Monday, January 10, 2022
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I first met Inder later than many of his friends – when we moved to Toronto in 1983. Through occasional social interaction our friendship grew and I found him to be a lovely and caring human being. In 2007, we agreed to go on a trip together to South America and our friendship grew to new heights. I will forever remember us two couples sitting at a rustic, but comfortable, hotel at the top of Sun Island in the middle of Lake Titicaca, almost thirteen and a half thousand feet above sea level, reached by Inder on the back of a donkey, surrounded by the majestic Andes, sitting down in late evening (him on his sore ass from the donkey ride!), sharing a single malt as the sun set on the western horizon. It was a most spiritual experience, all the better being shared, like being in heaven on earth.
That was also the trip on which I became Inder’s informal food consultant. Since then, whenever we were at a restaurant together, he would ask what I was having and, more often than not, follow my lead. Sometimes, for variety, we would order 2 dishes to share.
He was very much a people person, which I am sure was a big factor in his business successes and his deep and enduring personal relationships. This aspect of him was strongly exemplified to me more recently when we were both wintering in Florida. We met during a music party one evening. Our son, Ashwin, was with us and Inder spent a little while chatting with him. On learning that Poonam and I were returning to Toronto the following day while Ashwin was staying on for another couple of days, Inder invited Ashwin over to chat further. To my pleasant surprise, Ashwin followed up the next day and drove the 50 minutes from Key Biscayne to spend relaxed one-on-one time with him. I can assure you that there are not many people Ashwin would do this for, but Ashwin noted that Inder seemed to know a lot about him and showed genuine interest in him as an individual – not just Vinay and Poonam’s son - this is the type of respect Inder earned. When we visited him a few days ago, in the midst of his troubles, he asked after our children.
Unfortunately, just as the Mufasa the lion king discovered, an individual cycle of life must come to a close with the cycle continuing with those who are left behind. To his family, and especially Rupi, Kamal and Deepika, I offer my deepest condolences. May the memories of a life well-lived sustain you in the days ahead. I regret that I am unable to join you in person to wish Inder farewell as I have had a couple of COVID cases in my family “bubble” and it is best in these days for all of us to remain safe.
Looking back, the only regret I have is that we did not travel with Inder even sooner. By the time South America was over, Inder’s physical circumstances prevented us from travelling together on long trips again. But that one and only trip was truly memorable. Inder, I will always remember you with fondness and love.
