23 April 1973 - 8 December 2009The gentle giant is no more with us, having decided to move to the Highest Court at the early age of 36. Though he was my nephew and younger by a quarter century almost, we were more of pals. We shared many things in common: left-of-center politics, love for beer, the oddities, inconsistencies and contradictions that is India. One of the things that he gave up on the way was his fascination for Indian Railways. With his friend Tuan, he travelled from Pune to Delhi by train in 2007 and that finished his fancy for ever. I remember he was aghast at the teeming crowds on the Old Delhi Railway Station on the steaming night and soon as we were out of the station he threw up.
But apart from that he had begun a fond journey to his roots and had promised to visit India every year. Alas, it wasn't to be! My wife and I visited him in Cumberland along with my sister. I liked the quaint old feel of the town, though it had witnessed not too long ago the closure of industry. He had told us that the place was now coming up as a country of weekend homes for the influential people of the capital. We went to the Court building and the staff there was very pleased to show us around. Eddie wanted me to get a feel of the Judge's seat, but I was too deferential to the system and stayed away from it. In Eddie's office I saw a notice put up for the benefit of the Offenders whom Eddie used to defend. The notice told these guys to dress well and attend the hearing on time. It also spelt out what dressing well meant for both the men and the women. The degree of detail spoke of the concern which Public Defenders had for the defence of the accused.
After the visit to the Court, we went out for dinner at a restaurant, which spoke of a long history. Looking at the portions being served, we wanted to split things in what is referred to in India as one by two. But that was not to be. Eddie said that wasn't the done thing at least in Cumberland. So we returned to Silver Spring in an overfull state. That was a memorable trip, though a very short one.
Then we met again in Jan 2009, when Eddie had come home on a weekend. He drove us to Anirudh's place for a luncheon. It was a sunny day and we all enjoyed the drive and the lunch. Off and on there would be a mail from Eddie prefacing some interesting news and developments. But this one no one had anticipated.
Eddie was soft spoken and considerate and extremely devoted to his family. In leaving us all bereft, he took care not to cause disruption. He went out so swiftly that it is difficult to imagine his absence. Eddie, you are with us! And we are with you! May Peace, Force and Joy be with you wherever you are!
24 comments:
We, the Kulkarnis Thane, are in a state of shock and disbelief at this terrible news. In recent times I had the privilege of meeting this Maharaja on 2 occasions. In 1998 and in 2005. In 1998 I met him for the first time. But right at the time we met , he put me at such ease as though we had been friends for ages. I also interacted with his friends. A really nice lot.
Then in 2005, he had come over to India. I am sure I was not as great a host as he was, but still we had a lovely time. In 2005 itself, we met at Wash DC, where he came to the hotel where me n my daughter were staying.
The funny thing about Eddie was the way he caught on to our famous "Paan". He really loved the concept , though he was seeing it for the first time in his life. Give him any Paan... he would munch away to glory. I will really miss him when I have my next paan.
His journey through this world, albight brief, has touched many a life.
My heartfelt condolences to the Kulkarni and Bhupatkar families.
Goodbye my dear friend.... Goodbye Maharaja.
R.I.P Eddie.We will miss you !
I am so sorry to hear this news. Eddie was a wonderful person and we were becoming good friends. I can't believe that he is gone. RIP my friend.
Mark Alexander
Kabul, Afghanistan
We are in shock, but would like you to know how fondly we remember Adu--he was shy, very warm-hearted and had a good soul. We remember our children playing together. We were proud to see how his helping nature developed in adulthood. We miss him.
Saroj and Vinod
I am extremely saddened by the loss of a good friend. This tradgic event did not enter reality for me until today when Eddie was not standing to my left in juvenile court. I am so sorry to Eddie's family and close friends. He was an amazing person. Eddie will forever be known to me as kind hearted, generous, and sweet. My life will never be the same without him!
