Support for Deepak Kumar's Family

As word of the passing of our teammate and friend, Deepak Kumar, has traveled across the company, so many have been asking, "How can I help?".  This is fitting, because we all know Deepak would have shared this sentiment had circumstances been different. 

Deepak was one of the best! He was kind, hardworking, dedicated and would go above and beyond on a daily basis for the team and the Benchmark product. I think Paul said it well, "Such a kind, friendly, loving and passionate example of what a human can truly be when all pretense and ego is removed, and only love and an ambition to please through harmony remain." 

As we process the loss of Deepak, the Benchmark Family is mourning. But it seems to be engrained in us to also consider the grief and uncertainty his family is faced with.  Given the circumstances of the times, and the oceans between many of us, this is the best way we could think to come together as Deepak's friends and teammates to offer support. All of the funds collected will be given to Deepak's family as a way to let them know we care and that we are here to help them navigate these difficult times.

This fundraiser is 100% employee driven and is absolutely optional. Please know that Benchmark is also finding ways to contribute and support Deepak's grieving family.

As a memorial to him, here are a few words from Deepak's managers over his years of service at Benchmark. 

Curt & Denise: "Curt and I are so very saddened by Deepak’s sudden passing.  I fondly recall many Level 10 meetings with Deepak.  He was a true gentleman and a joy to work with.  His loss leaves a gaping hole in the QA team.  We send lots of love to his family and pray for their comfort until they meet again." 

Virender: "Nearly 6 years ago when I hired Deepak, it was just a telephonic interview. He was working with a big firm in another state but wanted to move to Delhi to be with his family. This was a big ticket hiring for me as we were to set up a QA department at the India office and I didn't want to go wrong selecting the person who was to run the show.

I am glad Deepak didn't disappoint me, especially looking at the comments from the teams he worked with. Deepak had immense knowledge of his field and always delivered the results in time. His team respected him for his guidance and mentoring. Deepak was also a very religious person and would follow various practices with such sincerity. Last evening I requested the team here to share any pictures of Deepak that they had. In one picture he is doing the Diwali prayer at the office and in another one he's dancing at the office floor in such a gracious manner.

I sincerely pray to God that his soul rests in peace."

Tom: "I remember the first time I met Deepak, I was sitting in the conference room in the Gurgaon office. He came in with a smile and I knew I would like him. Since then he has proved to be one of the most dedicated and hard working team members I’ve ever worked with. I’m beside myself with sadness over his passing, and I’m grieving for, and praying for his family."

The photos Virender mentioned are added to the page below. Please feel free to add some words and/or photos of your own. 

You will be missed, Deepak Sir. May your soul rest in peace.