Contributions to the tribute of Veeresh Narain

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Chris posted a condolence

Thursday, January 4, 2024

My deepest condolences to Veeresh's mom, brother and his many friends and colleagues. Veeresh was affectionately Vman to me since the earliest days of meeting him. I've known Vman for over 20 years and it's really hard to understand that he's gone. What can I say about Vman? Well there's so much to say. Veeresh was the many things that others see in him. He was kind and selfless. He was among the most intelligent people I have met. He laughed often. He was hard-working and took responsibility far beyond any call of duty. Vman was all these things but he was also my friend and mentor. He was the best and the worst of mentors. The best of mentors since his great intelligence and insights showed and demonstrated better, smarter ways to approach a problem. The worst of mentors since his thinking went so deep and his tendency to solve second and third order problems (Vman would likely correct my useage of the term here) that it was exceedingly difficult to contribute anything that he hadn't already thought of. Vman LOVED to debate lots of interesting topics such as politics, geo-politics,...other topics such as math and physics (things which I might not have really understood but just sat through),...and still more topics more my speed such as whether an elevator could lift Thor's hammer Mjolnir, whether the Witch-King of Angmar could die from a knee wound, whether Smaug the Magnificent could defeat the Balrog and whether the worst director was Michael Bay (ruined Transformers) or J.J Abrams (ruined Star Wars & Star Trek). Vman,...I'll miss your debates. I'll miss your restrictive food choices. I'll miss your 'more complex than necessary'. I'll miss the 'Gaaahhh!' every time you fall off the cliff playing DDO. Goodbye my friend and mentor; I will eat a mushroom and hot sauce pizza in your honor. Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam Vman; but I wish you stayed with us longer. Your "other friend" Chris

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Carlene Harris posted a symbolic gesture

Saturday, December 30, 2023

This was so hard to write because I did not want to believe that you are gone. Veeresh, I will miss you. We were a kind and gentle soul with a big laugh that lights up the room. My sincere condolences to your loved ones. We all know what we have lost. May you rest in power.

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Nigmendra & Lakshmi Posted Jan 3, 2024 at 2:35 PM

Thank you Carlene for taking time to write this as we all struggle to handle his passing. We are privileged to read such kind words and caring for him. Please take care and be well.

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Frank and Linda Davis posted a condolence

Monday, December 18, 2023

Veeresh - our friend. If anyone in life has a friend it should be Veeresh. He is a friend - that person you can talk to who listens to you. He is a caring friend. During my illnesses he always sent a kind, thoughtful text message to cheer me up. Veeresh loved a party! He was included in every birthday or Christmas party. Frank loved Veeresh playing on Monday night DDO. Veeresh always took off ahead of everyone - when he wasn’t supposed to- and then needed someone to revive his character so they could continue the game! I shall miss you Veeresh. Linda Davis Veeresh- our friend. One thing that comes to my mind when thinking about you Veeresh is your smile and humour. We played DDO for over 15 years on Monday nights and it’s very hard to think about playing without you. My son played with us and they created more laughs. It was the highlight of my day. I miss you my friend. Frank Davis

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 12:58 AM

Thank you Frank and Linda for your wonderful and kind words. We know he loved play games of all varieties with you and your family, and enjoyed every party and get together with you all. We appreciate you sharing these memories with us as well. Thank you for showing him so much love and care. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Danielle LFL posted a condolence

Monday, December 11, 2023

My deepest condolences to Veeresh’s mom, brother and all his friends and colleagues at EDU. I worked closely with Veeresh many moons ago and I am so grateful to have had him in my life as a friend and colleague. We spent many hours together brainstorming about work, enjoying meals, watching movies, playing video games (I mean more like him playing and me watching him) and laughing over silly things. He was one of the most selfless persons I know, always ready to help and give encouragement and did we ever need his smarts and help often! I will miss you, my friend. I tried to write a Haiku for you, but I did not like the end product (would definitely not have received the V approval and you would not have approved I think of AI generated Haikus), so here is a quote for you. You know what I am talking about… All energy from the Living Force, from all things that have ever lived, feeds into the Cosmic Force, binding everything and communicating to us through the midi-chlorians. Because of this, I can speak to you now.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:41 AM

Wonderful words Danielle. He binds so many from so many different paths to his memories and kindness. Thank you for your kind memories of him as a great colleague and kind & selfless person -- he was the real deal as friend & colleague. Please do feel free to post your Haiku. Take care. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Tim Gallivan posted a condolence

