Just ten days ago, our dear colleague and friend Kumaran was due to fly to Singapore to see team members. He felt sick at the airport, postponed the trip and admitted himself to hospital for check ups. Just nine days later, I woke to an early morning call from his wife Linda informing me that he had passed away. Despite going through considerable emotional stress herself, Linda was simply incredible at passing regular updates during those days; and there were moments when his recovery leapt forward. It was a brutal shock to everyone to hear of his passing.

I have personally known Kumaran for some time but we bonded especially during his heart attack. We spoke a lot about his fight for his family, he had looked death in the eye and grabbed life back from its jaws. The jubilation when he got a second chance was amazing to see, he truly embraced life. He joined our company with infectious passion and zest, looking to give back. He was a deeply family orientated man with mention of his wife and kids at every turn, he often referred to them as his "reason to live". I find it particularly sad that this was snatched away from him so quickly and with such cruelty.

As our relationship deepened and I became further entrenched in his circle, I saw the enormous good will and respect that he engendered. He touched a lot of lives with his energy, sharp wit and boundless enthusiasm. I feel blessed that our team were included in that community albeit for a tragically short time.

Kumaran leaves behind many people who loved, admired and respected him but especially his wife and three young children, they battled together in the week before his death. This post is dedicated to them and we are reaching out to the empathetic parents reading this, to his friends, and to his vast recruitment and business community in the hope that we can give back together. Compounding this sadness, the day after Kumaran’s death was Father's Day echoing the importance of family. In the hope of easing financial burden on the family we have created a donation page under SimplyGiving. Remember, every dollar, ringgit and pound counts.

Finally and most importantly, that deepest condolences go to his family who are very much in our thoughts.

RIP Kumaran or as you became affectionately known to us, 172. You will be dearly missed.

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In Memory of Kumaran - A Loving Dad and Husband