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FUNERAL HOME

Falconer Funeral Home - Gilbert

251 West Juniper Avenue

Gilbert, Arizona

Bala Natarajan Obituary

Bala Natarajan passed away December 18, 2003 and was born on February 20, 1952. He is survived by his wife, daughter and a son. His visitation services will be held on Sunday (12/21/03), 10am-12 noon at Falconer Funeral Home, 251 West Juniper Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233. Phone: 480-892-9411. The visitation services will be followed by private cremation.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 20, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Bala Natarajan

44 Entries

Ravi Mahajan

December 14, 2019

My family and I are fortunate that we met Bala and shared an important phase of our life with him. I always feel we develop as a composite of the influences that shape us and I sometimes find myself glad that I was able to absorb some small portion of the qualities that made Bala the man he was. At many unguarded moments in my life after Bala left, I would be reminded of the man and I would be guided by how I thought he would react; and every time that happened I was grateful that he taught me and the heartbreak of his passing washed back mingled with gratitude for his friendship. Bala you are never far from my thoughts, your memory is always with me and though time may have passed, you continue to live on in my actions in many ways. Thank you for guiding me, being my friend and mentor. I am always in your debt and I miss you........

Anthony Kong

January 18, 2005

Faith! I truly believe it. I am just cleaning up my long unused email account this evening... saw the link to this guest book warning us that it will be disconnected after Jan 19th, 2005; what is the chance that I see this email from Legacy.com out of hundreds of junk mails inside my inbox? Wow... Today is Jan 18th, I like to just wanted to let you know that I still believe in and practice productive problem solving over a cup of coffee... as you taught me.

Rajendran Nair

January 30, 2004

Mani - a name you liked, and told me of, but I could not bring myself to call you that; I looked upon you as a mentor, a father figure. You I could identify with, among all those I have met, and it was indeed an honor when you told me that you saw something of yourself in me. You displayed, in deeds, the purest heart and mind, your integrity as a human who wished good for everyone is unquestionable. I recall that I had to twist your arm pretty good to include your name, in just recognition of your contributions, in a patent application... while you yourself laughingly instructed me to include the name of a fellow into the same. All that you desired was good things for others around you, your greatness is in that selflessness that perhaps took you away from us too. I wish I could've spent a lot more time with you, laughed a lot more, traveled a lot more, and enjoyed the simple, good adventures that only one as pure at heart as yourself can appreciate. I wish I'd told you more of how much I admired and respected you... I wish you know that your thoughts and deeds will continue to guide me.

Shreena Patel

January 19, 2004

I am so sorry to hear about this. I honestly can't describe how bad I feel for you all. I know its not easy, but hes watching over us so make sure you make him proud! I'm sure he is very proud of you, Vaishali.

Debendra Mallik

January 19, 2004

Bala,

You were a real symbol of goodness in the community. You always tried to help everyone you came in contact with. You were a good friend and true well wisher to myself and many many others. We will miss your physical presence and the genuine laugh that brought comfort to our stressed lives, but your memory will live on for ever in all our hearts. I am sure that with your enhanced powers you will continue to be the guiding light to your cherished family and friends. May your soul rest in peace.

Shamala Chickamenahalli

January 15, 2004

Though my association with Bala technically was for about a year when I joined Intel in 1999, I have been greately benefited by Bala's positivess all along more as an observer. I remember Bala as a totally composed individual who never uttered a word of displeasure about anything. I was always amazed at his presence of mind, and how well he kept up with current events, be it technical, Indian cricket or politics. His total inquisitiveness to learn constantly always surprised me.

Your smile and assuring greeting will be missed heavily Bala!

Dan Guelker

January 14, 2004

Like Bob, I first met Bala at Intel less than a year ago working on an important project. Bala always had a such a positive attitude and worked to establish a personal connection with his co-workers. Bala always gave a pat on the back (literally) and a warm smile to appreciate peoples' efforts. The last time I saw him in person, Bala insisted in buying my lunch (after a 30 second "arguement" in front of the cashier) in appreciation of my help. It's just a small ancedote demonstrating Bala's warmth.