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Gone is a good man, one that we all loved. So wise in so many things, except Star Trek, for he preferred Kirk, but Jean-Luc was the better captain and I sadly get to say so without an argument. My condolences to Veeresh's many friends and family. Tim Gallivan and family

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:43 AM

Thank you Tim & Family for those kind words, even the dissent about Kirk and Picard, which we can only imagine led to hours of deep and intricate discussions ... which he would have loved immensely! -- Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Peter Marinatos posted a condolence

Friday, December 8, 2023

Veeresh was my best friend in grade 5 and 6; some would argue that he was my only friend, which was a deep honour both then and now. We spent a great deal of time together, both in and out of school. His family was (and still are) my family. Through the years, we lost touch, but reconnected again before the pandemic. It was a beautiful gift to see Veeresh, Nigmendra, and Lakshmi Auntie again after so many years! I was looking forward to many more meetings once the pandemic subsided. I am deeply saddened to know that Veeresh will not be with us. Veeresh was- both in childhood and adulthood- completely unafraid to be totally and uniquely himself. This is a great blessing to all who knew him, because he was a kind, loving, intelligent, funny, and deeply insightful man. While I am heartbroken to live in a world without Veeresh in it, I am so grateful to live in a world that had Veeresh in it. I know I am not alone in feeling that way. Until next time, my friend.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:47 AM

Thank you Peter for your condolences. He had a fantastic friendship with you (and Nick) at Hawthorne and it was such a great time he had those fantastic memories with you. He was privileged to be part of your family and you of ours. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Sonja lit a candle

Friday, December 8, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Veeresh. My deepest condolences to his mom and brother, the love and appreciation for everything you have done for him he talked about many times. The loss his OPS colleagues are feeling is palpable. Veeresh knew he was respected and appreciated, but I think that even he would be surprised by all the grief and sadness everyone is feeling. We worked closely for many years, shared many late night talks and meals together, train rides back home, laughs and jokes, respect for each other, playful quarrels we both enjoyed, appreciating our ideas being challenged, but knowing you can do it safely because we have each other's back. Many times I would look for his opinion, work and non-work related, and he lives in ways many of us approach work and challenges. He felt an enormous responsibility for everything work-related. We talked about it many times, but It was not something that could have changed. The best any of us could do is do our work to his standards, so he has one less thing to worry about. I am so sorry he left us too early. I will miss him dearly.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:52 AM

Thank you for your sympathies Sonja. We know he enjoyed his work, and spoke well of working with you, and did enjoy the myriad of discussions you had. He did have high standards, and good to read he did well to help his colleagues along and worked with them. He will be missed for his work and glad to read also for his friendship. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Chris Monahan uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

I was deeply saddened to hear last week that Veeresh had passed away. He was the first person I hired into the OPS in 1999. His intelligence, sense of humour, kindness, and quiet professionalism had an immediate and profound impact on the work we did and on the extraordinary culture of camaraderie that developed in the Framework unit at the Ministry of Finance over the next few years. Veeresh listened carefully, worked incredibly hard (sometimes too hard), and could always be relied on to come up with solutions, sometimes to problems that as manager I wasn’t even aware of yet. I still remember him explaining (and we were all trying not to laugh) what needed to be done to fix the front end of a highly sensitive budget-related database that we had rolled out for use by the whole ministry that (inadvertently) had been designed so it was impossible for anyone else to log in unless someone from Framework had already logged on. The problem was only discovered when, after working past midnight every night for a week on the “document” in the lead up to budget day, we decided to take Saturday off. Unfortunately that was also the day staff in a couple of other divisions came in to update their entries in the database before a series of briefings scheduled for the next week. Needless to say, there were many panicked phone calls until Veeresh was able to come into the office and, as if by magic, access to the database was restored for the whole ministry. Veeresh was also a long time member of the Hounds softball team, which brought friends and colleagues from MOF and other ministries together on Wednesday evenings in the summer and also on many championship Saturdays in September. A number of people have mentioned Star Trek and the Simpsons, but Veeresh was also a big fan (while at the same time a keen critic) of the Lord of the Rings movies, one of which we all went to see together, cutting out on work early in order to make a late afternoon show. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t see Veeresh as much in recent years, but I feel privileged to have had a part in his joining the OPS community more than twenty years ago, and to have known him as a colleague and a friend. I want to express my deepest condolences to Veeresh’s family and to the many people whose lives he touched.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:58 AM

