Contributions to the tribute of Mr. Handel Samuel Jaikumar

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Bali David posted a condolence

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Dear Cynthia, My deepest sympathies and warm condolences to you and your family in this period of bereavement. In my limited interactions, I understood that Jeyakumar annan was a man of God and served the church community with great leadership skills. It seemed like he had foresight and courageously initiated ministries for the glory of God and the blessing of many. The Lord has called home our husbands within 3 days of each other. What a great comfort we have in the knowledge and hope of resurrection in Christ and the assurance of the reality of heaven as their current dwelling place in the presence of our triune God! Philippians 1:18b-21 has been one of the most recent passages to offer me comfort as well as a charge for my life. Jeyakumar annan has honored Christ in his body by his death even as he had done by his life. He has gained the far better status of being with Christ now. Now for you, dear Cynthia, as for me, to live is Christ. To live in the flesh itself is fruitful labor for you. Furthermore, it is more necessary for you to continue to live in Christ, on account of others in your life for their progress and joy in faith. You will have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus. Therefore, dear Cynthia, rejoice, knowing that through the prayers of others and the help of the Holy Spirit, you will not be ashamed but will be honored as you are filled with full courage to glorify God and bless others by your life. With love and prayers for you and your family. Bali akka

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Sujata uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

I vividly remember the first time I met Kumar Uncle. He had just married Cynthia Aunty, my mom's younger sister, and they visited us in Ann Arbor. I was only six years old, and although I don’t recall every detail from that time, I’ll never forget how he made me feel—important and seen. In a family that had just welcomed a new baby, his attention meant the world to me. As I grew, that feeling never faded. Whether it was checking in on me when I was sick, debating football, or taking me out for masala dosas on my birthday, he always made me feel valued and loved. His hugs were unforgettable—enveloping you in warmth and love, the kind that made you feel completely safe and cared for. There are countless moments, too many to remember clearly right now, but each one left me with a deep sense of how much he cared. The sadness I feel from losing him is overwhelming, but I find comfort in knowing how strong his faith was. I believe his soul is now with God, at peace. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Kumar Uncle always made me feel important and loved. His presence, love, and influence will live on in all who were lucky enough to know him, and I will miss him deeply. With love, Sujata Thomas

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Sujata Thomas posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

I vividly remember the first time I met Kumar Uncle. He had just married Cynthia Aunty, my mom's younger sister, and they visited us in Ann Arbor. I was only six years old, and although I don’t recall every detail from that time, I’ll never forget how he made me feel—important and seen. In a family that had just welcomed a new baby, his attention meant the world to me. As I grew, that feeling never faded. Whether it was checking in on me when I was sick, debating football, or taking me out for masala dosas on my birthday, he always made me feel valued and loved. His hugs were unforgettable—enveloping you in warmth and love, the kind that made you feel completely safe and cared for. There are countless moments, too many to remember clearly right now, but each one left me with a deep sense of how much he cared. The sadness I feel from losing him is overwhelming, but I find comfort in knowing how strong his faith was. I believe his soul is now with God, at peace. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Kumar Uncle always made me feel important and loved. His presence, love, and influence will live on in all who were lucky enough to know him, and I will miss him deeply. With love, Sujata Thomas