Krishna Seshan

January 14, 2004

This is very sad news for me-and I just heard of Bala's passing in Jan.04. This is a terrible blow to his family. I can't even believe that I will never see him.

For all the years I knew Bala- his kindness and gentle humour were inspirations to me. I will miss him.

KS Ravindhran

January 14, 2004

My family and I have known Bala for almost 25 years; it is just not losing a close friend, but a dear family member all of a sudden. In all my association with him, I always thought of Bala as a good soul and he will remain so forever, if only in our memories.

Bhasker Rao

January 13, 2004

Bala,

You were the same person I met in 1979 as you were the day you left all of us... suddenly. I am sure you are still laughing up there just as you did whenever we met. I will miss that forever along with your humble attitude,great smile and your willingness to help anyone, anywhere. I am sure you will guide your great family thru this difficult time now and forever. You will be dearly missed by all but will be in our memory forever.

...still your buddy

Jayesh Patel

January 13, 2004

I came to know Bala through a friend as he loved the game of Cricket and I understood he also played cricket for many years both here in US and in India. He was one of the pioneer in forming the Arizona Cricket League in AZ. True to the game he showed sportmanship which reflected in his daily life and was there at the cricket ground to watch and encourage aspiring cricketers. He would not miss cricket when it was showed on TV no matter where in the world it was played. Bala will be missed not only by his family and friends but also by the cricket lovers who were familiar with his coaching and advice.

Vijay Pitchumani

January 12, 2004

I am deeply saddened by Bala’s sudden departure. I guess this is life’s way of reminding us that it is bigger than all of us. Bala had a genial disposition that endeared him to those around him. His heart was big, his smile disarming and his energy infectious. His caring nature and reassuring voice brought comfort to many. His bubbly spirit gave him an aura of invincibility until Dec. 18 proved otherwise. He will be sorely missed. I consider myself very fortunate to have known him.

Ioan Sauciuc

January 12, 2004

Bala,

Hi, wherever you are now. With all good you have done, I am sure you are in good hands. Words and tears are not good enough to describe what I remember about you.

Ioan

Greg Taylor

January 12, 2004

When I first started working with packages at Intel Bala was there with a smile to help. He always listened to what I had to say and offered good advice in return. His cheerful manner helped us get through many challenges. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to know him. He will be remembered and he will be missed.

Ravi Mahajan

January 12, 2004

I first met Bala when he interviewed me in March 1992. With a friendliness that was to be his characteristic over the next 12 years, he took me from the interview room to the cafe for a coffee and a chat. It was the most friendly interview I have had during my job search. Over the next few years, I got to know and respect him as a mentor and a friend, especially in the last five years when I started working with him directly and reported to him for a part of that time. We shared a common passion for cricket and had watched and agonized over many matches and results sharing tapes and predictions. There were many traits that you could admire. He never asserted his authority because he was my superior, although technically very capable, he always interacted as an equal and treated everyone with respect. He helped me and my wife Poonam when we needed help, took the time to get to know my family and both my family and Poonam's have carried away a lasting impression of meetings with him, that they felt deeply the shock of his passing.

It is difficult to put in words my own feelings about his passing. It is like losing your father all over again. I am sure he is now closer to the grace of God than before but he has left all our lives lesser for his absence. I will miss his smile and good cheer and miss his company everytime I walk over for a cup of tea.

I and all my family offer sincere condolences to his family.

K Murali

January 10, 2004

Bala was a dear friend who mentored and coached me and always displayed impeccable integrity and honesty. He was a special person who was always very friendly and approachable and will be dearly missed by his vast extended family. My sincerest and deep condolence to his dear and near family.

Madhavan Swaminathan

January 10, 2004

Bala was a dear friend of mine who will be sorely missed. He has been the driving force for many areas within the Packaging Research Center, Georgia Tech. He was always a pleasure to work with, thanks to his bewitching smile and positive attitude. My interactions with him through SRC will be sorely missed.

I pray that his family can get past this tragedy with the strength that he has exhibited over the years.