Thank you for your condolences Chris. Thank YOU for Hiring him and giving him an opportunity of lifetime to have the impact he did. He immensely loved his work, and you and his colleagues made it not just a great place to work, but also a friendly place with softball, movies, sci-fi and so much more. Thank you for sharing these memories and for the great story of 'tech saviour' -- which we've relied on, too -- which he relished and loved. Take care. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Ashley McCall posted a condolence

Thursday, December 7, 2023

So deeply sorry for the loss of your son and brother. I knew Veeresh at MOF where he worked with my husband and was a member of the baseball team. He was a kind, thoughtful and highly intelligent and respected person. What an enormous loss.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:34 AM

Thank you for your condolences Ashley. He did enjoy his baseball teammates' time and games, and thank you to you and your husband for your love and care for him. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Sandeep Waraich lit a candle

Thursday, December 7, 2023

It's with a heavy heart that I reflect on the loss of Veeresh, a cherished friend since our high school days. Introduced to me by my brother, Veeresh quickly became an integral part of my life, and I am profoundly grateful for that. Veeresh was not just a friend; he was a kind, gentle, and incredibly generous soul. His presence was like a gem, enriching every moment we shared. Our high school memories are filled with joyous moments, especially those leisurely afternoons at the pizza shop near our school, where we lost track of time discussing sci-fi and video games. Our bond strengthened over sleepovers, where nights were spent engrossed in movies and immersed in video games. This camaraderie didn't wane with time; it continued seamlessly into our university days. Nigmendra and Auntyji, words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the loss of Veeresh. He was a remarkable person and his spirit will forever be etched in my memory. My heart goes out to you during this trying time. Sandeep Waraich

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:32 AM

Thank you Sandeep for these kind memories and words. He was privileged to know you and your family, and be a part of it. Your family's love for him was noted and thank you for bringing so much happiness, joy and kindness to his life from his high school to university to life in Toronto years. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Mandeep Waraich uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

It’s almost 35 years since Veeresh and I met at our high school in London - Central Secondary - me a recent immigrant finding my place in a completely new environment and culture while Veeresh looking to get integrated into a new school after his move from Toronto. It was a start of an amazing friendship that I was looking forward to continuing until we both got old. I struggle to comprehend how we so quickly went from you sitting on my sofa a few weeks ago toasting espresso martinis, debating politics, discussing your work activities and pre-celebrating my birthday and wedding anniversary at a dessert café to me sitting here writing a tribute to my departed best friend. I can’t help but think about all the amazing adventures we had from our travels to France, Italy, Switzerland, Hawaii to drinking ourselves silly in Niagara Falls until we got cut off by the server and realizing that we will never get a chance to do it again. You became a close friend and confidant to my wife Reiniza and an uncle to my daughters Maya and Esha, who came in this world knowing you as my oldest and closest friend. We will all miss you immensely Veeresh. Take care wherever you are my friend and we all wanted to say ‘’There are friends. There is family, and there are friends that become family” – you were family Veeresh.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:30 AM

Thank you Mandeep for your kind words. Veeresh was fortunate to have met when we moved to London; and you were great Brothers & carried that depth of relations to add a Sister and Nieces. You filled his life full of joy, love and caring. He looked forward to birthdays, parties, travelling and just taking time for coffee and chats. Your families made him part of your family and made his life great and fuller. Thank you for everything. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Karen Ryan uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

My deepest condolences to Veeresh’s mom, brother and all the rest of his friends and family. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling like this is just an awful dream and it’s time to wake up. I met Veeresh in June 2012 when I started at EFB. At my first unit meeting, I remember Veeresh trying to keep the whole team focused on his detailed list of deliverables that looked next to impossible. That was my first introduction to our unassuming leader. Veeresh was always the behind-the-scenes mastermind… the man behind the curtain… the wizard of the GSN. Veeresh was like a big brother that I truly looked up to. He always made me feel good about what I had done right… and would be patient and kind in explaining everything else we still had to fix. He truly made us all feel like family, not just colleagues. Always with a smile on his face and his sweet laugh, even when he knew I was at my limit. And he didn't just help with work -- he was always willing to give advice and support on just about anything, even helping me (and dragging Tony in as usual) to create individualized Disney themed wedding favours. Making any changes in the GSN seemed incredibly scary, but Veeresh quickly drew me in to his excitement to solve all the complex puzzles sent our way. One of the first projects I worked on with him involved revamping the entire “ADE” regulation (along with the lawyer, Mike Riley) and it ended up feeling more like a fun strategy game than work. I soon found myself taking on every task with a “WWVD” approach, and holding my breath as he reviewed. His attention to detail could often be frustrating, but it was also so rewarding when we solved the puzzle. I always wanted to make him proud. These past few months were no different, and I was really looking forward to and enjoying that we would be working so closely together again this year. I’m feeling lost without him here.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:23 AM

