A bright light for all, Arunkumar Arjunan passed in peace on March 27, 2021 and will be dearly missed as a loving son, brother, and friend. Arun graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1997 and obtained a degree in Genetics from Texas A&M University in 2001. He pursued his passion by becoming a scientist at Novartis and Scripps Research, and later as a teacher to disadvantaged middle school youth in Houston Independent School District.
Arun was a voracious reader and fulfilled his deep curiosity through lifelong learning and a variety of interests. All who knew him, knew he enjoyed cooking and lively conversations ranging from science, current events, hip hop, and all things basketball. He was always passionate about music and film and amassed an impressive music library over the years which he used to introduce new sounds and beats to friends.
Above all, Arun will always be known for his open heart and loyal friendship. Arun led with compassion, welcoming everyone as a friend and lending all friends his help and loyalty without question. Arun made everyone feel seen and special with his easy smile, sharp wit, and sardonic sense of humor.
Though Arun’s time with us was short, his impact was indelible. Arun bravely met life’s moments with authenticity, both in hardship and in joy. He ensured that his actions mirrored his values and belief in doing what was right and fair. May we all have the courage to do the same and honor Arun’s memory by carrying this spirit into our own lives.
Arun leaves behind his loving mother Leela, father Palanisamy, brothers Selvam and Ananth, and sister-in-law Shannon.
Memories & Sympathy
Arun had many friends far and wide. Please use this page to share your fondest memories of Arun, post photos or videos, and a note of sympathy to the Arjunan family. Please share this page to others Arun has known; the page does not expire and serves as a collection of loving memories.
In Lieu of Flowers
In lieu of flowers or other items, the Arjunan family asks that you honor Arun by donating to the Houston Food Bank.
Donate online: https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/InMemory/ArunArjunan
Text to Donate: InMemory33 to 71777
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Acerca de |
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| Nombre | Arun Arjunan |
| Fecha de nacimiento | 17 noviembre, 1979 |
| Fecha de defunción | 27 marzo, 2021 |
| Donación en memoria del difunto | Houston Food Bank - Arun Arjunan Memorial Fund |
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Momentos importantes |
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| 1997 | Clear Lake High School, High School | ||
| 2001 | Texas A&M, BS Genetics | ||
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published a tribute .
I am really sad to hear this news. I was recently telling a story about him, and decided to look him up, and am absolutely stunned to find out he has passed. Arun was a great friend during our time together at A&M. He was a really nice person that I always enjoyed being around. He had a deep breadth of knowledge about a wide variety of topics, and was incredibly thoughtful and always interesting. The last time I saw him was actually in San Diego. We spent a random evening eating fish tacos and carne asada burritos, and talking about our time at A&M and what we had planned for the future. We tried to reconnect when I moved back to Texas, but could never meet up at the same place/time. Like my old friend and roommate Travis, I miss his company and think about him. I wish I had spent more time with him in recent years. He was a truly unique and selfless soul, and that's not something one can say about people very often. I hope he has found happiness wherever he is.
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published a tribute .
I am very sorry for your loss. I was one of Arun's college roommates at Texas a&m and we affectionately knew him as Scooby cola classic. We always greeted him as 'scooby'. One of my most cherished memories of Arun was when used to play Worms Armageddon (computer game) tournaments. I also enjoyed watching Arun perform in the Indian student talent show. Although I had lost contact with Arun after college, I still had random thoughts about him. He will be missed.
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published a tribute .
Dear Arjunan Uncle, Leela Aunty, Anand and Selvam - I am very sorry and extremely saddened to hear about Arun's passing. It was shocking and tragic to hear. He will be deeply missed, but always remembered. He was a really nice person, genuine and kind hearted. I'm sad I didn't get to spend more time with him. He was a great friend!
My friendship with Arun started over 25 years ago, pre-21 year olds, pre-college, pre-driving, in our high school possibly middle school days, the phase of our lives where our social life revolved around meeting at family parties or at the temple.