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Andrea Paul uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Kumar Uncle was never just a passive uncle to me who I knew but didn't connect with. He was one that was very present in my life since I was born, and I also have the huge privilege of calling him my godfather. He and Cynthia aunty lived in close proximity to my family for the first 20 years of my life, and because of that, I was extremely blessed to see him often and be one of the lucky ones that got to spend a lot of time with him. Since I was a child, he came to many of the special events I had growing up, and the one I remember the most is a fathers day barbecue I had in elementary school. He came with me and my dad, and it was so special having him there. My parents also have told me an amazing story in which I was very ill at the age of 2, and they were both very discouraged and concerned for me. They tell me of how Kumar Uncle encouraged them in a huge way and asked them "Where is your faith?". He firmly believed and encouraged my parents that I would be alright, and sure enough, I eventually recovered even after getting worse. That really was the kind of man he was. He was one who had huge faith, but also one who encouraged others to believe for God's provision and love as well. Whether it was him being in charge and leading us all on mission trips, to being the head of the committee of angel tree, or doing prison ministry he really not only believed firmly in the love of God, but he also really modeled what its like to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. He was not only one who talked the talk, but walked the walk as well, and I admire that so much. On family trips, we both would always be trying to find the nearest KFC to eat at. His infectious, positive spirit was evident wherever he was. The way he would dance at weddings or anywhere where dancing was warranted was always fun to see. Kumar Uncle, I can't thank you enough for the mark you had on my life. You are forever my favorite uncle, and what gets me though this trying time now of your earthly loss is the fact that I will one day see you in eternity. Knowing now that you are free of all physical ailments on this earth or any other kind of pain at all is something I am grateful for right now. I truly miss you and will never forget all the fun times, deep talks, and just your presence in my life. Rest well and see you in eternity! Your Godchild, Andy <3

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Pauline Jeyaraj uploaded photo(s)

Monday, October 7, 2024

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Lynda Azariah uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Most of the cousins in the Alex Gama family...

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Lynda Azariah uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Kumar Annan is one of the eldest cousin of the Alex Gama family. Kumar Annan and Cynth'ka and their visits are eagerly anticipated and always filled with laughter and singing! Sharing a few significant memories of Kumar Annan - My Dad, Mum, Ben, Ken and i were at Mathias Church Vepery on December 31st. Suddenly I was excited to see Kumar Annan walking in...but he tapped Dad on his shoulder and walked out again. Dad followed him and I followed them and to my horror saw them hugging and crying...Dorairaj Mama had passed away in an accident after dropping off Stella Athai in Church. A sudden, shocking blow to our Alex Gama family. - another memory is our big extended, loud, joyous family travelling to Neyvelli for Kumar Annan and Cynth'ka wedding! Kumar Annan came from Canada to get married and kept asking if he can kiss his bride after tying the thali and the firm NO from Stella Athai to avoid scandalising those in Church! Today's service was a celebration of a special person and his love for God! Cynth'ka, Jeff, Sunitha, Charles and your families, be assured of our love and prayers as you manage life with an empty space... Lynda.

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Erika Kneale uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, October 5, 2024

I feel so lucky to have had Kumar Uncle as such a big part of my life. Kumar Uncle and Cynthy Aunty were always like second parents to my sisters and I growing up in Orange County. I remember going to their house all the time and Kumar Uncle would always remember to ask about the little details of my life. Even in recent years after he and Cynthy Aunty moved to Toronto, he would make sure to keep up with the specifics of my life every time he visited. He would ask about how tennis was going or even more recently about how Caleb’s busy seasons at work were. We had so much fun traveling through Europe together and I remember one night when I didn’t feel like going out with the rest of the family, him and Cynthy Aunty took me out to dinner just us 3. He always gave the best hugs and said the best prayers before our big family gatherings. I truly will cherish these memories forever. It is hard to believe that someone who has been such a constant in my life is gone now, but I feel encouraged knowing he is rejoicing in Heaven. With love, Erika

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David Paul uploaded photo(s)

Friday, October 4, 2024

Kumar Mama, my maternal uncle, was an inspiration during my growing up years. He was the first person to receive my SSLC result. Although they lived far away in the US they kept in constant touch with our family through letters and visits. Mama's visits were always loved. I thank the Lord that we were able to visit them in the US and when they shifted to Canada. The road trip with Mama was adventurous as we lost the route and took a detour. That was one of the most memorable moments with mama. A kind-hearted, loving and God-fearing person was he. He will be greatly missed. All our love to Athai and the children. Love, David and Priya

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Karen Daniel uploaded photo(s)

