You came into my life as a shining beacon
And you left having made me a better person
Having known you was a rare privilege
Precious and priceless was your tutelage

I learned more from you than anyone else
Not the text book kind of knowledge
People skills is what gives one the edge
This is what elicits the allegiance pledge

You showed me how to be a good human being
There is good in every one, but for lack of believing
Every young sapling needs support to grow
Ensemble of talents is what makes a great show

Not to say that I have attained your heights
But for you, they’d never be in my sights
Reach I never will, but it doesn’t really matter
Trying one’s best, you told me, makes one better

You were an example of what leadership is all about
A voice of reason, a demeanor of calm, no need to shout
Positive, upbeat, doing the best no matter what the odds
Bringing people together, improving their lots

It came natural to you – nothing artificial
Part of the inner fabric, nothing superficial
You made everyone feel important
Rank didn’t matter, neither did the title

You were strong like a palm tree
Stood tall and firm yet, so flexible
Swayed in tough winds without breaking
Grew stronger with every shaking

You gave me the confidence to reach for the unreachable
You taught me, but for efforts, nothing is unattainable
You told me to show passion but only with compassion
You showed how to disagree without being disagreeable

You always spoke with your heart
You didn’t let it be biased with your smarts
Your warmth was genuine, always sanguine
Your admonishments never tore anyone apart

You showed the light when it was the darkest
You led the way when it was the farthest
You rowed when it was the roughest
You didn’t waver when it was the bleakest

You were an open book, nothing to hide
Simple principles and truths for one to abide
Honesty, sincerity, generosity, intellect all in one
Hard work, passion, grits wrapped around fun

A small part of me has gone with you, gone for ever
But you left with me something that is much greater
Memories of you will be with me, to cherish and savor
They will guide me for the rest of my career

I will cherish the memories till my last breath
You have left an indelible legacy on this Earth
God likes special people more then others
You will always live in my thoughts & prayers.

Over the eleven years, you became part of my family
Now that you are gone, my life is a bit lonely
My loss pales in comparison to that of your loved ones
I hope, they find strength knowing they are not alone.

In Debt Forever your mentee – Ashok Gupta

In memory of my mentor & coach Jim Miller who passed away at a tender age of mid 50’s due to a heart attack doing what he loved doing – playing golf at his favorite golf course in Pittsford, NY.