I met Arun, Selvam and Anand at one of these get togethers, and it was easy to become friends with Arun. He was so kind, mellow, warm, friendly, caring, loved to engage in conversations, loved watching and playing sports, and of course talking about hip hop. We played a lot of street football and driveway basketball growing up. We had our crew at the time, and I always enjoyed his company. We quickly became really good friends, and this was just the beginning. Clear Lake, Sugar Land, Katy, Woodlands, Pearland at the Meenakshi temple, our friendship grew and nurtured throughout the Houston area.
Fast forward to college years, one of my best and favorite memories with Arun, August 2001, he along with a few other friends came to Austin to celebrate my 21st birthday. Arun made sure it was an epic and memorable birthday, and we had a great time, not just celebrating but also catching up, talking about our college days and our futures, careers we were looking into, and getting back to Houston at some point. His enthusiasm in the biotech/medical sciences field was encouraging, but also his interest in helping people was admirable.
Fast forward a few more years, we reconnected in Houston, as working professionals. It was like we picked up where we left off, doing happy hours, watching some sports games. One of those reconnections was to celebrate New Years Eve. Arun, Murthy, and I went out to downtown Houston to celebrate together, and it was very special and different, because I spent nearly every new years eve at a family party but this year we went out. We were being "wild".
Fast forward some more, time goes by, I moved to California, lost touch with many folks, and Arun was one of them. I wish we had stayed connected better and kept in touch more. With all of the channels available to us today: calling, texting, Facebook, WhatsApp, emailing, airplanes, hotels, resorts, guys weekends, pretty much anything, I wish we could have been there for you! I am sad that you and I cannot hang out together again. But I am forever grateful and thankful to having met you and being your friend!
You have helped all of us remember a few things: Life is very short. Stay connected to your friends and family, always. Don't wait until tomorrow. Take the time. Make the time. Be a friend all the time!
We'll miss you!!!
-- Aiyaswamy
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published a tribute .
I have been meaning to post something a lot earlier but I struggle to find the words and struggle from the pain of his loss. I get sad, feel guilty and then fear my words cannot express how amazing Arun was. I still have a hard time believing it is real and posting this only makes this new reality harder to ignore. There have been so many incredible posts that really capture Arun's great personality and how much he means to people. I am not sure what more I can add other than to echo those sentiments.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Arun is pure, genuine joy. I can only describe it as this positive, joyful energy that came off of him. Whenever he was passionate or excited about something (be it music, shows, sports, or freebirds burritos) you inevitably would become just as excited as he was.
I think what Arun had was a genuine desire to share with others. His passions, happiness, humor, knowledge and anything else he thought would uplift and grow a person he wanted to pass that on. He gave and shared without counting the cost. He extended his hand in an unwavering and loyal friendship that few can match. He was only ever himself. Reliable. Genuine. No masks, no guessing with this guy. A breath of fresh air.
Arun was one of the first persons I met at Texas A&M. He was a bright light. He was a very close friend of my older brother, PJ, but he quickly befriended me and we got close as well. He always looked out for me during our time at A&M (sometimes more than my actual older brother lol). I remember us enjoying watching movies, listening to music, eating, walking around campus, studying, and having deep to silly light hearted conversations. He introduced me to many things and taught me so much. Everytime I step into a Freebirds, which he first introduced me to, I think of Arun and his pure joy. Everytime I hear or see Game of Thrones references I think of Arun. He watched the first season all over again with me to help me keep track of all the characters. Talk about a great friend. Certain songs always bring him to mind. We went to a Jay Z concert in Houston, for his Blueprint tour. I still consider that to be the greatest concert I have ever gone to. It was just Arun and I that went from our circle. It is a classic album and was great to see it performed live but what made it the greatest concert was being able to share that experience with Arun. He was the kind of person that elevated experiences because he thoroughly enjoyed it himself. That was fun to watch.