Sincerely,

Madhavan Swaminathan

Professor

Georgia Tech

Paul Kohl

January 10, 2004

Bala was friend to everyone. I enjoyed every interaction with Bala and looked forward to seeing him on each occasion. I hope a little bit of Bala's personality stays with each of us because we would all benefit.

Yuan-Liang Li

January 10, 2004

I still remember the first time I met with Bala. It was in Urbana-Champaign when he visited UIUC in 1995. We had a three-hour discussion regarding Intel packaging businesses and his organization. Without his vision, I wouldn't have been able to work and success in the packaging area.

Sujata Ryan

January 9, 2004

I will always remember how jovial and pleasant Bala was. He always found something to compliment. After talking to Bala, you came away feeling cheerful and energized by his own good humor. We will miss his smiling face and encouraging manner.

Bob Schenck

January 9, 2004

I met Bala only 11 months ago, as we were teamed together to work on a special project. In that short time I found him to be a "good man", in all possible aspects of the phrase. Bala enriched us all, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.

Gaurang Choksi

January 9, 2004

Bala has left behind many friends and co-workers who will never forget him and his smiling face.

I have known Bala since 1988 - he was the person who conducted my phone interview when I was a graduate student and played a key role in my being hired into Intel. He was later my manager and mentor and as already expressed by many others, managed more from his heart. I still remember the support he provided as my manager when my father passed away.

I will always remember the memories of working with him and his passion for his family and friends and his work.

My wife and I both came to know Bala and his family and we always looked to Bala and his wife Aruna as role models to look at life with an ever-optimistic eye.

I pray for Aruna, Vishali and Sabari to have the courage and will to move ahead, take pride in all of Bala's accomplishments and cherish his memories.

He has left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

Anthony Kong

January 9, 2004

Bala,

I miss you. Ever since I join Intel/ATD three years ago, I have learned so much from you. As a newbie to the organization, you have helped me understanding our Intel culture by role model & examples. It was a pleasure working with you. I’ll always remember you as a man who believes any issue can be solved over a cup of coffee. The best part was you always give up your Java City coffee stamp to me so I can get my free cup of Java quicker. Your genuine positive attitudes and guidance will be missed…

Tawfik Arabi

January 8, 2004

He was

Honest, Helpful, Cheerful and always very Friendly.

This is the legacy of our dear friend Bala!

This is the resume of one fit for Heaven.

We shall miss you Bala

Let us pray for peace to the departed soul, and strength for the family he loved so very much.

Arun Ryan

January 8, 2004

Having interacted closely with Bala both professionally and socially, I can fully relate to the grief that is being expressed here by us all. My memories of Bala are fond and numerous. Let us pause to celebrate the wonderful life that this truly honorable man lived.

Gretchen Schadlick

January 8, 2004

I worked for Bala when I was with DPD, before moving to Michigan in 1999. What I remember about Bala is, like everybody else, his cheerful nature and the way he mentored others.

Working at Intel can consume your family life and I always respected the way Bala was dedicated to his job - but devoted to his family. Everyone will miss him.

Mukund Patel

January 7, 2004

No words or praises will be enough to describe Bala-san. I came to know Bala-san through my brother (PR Patel, who was literally bonded and very close to Bala-san) and we cherished his advice, wisdom and words of encouragement given to us. He was always calm, smiling and would take the oppurtunity to spend time talking about family and kids. He loved kids and indulged with them discussing about school, homework, what they liked about school etc.

Most of all, Bala was an honest and a sincere man who could do no harm to anyone, a caring and a loving father who cherished his kids. A devotee who never missed the chance to go to Hare Krishna Temple and spend time saying prayers and worshipping Lord Krishna. He touched many lives and will be missed in person, but not in spirit!.

His trademark smile and a pat on the back will be dearly missed. So Bala-san our family bids you farewell and I know the "person upstairs" is taking good care of you and providing the oppurtunity to serve more people.

Jai Jalaram

Mahesh Dharan

January 7, 2004

Bala was an energetic, smiling and freindly person. He was there in good times and tough times, lending his experience and listening. A remakable individual, he parted positive energy. Wishing the very best to his wife, kids and his family!!!