Thank you Karen for your very kind words and we appreciate these amazing stories and memories. He was committed to his colleagues in work, but also beyond that -- and we're happy to read he was even involved in Disney-themed stuff! He was patient and kind, and wonderful to read he was helpful and supportive of you. We also miss him greatly and feel the void that you and many others are feeling. Take care and thank you for these memories as well. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Xiaofei Wang lit a candle

Thursday, December 7, 2023

I have only worked with Veeresh for about one and a half years; however, I always feel that I have known him forever, perhaps because I know his favorite color is red by hearing a story about how he got a pair of red gloves or many many references of Yes Minister or The Simpsons (strangely not much on Star Wars or Star Trek), know how he joined the OPS, how he moved from MOF to EDU and many stories in between as well as many crash courses on our files. I am honored to have an opportunity to work with such an intelligent, dedicated and incredible person who has the best giggles and who I am fortunate enough to call my friend, mentor and colleague.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:19 AM

Thank you Xiaofei for your kind wishes. You may have not worked with him long, but you clearly knew him very well and it's wonderful you have great memories of a good colleague and friend, and thank you for sharing them. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Douglas posted a condolence

Thursday, December 7, 2023

“People can forget what someone says or does but they never forget how someone makes them feel” - and with Veeresh, although we didn't work together much, each time we interacted, I always felt a genuine kindness coming from his smile, a joy for problem-solving, and a passion for his work. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:16 AM

Thank you Douglas. We appreciate you remembering his love of puzzle-/problem-solving and his work, but also his kindness and gregarious smile. Thank you and take care. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Andrew and Cindy uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Veeresh was a colleague, a dear friend, and part of my family. We were together all the time, week after week playing games, birthdays and New Years. Veeresh was the most brilliant person I ever met and yet was humble, and caring with a giant heart. He worked hard, believing passionately in what he did. It wasn’t work for him, if was something he enjoyed, would laugh and make lasting friendships. My thoughts go out to Lakshmi, Nigmendra, and all the friends he made along the way. I will personally miss him more than words could ever express.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:15 AM

Thank you so much Andrew and Cindy. You were his Brother and Sister, and he could have not have had a better family of loving, kind, and caring family members to be a part of and be loved by as well. It is immeasurable as to how kind and caring and impactful you both were on his life, how much you meant to him, and how much you did for him. It made our minds at ease to know he had you and your families to give him a great life, and also a great workplace. Thank you so much. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Jeanette Robinson uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Veeresh - the VMAN - was an amazing man and friend. We meet in the late 90s when we both started at Finance. He was not only incredibly intelligent but very funny and very very generous. He had an incredible impact at work both at MOF and EDU - Ontarians are better because of his public service in finance. On a personal level, he was soooo smart but never arrogant and always kind. We had many laughs and I count myself very lucky to have called him a friend, he will be dearly missed. Sincere condolences to his family. Jeanette Robinson

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:12 AM

Wonderfully kind words Jeanette, and thank you for your support of your friend and colleague. We do remember you were one of his first friends and we thank you for all your kindnesses. We also appreciate your kind words about his OPS work as he took great pride in what he did and the people he worked with. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Michael Leigh posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Lakshmi and Nigmendra, I had the pleasure of being a friend and colleague of Veeresh for over 16 years. He was a generous soul who put others before himself and had an easy laugh. He was deeply loyal and passionate about the things and people he loved. At the Ministry of Education, he had a drive and commitment second to none. He was a valuable asset on any team because he could solve challenging problems. His former Director Josh Paul told me that many of his favourite times at work where when Veeresh and others would be in his office trying to work out a solution to some urgent problem (they happened a lot). While none of us is irreplaceable, from an Education Finance perspective, Veeresh was as close as it gets. I did not share his love of math but did share his love of technology, Star Trek and also his disdain for anything directed or produced by J.J. Abrams. Outside of work we would spend hours talking/arguing about those sorts of things without the benefit of dog related mediation. I smile thinking about Veeresh being Veeresh and I hope this little story makes you smile. Back in 2008 there was a game called the Witcher that I wanted to play but my graphics card was not good enough. At the time, I was asking him for advice on a graphics card which would allow me to play for a reasonable price. He was talking about how good his current graphics card was; how happy he was with it and that maybe I should consider it. Unfortunately, I had the audacity to point out that his current graphics card was the minimum recommended for this game. A game which he did not own and made clear to me that he did not have any intention of playing. To end off the story I do not remember what his advice was to me but I do remember he came in to work the next day having bought not one but two of the most expensive graphics cards on the market. I am deeply saddened for the both of you but please take comfort in the fact that so many of us here at the Ministry of Education knew, liked and admired him. I will miss my friend. Michael leigh