I was sorry and shocked to hear of this news. I had known Eddie though a mutual friend for over 15 years. Eddie and several of us used to attend Washington and Baltimore sports franchise games including the Redskins, Wizards, Capitals, Orioles, and University of Maryland football and basketball. He was quite the sports aficionado and one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. You will be missed, Eddie, more than you know. RIP.
It's hard to beleive that our gentle Maharaja is dead.It was such a great shock that it almost took 2 days to absorb..I still remember Aditya(I liked calling him by this name than Eddie.) as a child when he came to India for the first time with his mom, when he was 8.He liked Indian food, specially Amti,but didn't like sugar in his cucumber salad.he loved swings.
Second time was after many years, almost after 21 yrs! in Delhi.A grown up man with gentle eyes and a sweet smile. He wanted to shop for all his friends.He was very keen that we visit WashingtonDC sometime.I travelled for the first time alone to US and it was very comforting to see Aditya at the Airport waving his hand for me.
It's very difficult to beleive that Aditya is no more! May his soul rest in peace.I also pray to God to give us the courage and strength to bear with the loss.
This post is on behalf of Tonya Penn-Huff, a co-wroker of Eddie's mom
================================
Eddie I knew you as one half of pride and one half Jewel of my dear friend and former supervisor, Suneeti's heart. One thing I know is that your Mom and Dad loved you both above all and were and still, so very proud of you!...For almost fifteen years your mom would often regal me with tales and stories of your and your brother's great accomplishments and journeys over our morning cup of coffee and as I listened of your journey to India I was cheering you on from afar...you were a blessing to your parents..and that is a great imprint that you have left behind..for what greater honor is it than to be a blessing to your parents! ...Peace and Blessings
Tonya Penn-Huff
WSSC coworker and most of all friend
Some of the folks in the community Eddie's adopted home of Cumberland have posted some nice comments about Eddie. You can read about it in the below link.
http://cumberlandchat.com/cgi/Forum/YaBB.pl?num=1260372234
Eddie thank you so much for the privilege of being your friend. We had a ball. You and the fellows made work at CACI an adventure, the lunches. Thanks for introducing me to true Indian food. I will miss discussing sports, especially our Terps. Can't imagine not meeting up after a Terps game or going to a Skins game and not talking to you. You will forever be my friend.
I am so very sad to hear this terrible news. My husband Dave and I met Eddie when he joined the Public Defender's Office, where Dave also works. Eddie was a wonderful person and a great friend. He was so kind, friendly, and generous, and he quickly became friends with everyone his his new hometown. He helped us out many times. Eddie always had a funny movie to recommend, and he and Dave loved discussing the Redskins and going to football games. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. We miss him so much.
Please accept my condolences. He was a good man and he will be missed.
Michael Morrissette
Assistant Public defender
It was with shock that I learned of Eddie's untimely passing from a common friend. I only met him a couple times in the early 2000's when I was still living in Washington DC, and even though i did not get a chance to know him better, I was touched by his friendly and warm disposition.
Wish I could have seen him again since then, but I moved overseas.
My sincerest condolences go out to his family and closest friends. Eddie will always be with us.
Roberto Schneider
London
Growing up together in the DC area, going to Redskins, Bullets, Terps, and Hokie games, Eddie was always up for any sporting event. His life in this world was cut short, however, he will live on in our hearts. I will miss you "True Playa from the Himalayas!" Rest in peace my friend.
Giver.
If there was one word I could use to characterize Eddie that would be “giver”. He gave peace, love, respect, joy, knowledge of worldly matters, sports, etc. And he gave and gave without expecting anything in return. Eddie was not only my cousin-but a good friend. He and I talked about sports for hours and everything else under the sun. It was with him that I went to my first ever NFL game at FedEx field! Although his Skins lost against my Eagles-he enjoyed watching any football game. He had an art of watching a game. He never, I mean never liked to be disturbed when a “play” was in action. I learned more about football from Eddie and more about the art of watching the intricacies of a football game. He also had the inside scoop on the team’s owner, manager, and player history in general. It was a treat listening to him. If he had not become an attorney, he would (without a doubt) have been hired as a sports commentator.