There are so many things that make me think of Arun from our time together at College Station, Austin and Houston. From all the posts, I know his memories will live. He was a funny guy and also super intelligent. He was easily one of the smartest people at A&M that myself and many people knew.
I saw him not only as a great friend but also as an older brother. Many people have love for Arun, including myself. I am saddened that someone with so much potential and purity with how he interacted with people is not here with us anymore. I'm still processing the loss and not sure if that will ever stop. I can't imagine the pain his family is feeling. My deepest condolences for your loss.
I wish I could have been there more for you. I miss you Arun. I pray you have peace and I pray for the the best in your next chapter. Love, Bobby
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published a tribute .
Dear Leela, Arjunan, Selvam, Ananth and Shannon,
Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are about Arun’s passing. Though Arun left this world much too soon, he will always live in everybody’s heart. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you and may the time lessen the unbearable pain you all must be going through.
publicó un comentario .
It was my joy and privilege to have known Arun as a little boy in elementary school when his family was in New Jersey and then to meet him years later as a young man. Even as a little boy he had his trademark smile and good nature. I still carry fond memories of one weekend, when both our families
made an instant plan and took the kids to the Sesame Place amusement park. Arun had the soul of a seeker and was not satisfied walking down the safe well-trodden path. He chose to be true to his heart and wanted to make a difference in this world. Leela, Arjunan, Selvam, Ananth, Shannon - no words can alleviate the pain of this loss. As you walk through this pain and suffering somewhere along the way you will find within yourself a strength you did not know that you had. Thich Nhat Hanh in his book 'No Death No Fear' talks about the two states of a wave. As a wave, it has a beginning and an end, but the inner essence of the wave is water, and water is always connected to the ocean and has no birth and no death. In time you will feel Arun is in another dimension and in this dimension he is always with you and with all of us.
publicó un comentario .
Dear Arun was a good friend of mine. A voracious reader, we used to meet in Barnes and Noble on Bay Area Blvd, Clear Lake city, Houston, and used to greet each other in Bookstop, Half Price Books etc., As a young high school student, when he visited our home I gifted 3 books, one of which is by Sumathy Ramaswamy, George Hart’s student at Berkeley and now a professor of History at Duke University. It’s called “The Passions of the Tongue” about how Tamil nationalism played out in Tamil Nadu politics in the 20th century. He thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his parents’ homeland and its role in correcting the growth of India, and how Tamils positioned English in their anti-Hindi movement etc.,
It is sad indeed for the Kongu Tamil community that a bright life was snatched away cruelly at such an young age
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published a tribute .
Arun,
I am writing this to you in hopes that you may find my thoughts and sentiments somewhere out in the ether and across the universe or even another lifetime. Since learning of your passing, I have been having trouble reconciling the flood of emotions I’ve felt.
You were my first friend in high school. Having moved into a new neighborhood and attending a school in a different school district, I knew no one. Without being overly dramatic, it was quite traumatizing for an already awkward and shy freshman. I remember going to Algebra as the last class on my first day and finding an available seat adjacent to you. While I don’t recall the specifics of our initial conversation then, I know that I was immediately put at ease in talking to you after a stressful day being around new people and in new surroundings. You were friendly, sincere, and unpretentious which quelled my anxiety. We became fast friends after that day, and I always looked forward to Algebra class so we could talk about whatever it was that a couple of fourteen-year-old dorks talked about. You had so many different hobbies and interests in such a wide array of topics. I was certainly not as knowledgeable or well-read as you, but we had a commonality in our affinity for all things basketball related. I will fondly remember those high school years of all of us hanging out at each other’s houses, playing basketball in the driveway, and discussing basketball statistics on bus rides to and from school.
For as long as I’ve known you, you have always been the nicest person, relating to everyone, no matter their cultural background or socioeconomic status. You were loyal, never condescending, and you extended your friendship unconditionally. Eric and I had a conversation, and we were both so amazed at how courageous you were. Over the years, you lived in different cities and tried your hand at different professions in different industries. You frequently put yourself out there and faced your fears and apprehension. Many people would be paralyzed by their insecurities, but you pushed to get out of your comfort zone.
