winning a dispute against 3 suits twice his age. While they didn’t give us additional chips, they certainly lost their moral highground.

I will miss his laugh and wit the most as it reminds me of good times with him and his family. I am thankful for his friendship and am a better person for his playfully sarcastic but effective input on my life.

Shilpa Shah, Family

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Alas I didn’t know Sameer too well,
So a long drawn tale I cannot tell,
But there may a be a few anecdotes rather swell,
I’ll say to thee as I bid him farewell.

I met him about 10 years ago,
My husband’s handsome cousin bro,
Quirky man never on the go,
Enjoying life at a pace rather slow.

He ate his meals so slowly I thought,
He talked so softly but not a lot,
His apparel was pristine, so carefully wrought,
His mind was sharp with many a plot.

His freshness I thought was like the breeze,
That ruffles leaves of sturdy trees,
His naughty smile did many hearts please,
May his blessed soul get eternal peace

Roger Maughn

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Extended thoughts about Sameer. Please write as much as you like.

I knew Sameer through his brother Shalin, whom I have been a friend with since elementary school. At school age, being two years younger (the age difference between Sameer and Shalin) can be huge. This never was an issue with Sameer. From elementary school, all the way through entering the business world, he always treated any of Shalin’s friends as one of his friends. As a senior in high school, he was always able to get Shalin’s sophomore friends invites to the big parties. Sameer went away to one of the top colleges, but when he came home on breaks, he would never think he was better than anyone else, even though we all knew he was. When he landed his first job in NYC, he was very helpful in giving advice for us guys getting ready to graduate from college. But most of all, I remember Sameer being his usual class act as the Best Man at Shalin’s wedding. He was Shalin’s blood big brother, but he was like a big brother to me, and Shalin’s other friends. How wonderful this world would be if we could have more people like Sameer. I am very lucky to have known him.

Jana Susan “J.S.” Paley

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When I met Sameer
9/1/1982

Where Sameer and I spent time
Amherst College…we got particularly close Sr. Year having taken many Econ classes and the class every Liberal Arts Student fears, Accounting, together. We also had a great time together Senior Week as a guest of my roommate, Liz Shoemaker, at her home in Newport…we crossed paths later in life as well and I am so happy he was at our 25th reunion with his family.

What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer
There were not too many Florida kids in our Amherst Class and that gave the two of us common ground from the start. But it was not til Senior Year that I really got to know the guy behind the grin…At school, kids knew how fun loving and smart Sameer could be, but a smaller group knew him as someone who could debate almost any issue of current events or politics from any viewpoint at the spur of the moment. Sameer also had a creative side–debating teachers left and right challenging whether ir not the theories they held to really had merit. Honest truth, I figured Sameer would be our first classmate to be a Presidential advisor! He certainly had one of the great financial policy and business minds of a generation–to wit his resume will attest.

But he also knew how to leave that side go and to enjoy…he never would leave a friend in a scowl post a friendly debate where he probably knew better, but rather would say, “Let’s get food.”

I am so glad to have met his family at our Amherst reunion—it is now for old friends to tell bits and pieces of Sameer’s life to his children so they mmay grow up to be an extension of his ambition and his love.

My prayers are with the family…
Jana Susan Paley
PS I attached some photos of Sameer, Mike kaufman, John Brinitzer, and Liz Shoemaker from our Senior Week Adventure in Newport and a Photo–since our class is a bit ageless, I am not sure which reunion it was from.

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Laura Steuer – Amherst class secretary

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Dear Sameer’s family,

I am the current class secretary for Sameer’s Amherst class of ’86, and wanted you to know that there has been much memory and reflection about Sameer on our class email listserv; as classmates learn about the Amherst online memory page for Sameer, they will begin to direct their postings there so you can share in them as well. Know that we are all thinking of you at this unbelievable time.

– Laura Folkman Steuer, Amherst ’86

Edwina Litwin Hoffman, Family Friend

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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Shah and members of the Shah family,

The loss of a beloved son is such a searing, wrenching experience that it leaves one
wondering as to the justice in God’s order. Comfort is gleaned from
the waves of love emanating from those who cared for Sameer. It is
clear from the messages pouring in from around the world that Sameer
sowed great love wherever he went. There are no words to ameliorate
your pain. An extraordinary son, father and human being has left us,
but the love he shared with all of us will always be remembered. I am
grateful to Sameer and the Shah family for the friendship and kindness
shared with Josh and the Litwin family. Know that we are with you in
your pain.

My condolences,
Edwina Litwin Hoffman

Billy Warren, Satellite High School

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What you remember and appreciated most about Sameer

Although I probably haven’t seen Sameer in at least 20 years, I look at picture in my office every day that he is in. This photo represents a time in my life when my friends meant the world to me. Sameer was one of those friends.

Most likely one of the smartest people that I have, or will ever meet in my entire life, but also enjoyed every minute of life when I knew him. From what I hear, that never changed much as his life went on. He will be missed by many.

billywarren

Sameer, Billy Warren, Josh Litwin, Ken Sandlin and Scott Sottile, at Scott's house in Indialantic FL