When my wife was hospitalized, Eddie was the first among my friends to call and offer help even though he lived in Cumberland and I was down in Austin. He was an extremely generous human being with a BIG heart. He enjoyed wings and an occasional drink and made everybody around him feel at ease. He also loved his car. He always talked to me about it. I will miss watching sports with him, hanging out with him and sharing an occasional drink.
Eddie, even though you left this world-you will ALWAYS and FOREVER be in my memories. I will miss you, my man!
I am currently traveling in Vietnam. Like everyone, I was in total shock when I learn of Eddie's untimely passing from our mutual friend, Tuan. My name is Will and I met Eddie through work at CACI and we became instant friends. He and I would always discuss everything sports, politics, and travelling. Eddie was one of my few great friends. I can't speak for anyone who's on his email list, but every time I read any of his emails, I always and I mean always smile and laugh because even through written words, Eddie had such a great sense of humor! I still can't believe Eddie is gone and these last few nights I can't stop thinking of my good friend. Eddie, I have no idea why you were taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, but I just want to say that you will always be in my heart. I want you to know that I learn so much from you on any number of topics each and every time I talk with you. May you rest in peace my friend. I will miss you!!!!
Eddie, you were my cousin, my brother and my friend. I remember growing up with you and looking up to you throughout my life. Playing football, basketball - any sport of any kind. You always had a smile on your face and a joke to tell. I learned so much from you about being a good person. Your passing has left a hole in my heart and I will always remember you and will cherish all of our time spent together. You truly were the Maharaja of Western Maryland - Rest in Peace Kid Cumberland.
Sad to receive the news that one of my former co-workers and friends from when I lived in D.C. has passed away ....we sat next to each other for almost 2 yrs....The most diehard Redskins fan I ever met....Eddie took me to my first "big time" college football game....FSU vs Maryland...Sep 28, 2000....FSU 59-MD 7..OUCH...we sat there for all 66 points....R.I.P Eddie. We will miss you!
Joe Conley
Toledo, OH
Formerly of No. Virgina and Washington D.C.
R.I.P Mr kulkarni for all the support in and out of court thanks for your time let God be with your family
Truly yours
Sincerly
Brian Shea
I am just reading the sad, sad, news posted on the Office of the Public Defender website. I cannot believe it. I first met Eddie when we worked together on the same team at CACI. Although we lost touch, we "found" one another while working for the PD's office. I will never forget your son, friend, family man. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences. May God be with you in your time of mourning.
I meet eddie at CACI in 1998, we worked together for several years. Eddie was a very very good person that enjoyed being around good people. Eddie maintained contact with me over the years, he was just an awesome friend!!!!
he will continue to live in my heart and memories.....
Kip Washington
kip@klwathlete.net
From Tricia Tressler
Thank you for the information on Eddie. I worked at a Secretary with Eddie several years at the Public Defenders' Office. I am still in shock from all of this and was unable to attend his services. But he will always be with me in my thoughts and in my heart. He was a Great Guy. He had been after me about a bunch of us getting together and going out after work - and I put it off. Now, I have to live with the regret of not having that last fun-time with him. Never put off till tommorow what you may not have today....... Because this place is A Great Loss without Eddie in our lives now!!! Rest in Peace Ole' Buddie...... We luv ya Eddie.....
People measure themselves in many ways; some, by one's accumulated wealth; some, by the largesse of one's car; some, by one's career; some, by the quntity of friends one has amassed.
Eddie is what we all should aspire to being. A gentle, sweet, generous, friendly, spirit, who found true joy in being alive, in touching all of our lives.
I met him as a fellow fledgling young 20 something professional and now am able, 13 years later, to see what a tremendous son, relative and friend he must have been to so many.
Truly, our time on this earth is so brief, but our gentle Eddie shall be forever remembered for being a giant among men.
Post a Comment