Over time, I know we saw each other less frequently and had no communication over the recent years. I regret not having tried to reach out more and to be more supportive as I know you were working through things. Perhaps I just took it for granted that we would see each other again sooner or later. I know you fought hard; I wish I had been there with you. I took some time last night to read through some of your old social media posts. I had forgotten how funny, witty, and insightful you were. I found myself laughing at some of your self-deprecating humor; you were quite the writer.
I often thought about you and your well-being. I mourn for what everyone has lost with your passing, and I mourn for the life I know you were capable of living had the circumstances been different. What else can I say to you? I miss my friend, my brother.
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publicó un comentario .
Dear Pal/Leela,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss and can't start to imagine the magnitude of your grief. I offer my heartfelt prayers and hope you as a family find the strength to overcome this untimely and tragic loss.
Warm regards,
Priya
publicó un comentario .
DearArjunan,Leela,Selvan,
Anand and Shanon,
Our heartfelt deepest condolences for
Arun 's passing.we were shocked to hear this sad news.We are praying for his soul to rest in peace We pray God to give your family the strength to bear this sorrow.
We are keeping Arun in our thoughts and prayers
Sabapathy and Raji
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published a tribute .
Pal, Leela, Selvam, Ananth, and Shannon - I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Pal several years ago when he and Leela lived in Baton Rouge. I did not get the fortune to meet Arun but I did spend time with Pal and Leela. They shared so much love, kindness, and generosity in every conversation. You are all spirits that should not know this pain and I am so very sorry for that. Thank you for allowing us to create more good in Arun's name. -Cathryn Estes
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published a tribute .
Dear Leela, Pal, Selvam ,Ananth, and Shannon, we are very shocked and sorry to hear the news. He was a good soul and will be missed by all who have known him. Prayers for all of you during this time of loss.
publicó un comentario .
A beautiful flower was born and flourished on earth. But God decided that it would be more beautiful if the flower stays with him and so took him back to enjoy him. We are thankful for his association during his stay on earth and May he be Happy with the Almighty forever!
Our thoughts and prayers!
Saradha and Raju
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published a tribute .
I know that his absence will leave a void in your heart, but I'm sure he left you with many good memories that you will always remember.
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published a tribute .
Dear Pal and family, my deepest condolences for your loss. I am still in shock and cannot believe this. I am very sad and my parents also sent their condolences to you. May his soul be at peace and give strength to you and your family.
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published a tribute .
Dear Auntie, Uncle, Selvam, Ananth, and Shannon,
I wanted to send my deepest condolences for your loss. Words cannot express how sad I am to hear about Arun’s passing. His easygoing nature and quick laugh are what I remember most from my Houston days. His kind spirit will live on in our memories forever. May his soul be at peace until we can see him again.
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published a tribute .
Dear Leela, Arjunan, Selvan, Anand and Shanon,
We are deeply saddened to learn about Arun. It is really a shock and disbelief. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. No words can console all of us. May his sole rest in peace. May God protect and comfort you all in this difficult time.
Lingappan, Kasturi, Arul & Ahila
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published a tribute .
Our deepest condolences to Arun Anna’s family. We pray to god to give us strength in these hard times.
I didn’t interact with him, however looking at his memories in this page, he will be surely missed by many. RIP
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published a tribute .
It was heart breaking news for all us here.
I remember playing with him at thammanayakanur veedu, My childhood memories will remain pleasant and ever green.
இன்னும் கொஞ்சம் நன்றாக பழக முடியவில்லையே என்ற ஏக்கம் உள்ளது.
Shenbagavalli
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published a tribute .