Shekhar Borkar

January 7, 2004

I still cannot believe that Bala left us. No, he has not; he is still with us in our hearts with fond memories. I have worked with Bala for more than ten years, and it has been a sheer joy. A true mentor and a guide to all of us, witful yet strong and disciplined, how can we forget? we will miss Bala very very much.

Ravi Prasher

January 7, 2004

Bala:

I never got a chance to thank you for forwarding my resume to the group I am working for. After finishing my Ph.D. I was struggling very hard to get a job and then Prof. Ramakishna of ASU forwarded my resume to you. After joining Intel when I met you for the first time I was very humbled by your gesture. I always saw you smiling and I came to know about your passion for cricket.

Merodee Buechner

January 7, 2004

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Bala. He was such a wonderful kind-hearted man. He was my manager and a teriffic mentor during my year as MCM Operations Manager (1999). He was so very patient and one of the few Intel managers who actively supported his employees' work/life balance. He would nudge us out of the office at 6pm, reminding us that the work could wait until tomorrow. I will remember him as one of my favorite Intel managers. Please know my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Susan Coartney

January 7, 2004

Bala,

You greeted each day with a cheery smile and everyone you met along the way. You gave freely of your kindness and guided with gentle care, never have I heard an unkind word come from your lips. You were an angel at heart while on earth and now you are the quiet angel who will be there to help lift us to our feet when our earthly wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

Ted Zarbock

January 7, 2004

Bala was an inspiration to me. He was a mentor, fostered my career at Intel, but most important was a friend and confidant. I miss Bala's positive force and his words of encouragement. He was a special man who selflessly put his concern for the well-being of his family, friends and coworkers always first. I am blessed to have been touched by Bala, and my prayers go out to his family and friends.

Udbhav Shrivastava

January 7, 2004

Dear Bala,

It has been about 20 days, and I still look forward to seeing you in the corridors at work with your infectious smile, happy face and great sense of fun. Since you hired me twelve years ago in Intel, you were there to guide me in personal and professional life. I grew up surrounded by older bothers and cousins in India, and often felt their absence. With you gentle humor, and direct and selfless advice you filled the void of big brothers for me. You encouraged me to do the right things regardless of the benefits. In more ways than one you were the role model for how “Gita” wants us to live our life. I pray to Ishwar to liberate your soul, and pray for the strength to your family and friends to continue living well to continue the inspiring legacy that you have left behind.

On your behalf: I pray

Om,

Triyambakam yajamahe, sughandim pushtivardhanam

Urvarukamiv bandhanat, mrityor mokshiya mamratat.

Asto ma sat gamaya,

Tamso ma jyotir gamaya,

Mrityormamritam gamaya,

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Kirk & Maribel Vanderziel

January 7, 2004

Bala, There is never enough time to do all that one would like to do, however, you were one among so many that truley did more for the people you met and never changed in your outlook on the people who look up to you. You will be truly missed. Kirk and Maribel.

480-802-4196

Ward Scott

January 7, 2004

Bala has left us but he will continue to live on in our memories, and memories of Bala can only be happy ones. Bala has made a positive impact on the lives of those he touched. He always put others first and made you very comfortable and appreciated. He was first and foremost a family man, a loving father and husband. My friendship with Bala grew out of a common love of cricket. Shortly after my move to Arizona, we started playing cricket,out of which the Arizona Cricket League started. Even after we finally retired from playing, we continued as supporters.We would also watch Cricket games live on TV at all hours of the day and night when India or West Indies played. But we shared more than cricket. We enjoyed driving around locally mainly in remote areas during the morning hours on weekends to understand the area. And we would talk about cricket, family, work, and politics. We would stop somewhere and have breakfast, including Casino buffets,we visited numerous housing developments and show homes and discovered more of Arizona. As I continue to do many of these things, I fondly remember my dear friend. Bala will continue to live on in our memories.

Bob Sankman

January 7, 2004

As a colleague of Bala's, I was always impressed by his optimistic attitude. He was the one who always assured us that there would be a positive outcome from any difficult situation.

