Englewood, New Jersey
Abba Aficionado
Michael Baksh would turn up the stereo after dinner at his home in Englewood, N.J., and swing his wife, Christina, and their two young children, Ava and James, to the sounds of Abba. They would dance until they dropped. "It wasn't every night," said Mrs. Basch. "But it was a lot of nights. It was a lot of fun. He really appreciated his life."
Mr. Baksh, 36, a Pakistani immigrant who grew up in Washington Heights, loved all kinds of music.
He even wrote songs and performed with a rock band, Sage, in the early 90's. The band recorded a dozen or so songs, including "What Color Is A Soul?" which was played at his memorial service last month.
Mr. Baksh had just started his first day as an insurance executive at Marsh & McLennan on Sept. 11.
An exuberant man, with dark handsome looks, he could be hard to forget.
He caught his future wife's eye in a geology class at Hunter College in 1985. She introduced herself, and asked him out for a soda.
During their courtship, they went dancing every weekend.
I took this photo today on the 20th anniversary of his passing. Went to see the massive flooding at Brookside Cemetery due to TS Ida. His memorial is on a crest overlooking the brook. Fortunately all is fine with its location. -djf
September 11, 2021
Remembering Michael on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
You were always someone I looked up to growing up, and you are often thought of - not just today. I pray that we will see each other again one day in heaven.
May God bless your family.
LESTER KHAN
September 11, 2018 | LOMA LINDA, CA | Friend
Thinking of you today my friend.
Cesar Devoto
August 09, 2017 | Vienna, VA
Sept 11, 2016
Dear Christina, Ava, and James,
Hope you receive this message. We wanted you to know that we think of you often and always keep you all and Michael in our prayers. It has been 15 very long years but seems like just yesterday. We hope you all are well and that you have found a way to cope with your unspeakable loss. Please get in touch.
With love always,
Martine, Jonathan and Alison
Martine Oehling
September 11, 2016 | Wilmington, NC
It's wonderful to read about such a wonderful family man who loved his wife and children. And yet so tragic that his first day on the job turned out so horribly wrong. My thoughts and prayers are with Michael's friends and family today, may you be comforted in knowing that thousands of people were touched by your son, father, husband, friend. We all must learn this lesson from him - dance like there is no tomorrow. Much love from Texas
Del Newberry
July 21, 2015 | Garland, TX
To The Baksh Family
Although I did not know Michael for very long his optimism and zest for life will never be forgotten.
Neal Shikes
January 05, 2015 | New York, NY
dear Christina, Ava, and James,
my mother met you and Micheal at a seventh day adventist church in new york when i was still a kid and i am sending this message to say that this event will not go unremembered by anyone, and Micheal will always live in our hearts and minds.
Jonathan Hartley
September 11, 2014 | Bronx, NY
Thinking of Michael today. Such an incredibly competent person and always in a great mood. We played golf several times around New Jersey and Long Island and he always spoke of his family with so much pride.
Cesar Devoto
November 25, 2013 | Arlington, VA