Dear Leela, Arjunan, Selvan, Anand and Shanon:
Our heartfelt deepest condolences for Arun’s passing. It is hard to express our shock and sorrow in words. We pray for his soul to rest in peace. Our pleasant memories of Arun will remain ever green. We remember the day one of Arun and the joy he brought and the cute smile as one year old putting his small steps when we were moving to Delaware at the end of 1980. How can we forget the ever smiling two year old Arun running around in Longwood garden at PA or as a four year old during our visit to Ann Arbor.Just before the Birth of his twin brothers, he was joyfully announcing it to the whole development in Chicopee, MA. “ I am going to have two brothers” with full of laugh. When his brothers were two years old, Arun gave a Radio Talk at Chicopee, MA. The TV reporter was asking,” Arun, How many brothers you have?” Arun said ,” TWO”. The Reporter asked “ How 0ld are they? “. Arun said “TWO”. Reporter,” how old is the other brother?” Arun “ TWO”. Again the reporter repeats. Arun burst with laughter and says “TWO”. It took a while for the reporter to understand it and the reporter also laughed like anything. Arun always brought Joy and smile to everyone whom he came across. Arun will remain in everyone’s memory as a person who brought joy and smile. We all pray God to give the family the strength to come out of the sorrow. We keep Arun and your family in our thoughts and prayer.
Sulochana and T.S.Manickam
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published a tribute .
Hear Leela, Arjunan, Selvam, Anand and Shanon:
We don't have the words to fully express how heart broken we are at Arun's passing. We are holding you all close in our hearts and while Arun's soul has moved, he will always live in all of our memories as the curious, kind and loving boy that we had the joy and privilege to know.
We have many sweet memories of Arun – we remember how cute he looked the day you moved from Stillwater to Ann Arbor and while we stood around your car to send you off, our focus was on baby Arun. We also remember your visit from Michigan with toddler Arun in 1982 and our trip to NY city with the SMR family. We can never forget how as a little boy, Arun would get so excited whenever we saw the McDonald’s Arch on the roadside.
When you moved to NJ in 1988, just a few short miles from our house we got to witness Arun growing up and being a kind older brother to Anand and Selvam. What sticks out most about Arun during that time was his passion for reading books.
I (VAP) visited Arjunan and Arun (Summer of 1997) while the rest of the family was in India. One of the days while Arjunan was at work, Arun and I went out to lunch followed by a movie. I remember vividly how happy Arun was and I recall his immense joy watching the then newly released, Jurassic Park (Lost World).
We will continue to share our stories so that his light will never fade. You are all in our prayers and in our hearts.
Punitha and V.A. Palaniswamy
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published a tribute .
It was with incredible shock and sadness that I learned of Arun’s passing. Him and I were boys since he moved down to Clear Lake from New Jersey. I will always remember him for his silly sense of humor, welcoming demeanor and his spectacular use of thesaurus words. My fondest childhood memories are just hanging out with him at Paul’s house playing basketball and just bull-shitting together. I didn’t realize it then, but those times was as care-free as we were ever going to be before life took over. Arun, I am sincerely sorry for not being a better friend to you. I foolishly thought we had more time to reconnect and I lost that opportunity. Nevertheless, I miss you and I’ll see you on the other side. Godspeed, my friend.
publicó un comentario .
Pal;
I am extremely sorry to hear about Arun’s passing. I did not know him, but I can see that he made a difference in this world in the short time he was with us.
My deepest sympathy
Fernando
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published a tribute .
Leela Akka & Arjunan Anna, it’s really hard to believe and extremely sorry to hear the news. Our heartiest condolences to you and your family. அருணின் ஆத்மா இயற்கையுடன் கலந்து உன்னத நிலையை அடைய எங்கள் குடும்பத்தினரின் பிரார்த்தனைகள்
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published a tribute .
Leela, Arjunan, Ananth and Selvam
We are thinking of you during this time of sorrow. We are here for you to support in any way we can.
We are very saddened for the passing of Arun. He had such an incredible personality and at the same time sweet and quiet spirit. He was love by many and will be greatly missed.
publicó un comentario .
