Remembrances: Neil Sundaresan

I had recently heard about changes at Microsoft and had meant to reach out to him and someone told me that he was ill. I did not realize it was to be so short and I would miss out seeing him in his last days. I would always feel inadequate not reaching out to him on time just to connect. I have known Ashok since my Almaden days - first Ashok as the director of the computer science group, but then as a manager, mentor, friend, and guide. Even after we left Almaden I kept in touch with him and he was easy to reach out to, always prompt in his response, meeting for breakfast at Hobbies or coffee at Peets. He never let me pay on any occasion. He always treated me as his advisee, I could openly talk to him, seek his brilliant advice on career decisions, workplace advice, and chat about anything personal or professional. He was a gem of a person and I am going to miss feeling that there is an email I can send and would get an immediate response, followed by a meeting and intelligent conversation. Ashok was such a leading light for so many of us budding researchers, managers, entrepreneurs. His intelligence and acumen was second to none. Through Ashok I met all of you and was delighted to know you all. I and my wife, Nandini, met Ashok and Mala on a few occasions and were delighted by their company. Ashok was an amazing person to know, be mentored by, and be friends with. Our deep deep condolences, from both I and Nandini. May his soul rest is great peace and may god give you all the courage to deal with this great loss.