Jay Naidoo - Sudden Death

Wednesday, 7th November, was my 41st birthday - a birthday I will never forget.

I left school for two hours to attend the funeral of my late teacher, Jay Balbharan at Manukau Gardens. What a dignified, peaceful but sad day, with his beloved family and so many friends present. Three quarters of the people must have been teachers, as Jay was so well liked and respected. Everyone was overcome with grief for the loss of such a special person who was robbed of life.

But more sad news was to arrive later that same evening. I got a phonecall that our good friend, had had a massive and fatal heart attack while mowing the lawn. His name is Jay Naidoo, he was 50 years old, his wife is a teacher and they belong to the same spiritual group as the late Jai Balbharan - such coincidences. Only minutes before, he and his family were planning his daughter's birthday party. It is shocking news to hear that a fit and happy man, with no signs of illness, could die so suddenly, especially after we had all spoken to him at Jay Balbharan's funeral only hours earlier!

I will always remember Jay since it was because of him and his other friends that we chose to live in Papakura. When we immigrated to New Zealand, in the first week of arriving in Papakura, Jay & Kay visited us every night to see how we were settling in and Jay continued to phone me everyday in that first month. Jay was a caring friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, a devoted dad to Keshnee and Rasika and an inseparable doting husband to Kay. The shock of his death and emptiness he leaves behind will be hard to fill.

Jay's funeral will take place tomorrow, Saturday 9th November from the family home in Rushgreen Place, Pahurehure (Papakura, Auckland) from 10:30am - 2:30pm, and then at the Manukau Memorial Gardens from 3pm - 4pm.

My heartfelt sympathies to the family as they come to terms with this sudden and devastating loss. God, grant us understanding, acceptance and faith always. May Jay's soul rest in heaven's peace.

On a brighter note, yesterday/today is Diwali but we are not celebrating due to the passing away of my father-in-law, Charles Vandayar and my Uncle George this year. God's richest blessings to all who celebrated Diwali - wishing you light, love and happiness always.

Kree

"You must be willing to sacrifice human friendship to gain Divine friendship."
[Swami Paramananda, Book of Daily Thoughts & Prayers, p. 348]