Dear Leela, Arjun, Ananth , Selvam and Shannon; No words can console us but we all should celebrate Arun’s life and what he had done and contributed to the community in such a short period of time. His friendly smile to every one he meets who ever it is no one can ever forget. His memory we all should carry forever. We pray God for his soul to Rest In Peace and give us all the strength to bear this.
publicó un comentario .
Arjunan Anna & Leela Akka, we extend our deepest condolences to you in this time of grief. The legacy of Arun will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
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published a tribute .
Ever since I knew Arun, always a smiling face, nothing else. You can easily get into lively conversation on any topic. He is going to be missed by all, especially by his family. Our heartfelt condolences to Leela, Arjunan, Selvam , Anand and Shannon. May his soul Rest In Peace.
publicó un comentario .
"பாசம் உலாவிய கண்களும் எங்கே?
பாய்ந்து துழாவிய கைகளும் எங்கே?
தேசம் அளாவிய கால்களும் எங்கே?
நேசத்தினால் வரும் நினைவுகள் தொல்லை
மறதியைப் போல் ஒரு மாமருந்தில்லை''
“It is sad when the people who gave you the best memories become a memory”
He's only gone ahead of us, not that he just left us behind.
Although, we can't be with him now, he lives in our heart and mind.
The day will come when we'll all meet again walk hand in hand forever.
publicó un comentario .
Pal and Leela
So sorry to hear about Arun's passing. Our heart goes out to you and the family.
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published a tribute .
Arun,
When we first met back in 1998 at Texas A&M I knew we would be friends for a long time. I will miss our long conversations at Starbucks. Hearing about the books you were reading. Discussing the movies and TV series you were watching. I will always miss just hanging out with you and your sense of humor. Rest in peace my friend.
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published a tribute .
It’s hard to know you’re no more. You’re such a kind soul. May your soul rest in peace.
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published a tribute .
Not sure where to begin Arun anna. We begin the conversation after so longgggggg. I always wondered when I am able to meet you again after our childhood.we met once when I was a small kid. I dont even remember the faces :(. we get it in to contact again and I understood you better and see the loving brother inside you. Wish we could have stayed in touch and we worked on the projects and explored India together. I still dont understand the the way it turns out. I really really loved you and wanted to get close You were the only elder brother I had who didnt put a mask and look down on me. You called me with nickname bhuvi which says alot about your pure heart.
Its not fair anna. Not at all. I planned for a day to meet you. I still regret to have not seen your recent posts as I wasnt active I would have reconnected with you. You gone through alot and deserved a peaceful life anna but not like this I am in pain missing a beautiful soul like you.
I WISH I WAS THERE FOR YOU AND I MEAN IT :'(
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published a tribute .
Pal and Leela
We are overcome with sorrow to hear of Arun’s passing. May God protect and comfort you and your family
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published a tribute .
I have many fond memories and adventures with Arun over the years. I had the pleasure of first meeting Arun in 8th grade at Space Center Intermediate, then we went off to Clear Lake High and further on to Texas A&M. We had common interests in sports, movies, television, trivia, and just overall each other’s company. We’d mix a little debate on who really shot Mr. Burns, how we each relate to Ross more than the other Friends, and picking each other up after experiencing the Phantom Menace. We’d argue over Letterman versus Leno, though we both agreed Conan was awesome and we stayed up late almost every night watching him and his antics.
We had so many fun times at A&M—as buddies and roommates. We had epic ping pong tournaments during freshman year—our Friday night ritual. Early on in the year I won most of our games but he had that vision in his eye to one day crush me. By the end of the school year he dominated me handsomely and it was never even close. We established the sock on the door handle rule as roommates, but let’s face it, it was seldom used. Just once actually, towards the end of sophomore year. I put a sock on the door knob and Arun was so shocked he disregarded it entirely and walked into confirm!
