Tribute to Baswaraj

Today one of the people I worked with passed away unexpectedly. A week ago I accompanied he and several others to a rural branch, and today I paid my last respects to his earthly body. He was not feeling very well last week when I saw him, but he didn't realize he had pneumonia until several days later. He was hospitalized, but the infection spread to his brain and he had a heart attack. He was 53 years old and is survived by his wife and two daughters, both under 20.

He died this morning in the hospital. This evening some co-workers and I went to his home, where his body was encased in a glass box to be viewed by those wishing to pay their last respects. Tomorrow, the funeral will be attended only by very close family members. My understanding is that there is a lot of symbolic ritual, culminating in a son (when there is a son) lighting the fire for the cremation.

You never know when it is your time.

Baswaraj was a very kind and friendly individual who always had a smile and was very skilled at working with people from all walks of life. I will miss him.