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:09 AM

Thanks for that wonderful story Michael, and your kind words. The story you tell sings true of his love of tech & games, and his exactness and enthusiasm for tech. He was also our tech guru and knew just the best hacks, etc., as well. Thank you for being a kind colleague and friend to him. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Tony Kwan uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

There are so many stories I would have loved to share but I just wanted to say that in my years with Veeresh, he was so lively and fun to be with. He really enjoyed his Simpson's (first 10 seasons worth) of references, Star Wars, Star Trek and Yes Minister. He was so proud to be your son (as he would often tell us his stories growing up) and that everything he is was from you. He was also very proud to be your brother. We could see how proud he was when he talked of your accomplishments. I was honored to share in many of his moments and I was happy to be a part of his life whether it was to celebrate his birthday, out to see movies or just having everyday coffee with him. I will say, it is very uncommon to encounter someone who would be willing to go see a movie that he hated multiple times because he promised different friends that he would go with them. I will also miss him dearly.

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:06 AM

Thank you for your kind words Tony. We would love to hear those stories! You and he shared many discussions about those same shows and he enthusiastically and enjoyably spoke about your time and working together. Thank you again for being a wonderful colleague and friend. - Lakshmi & Nigmendra

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Dana Skalin posted a condolence

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

It hasn't been a week since we lost our dear Veeresh, so I don't yet have all the words I need yet to express the feelings of deep grief...but I will try. I had the opportunity to work with Veeresh at the Ministry of Education for a number of years and I am absolutely 100% serious when I say he is irreplaceable. That is not lip service. Anyone who had the opportunity to work with Veeresh will confirm; absolutely irreplaceable. There are so few people in this world that are able to be both productive colleagues and a great friend; but Veeresh was more than capable of both. He was kind, and funny, and genuine. He was also knowledgeable, giving, and a great leader. He had this remarkable ability to take the most complicated subject matter and break it down in a way that was easily understood but didn't make you feel lesser. What an absolute gift he was. He made everyone around him better with the type of quiet and confident leadership that I have always admired. He was so supportive as a colleague and was always willing to listen or lend a hand for something I was working on, no matter how busy he was with his own work (and he was ALWAYS busy lol). One of my favourite things about Veeresh was how precise he was about everything... like everything... I mean everything! Lord help you if you didn't craft a data caveat that covered off every possible detail that Veeresh could muster, and was he ever capable of mustering details! Even in leisure he was so exacting, that I ended up re-writing the format of my lunchtime trivia clues to make sure Veeresh couldn't second-guess my answers on a "technicality" lol I cannot remember how many times I heard him start a sentence with "well, technically..." :) On the other hand, I was thinking about how so many of us know him so well. We know he loved Star Wars and LOTR (books, not the movies!), or that he loved mushroom pizza and fries or that his favourite colour was red. How many other colleagues do you have where you know their favourite colour? All at once he was an intellectual genius, a major decision maker, a titan of the Ontario Public Service... and yet he was also sweet and fragile and someone you wanted to wrap up in bubble wrap to keep safe and protected from the world. He was a dichotomy in so many of the best ways. And that's why the hurt is so deep. It makes me so sad to know I won't ever hear his giggle again. And yet it makes me so happy to know he lived his life exactly as he wanted to. He was just so lovely and he will be so incredibly missed; by me and by so many others. We love you Veeresh, rest easy now. Dana Skalin

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Nigmendra Narain Posted Dec 29, 2023 at 1:02 AM

Thank you Dana for your heartfelt and kind words about Veeresh. Your many memories of him capture so much of his personality, his favorites, and also his great kindness and humour. He is missed and memories like yours are great reminders of a life well-lived. - Lakshmi & Nigmendar

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The family of Veeresh Narain uploaded a photo

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

WHEN DEATH OCCURS

Veeresh Narain

1973 - 2023