I have a vivid memory of Arun with his blue Jansport backpack stuffed with what seemed like a dozen textbooks. I remember being upset with him one time in high school and when I went to talk to him about it, his big eyes, big smile and big backpack “melted” whatever issue I had and we just went about the rest of our day. I’ll never forget seeing Arun at the movie theater and calling out his name, he turned around to wave, and so did two identical smaller versions of him. His younger brothers, Selvam and Ananth. (By the way, from that point on I referred to Selvam and Ananth as “the two Aruns”, which Arun absolutely hated).
Arun and I had many classes together at A&M, both as pre-med majors, starting with Biology 101 and onwards. He was majoring in Genetics and I was doing Molecular Biology. After Arun and I took organic chemistry with Dr. GG (fun teacher, brutal subject), I flamed out and switched to the business school. But I have always had a tremendous respect for Arun continuing on to the likes of biochemistry and microbiology and finishing his degree in Genetics.
Arun always pushed me to go harder in our studies, from junior high school through college. He was a great listener and provided me valuable advice throughout the years. He was particularly insightful in preparing me for my conversation with my parents about changing majors. I moved up to NY after school and we went our separate ways. But I will always have a special place in my heart for Arun and love him as a brother. His genuine smile is a trademark and is what I always see when I think of him.
Rest in peace my brother.
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publicó un comentario .
Dear Arjunan,
My sorrow grows all the more deepeer as I see Arun's smiling face and come to know about his friendly nature and his distinct qulities and his devotion to teach the disabled !
To take such a decision even at such an young age is the mark of a rare soul! It's a pity that those students had lost such a loving mentor! May God bless his soul and give you courage enough to bear the loss. If I were with You physicslly now, I would do what all I can to help you cherish the memory of your loving son in whatever way u like! But that's simply not to be with you being there and here I, in India! Kindly let me know the ways to donate from here! Thank you!
---Ramgopal
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Dear Arun,
I miss you a lot man. To hear about your passing really hurts and continues to hurt. I cried often trying to put this down on paper. Lord knows I can’t hold a candle to your writing.
Since the day I met you, in Calculus 2, we’ve been good friends. We hit it off immediately. We could talk about anything - sports, movies, and especially music. You had a deep knowledge of Hip-Hop that I always admired, but more importantly – you were a real cool dude. I always loved hanging and spending time with you. You were a kind soul and always brought some yin to my yang.
I didn’t know that many Indians at Texas A&M, but that quickly changed after meeting you Arun. You led me to the community, and quickly introduced me to others. There are many relationships, which I hold to this day, that were created from that. We had some good times at Aggieland, kicking it with Saje, Dwight, and Prashant. Studying at the MSC or Wehner, going to Freebirds, debating about whatever, listening to music, busting each other’s balls – those were the times. Remember the epic Indian talent show, when we performed as T&T (Tamil & Telugu)? Ha-ha. I remember all the preparing we would do, making sure we would not forget. Practicing our stances. Your persona more authentic, mine more Malibu’s Most Wanted. Then we went live, and you held it down. We did our thing.
Meeting your family was always something I always looked forward to Arun, and it always brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I remember when you first introduced me to your parents and brothers. It was like family. Your parents were so sweet, they remind me of my parents. They’re kind and loving, always making sure I was fed when I came over and wishing me well. And you’re brothers, ha-ha, those guys are the best. They’re quick witted, and funny – always busting my chops. At the time, they were straight A students, could play and talk sports, and volunteered their time. I could tell you guided their paths, and they looked up to you.
Even though I had brothers, you and I were always close. Like kindred spirits, initially drawn together by Hip-Hop and our vibe. The last few years have been tough, and I wish I could have been a better friend for you Arun. But your energy will never be lost, it will never be gone, it will never be forgotten. Just shared and multiplied. You made an impact on our countless friends, my brothers, and me. I know I am a better person for crossing paths with you – Thank you for spending time with me, thank you for allowing me to get to know you. And thank you for challenging me to do better.