Bala was especially supportive to me when my son became disabled due to an illness. I will never forget his understanding and optimism.

Bala was a special guy. I will miss having him as part of our team in ATD/Intel.

Bob Sankman

ATD Intel - Chandler

Martin Rausch

January 7, 2004

I worked with Bala off and on for many years before joining ATD as his replacement when he took a leave of absence to return to India in late 2002.

I will always remember Bala’s smile and his habit of patting me on the back whenever we crossed paths. He was the ultimate encourager – I never witnessed him getting openly frustrated with his co-workers. This example will always stick with me in the future as I deal with others. The group that he left behind for me to manage is a strong group that has a good sense about what it takes to set technology direction. I believe this is a result of the encouragement he provided and his technical knowledge that helped identify what projects needed to be pursued to solve relevant problems. I will miss him!

Martin Rausch

Intel - Portland

Kin Gan

January 7, 2004

When I was a junior manager making a tough presentation I always looked for Bala in the audience and whenever I saw his face (with a supportive look and friendly smile), it was most reassuring for me. During my development from junior manager growing, Bala has always been helpful and fatherly. I still fondly remember the occasional times when he would gently pat my head and say I have done a good job – the classic Asian fatherly gesture.

I will miss Bala and I can still see images of him – the happy and smiling face – always friendly.

Kin Gan

Intel Penang, Malaysia

HP and Bee Bee Yeoh

January 7, 2004

I was shocked and saddened when heard about the sudden departure of Bala Natarajan. When I shared the news with my wife, she also fell into sadness, and the sad atmosphere spread around those who know Bala even we are 10000 miles away.

Even though we had just been to Chandler a couple of times, Bala and Aruna Natarajan were so kind and extended their friendship during our stay in Chandler. Bala is a kind man who always extended his help to others in need which can be seen in his contribution to charities and assistance to the local community. He was also a loving father who was taking very good care of his children patiently. Even though I did not have common projects with Bala Natarajan after my 1999 assignment, our friendship continued and we always have a short chat during my business visits to Chandler. I always remember his kind and friendly smile and I will definitly miss that smile during my next visit to Chandler.

However, I believe Aruna & her children will continue Bala Natarajan's example and his spirit of helping others. We share your loss and may God bless the family and I believe Bala Natarajan is resting peacefully.

HP Yeoh & Bee Bee

Intel - Penang, Malaysia

Jan Martinez

January 7, 2004

I’ve had the genuine pleasure of working with Bala in various capacities over the past 6 years. Bala was a treasure -- one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever known. He often stopped by my office just to say hello and ask how I was doing, and always had a genuine smile and word or two of encouragement to share.

He was a true gentleman in the old-fashioned sense of the word. He often spoke lovingly of his family, and his dedication to them was evident in his words and actions.

I, along with everyone in ATD was shocked and saddened beyond words when I heard of his passing. I will miss him. We will miss him. What a beautiful spirit he was!

Jan Martinez

ATD Administrative Assistant

at Intel

Monica Clarke

January 7, 2004

Bala was one of the most kind, generous, and self-denying people I’ve ever met. I never felt I was able to help him much with anything because he wanted nothing, needed nothing, and was very self-sufficient. I also knew him to be a wonderful father to his 2 children, and I knew he loved them very much. I will always remember his warm, genuine smile and his laugh. I worried about him, though because he let the pressures of the world sit on his shoulders and he would not take care of himself.

Bala will be greatly missed, but my life is better because he was in it for a short time. I hope I get to see him again someday!

Monica Clarke

Administrative Assistant

at Intel

pr patel

December 27, 2003

Bala-san,

You finally got your wish to be free from this troubled world. Even though you never wanted to be amongst the angels in heaven, you have no choice for you were destined to be there. Heaven just got better now because of you. You touched many lives, both at work and outside of work, and for that we are all humbled. If only we could be half the man you are this world would be a better place to live in. I know you are watching out for us all and will always be there to help in your own unique way to your family, friends and just about anyone else who needs some tender and loving care. We miss you.

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