I love you man, I miss you, and you will ALWAYS be in my heart.
publicó un comentario .
Leela and Arjunan:
We were shocked when when we heard from Kumar of Arun's sudden demise. Even though we did not meet Arun as a grown up boy and man except faint memories during your Ann Arbor days, we heard many many times from Kumar and how Arun and brothers were a great friend of him. Kumar felt very comfortable with the boys and all in your family along with Muthusamy's family (Murthy, Kavitha, Thangam, Muthu). Kumar's 3 years of his stay in Houston was the best time in his life and how the Houston area Kongu families associated and made him very comfortable. Bagyam and I are greatly indebted for Arun and the family . All in your family treated Kumar as a family member and I believe he visited you few times and had a good time with the boys even after leaving Houston.
Bagyam and I join your family in sharing the grief of loosing Arun and our heartfelt condolences to the family. Hopefully we will visit you some day when the pandemic quiets down.
Bagyam and Kasi.
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published a tribute .
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Aunti, Uncle, Selvam, and Anand. Arun was a great friend to me when I visited. I lived in Houston 1998-2001 and visiting them was special. It was a sad day when I got the news that Arun passed in his sleep. He will be missed by me and my family. They remember the days when the family lived in Michigan, where Arun was born.
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published a tribute .
Dear Leela auntie, Arjunan uncle, Selvam, Ananth. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. So many childhood memories playing at y’all’s house with all the boys. You all are like a second family and It sadness me that Arun was taken so early. Our deepest condolences
We love you and are here for you.
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published a tribute .
Dear Uncle, Auntie, Selvam, Ananth, and Shannon,
Words cannot begin to express our immense sadness for this pain you must now endure. Our deepest condolences during this time of grief; may happy memories of Arun help as you mourn him. Please know we are thinking of you all.
Dear Arun,
May these words find you, resting in a place of peace. I remember always spending time with you on our visits to Houston: hunting for anoles in the banana trees in your backyard, trash-talking Murthy when playing two-on-two basketball in Katy, or trying to avoid Ananth and Selvam (because they would always sneak up on us) while the four of us attempted to get up to no-good. You had grit and determination beyond most others, as you made several brave pivots in your post-collegiate journey. I'll remember your sense of humor, your genuine kindness, and your vast intellect as I think back on our adventures together. Rest in peace, Arun.
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published a tribute .
Dear Leela auntie, Arjunan uncle, Selvam, Ananth and Shannon - our sincerest condolences on Arun's passing. He was such a great guy and genuine individual, and we were all of us so fortunate to have known him in the time he spent with us here on Earth. You raised a wonderful son and this reflected in how he treated others. Arun was larger than life, and he will always be missed.
Arun - what can I say. I can barely write this message I'm so sad knowing I can't talk to you again :( You were always, always one of my favorite family friends. Forget 'family' friends, you were just a great guy that I counted as a solid friend. Always a smile, always kept it real. We could talk about anything and everything. Mostly rap music though haha. I enjoyed talking with and messaging you more than most people, because your conversational style was witty, laid back, and truly heartfelt.
I distinctly remember the first time I met you (no idea why I have such a vivid memory of this!). You literally BOLTED up the stairs at an auntie and uncle's house in New Jersey. I remember thinking who is this guy, barely took his shoes off, ran up the stairs, got right in my grill and said 'hi' and introduced himself? From that moment on we were solid friends. I always looked forward to seeing you when I'd come to TX to visit my aunt/uncle/cousins. It wasn't a real trip without also catching up with Arun. It made me so happy to see you in New Orleans for Murthy's 40th birthday and I was looking forward to catching up with you again.
I know you're there watching over all of us in the afterlife, and I know we'll meet again someday and continue our conversations right where we left off. I will forever miss you buddy....
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published a tribute .
I remember Arun as a kind person when I was a little girl and his family was in New Jersey. My heartfelt condolences to Uncle, Aunty, Selvam, Ananth, and Shannon.
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