Friday, October 4, 2024

I was deeply saddened to hear of Kumar Uncle's passing. His presence touched so many lives, including mine, in ways that are hard to put into words. I’ll always cherish the memories of the many camping trips our families took together when I was a kid. I’ll never forget how excited he would get when we sang “O Holy Night” during the EWCC carol rounds. Kumar Uncle’s passion for serving others, especially through the Angel Tree project, was truly inspiring. He had a remarkable way of showing kindness and generosity, especially toward children, that left a lasting impact. But beyond the cherished memories, I am in awe of how deeply Kumar Uncle’s influence shaped the course of my life. He was the one who helped my dad secure a job in California, a pivotal moment that allowed our family to settle here and build the life we have today. His role in founding the Indian church that became a central part of our family’s life is another incredible legacy. These two acts of service didn’t just affect me—they shaped countless lives in ways that continue to ripple outwards.

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Jey Samuel posted a condolence

Friday, October 4, 2024

Have lot of great memories with Kumar! Ever since he came with whole family in the early 80s and eventually moving to California known in so long, his smile and tenderness was always so good and enjoyable friendship with my niece and being married to her. He was instrumental in starting the Indian Church and being so instrumental in getting together so many times. Even after they moved to Canada, we saw them so many times at our home or in their home in Canada. It was always a great get together and always an enjoyable experience. We will miss him so much but looking forward to meeting him again in Heaven with our Savior. What a day that will be! Till then, Kumar, i will miss you, Love, Mama!

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Jawahar and Ranjini Gnaniah posted a condolence

Friday, October 4, 2024

Very dear Cynthia, Extremely feeling sad that we both couldn’t be present to pay our kind homage and last respects to an esteemed bother and friend Kumar! Can’t express our sadness over his earthly loss especially to you Cynthia! But it is of course a Heavenly gain because Kumar loved His Creator God and Redeemer Jesus Christ and served Him faithfully! He was a pillar to East West Church as long as you were all there! We have so many fond memories of him, you, Jeff, Sunitha and Charles!! Myself, Ranjini, Onesi and Danny gratefully acknowledge all the love we received from him as close friends. I, Gnaniah cherished his friendship beyond words could recite!! He served the church board very faithfully and was of great support to me all the time he was there. Eternity will tell all his faithful services rendered to the Lord! We had great Bible Study times in your home, and so many great church occasions together! God saw that his time on earth is over to meet his Savior and Lord! Certainly Kumar would have received his best acclaim from our dearest Savior Jesus, “well done you faithful servant.” Our sincere prayers to you Cynthia, as well as to the families of Jeff, Sunitha and Charles. May God comfort you especially and also the children! “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15 “My flesh and my heart fail. But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 Remembering in prayer, with love and offering our condolences! Gnaniah, and Ranjini

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Mary Sheeba uploaded photo(s)

Friday, October 4, 2024

Q: What will you never forget about Mr. Handel? A: This is about my dear mama ( My moms only brother) and my fond memories are many.......but i want to tell about how caring and how he held relationships close to his heart. My younger days when i used to dress up in the beautiful maxi dress bought to me fondly by my mama.......... i am his niece but he loved me dearly as his own child.........This is very evident since at the prime age of my life when a decision had to be made, he urged my mom to do the right thing to me by enabling to come out of a toxic environment and he encouraged me that i will definitely do well in life. He told me to be strong in the Lord and always hold on to him for everything. This stedfast faith is so evident in the testimony filled life that he and my athai walked and lived. The thought of mama brings lively moments to the foray and the way that we used to sing our regular hymns and chorus with so much of enthu and cheering and the fellowship that followed is always etched in our memories. We are part of a big family and my mama and mom were the eldest siblings and hence anything and everything that happens int he family was treated not less than a mega get together or pot luck........ The love that he shared dispels what i am going through now and God was so gracious that in 2017, mama, athai & self went to meet the cousins from my grandfather's side whom we not met in ages.......This enthusiasm of living life to the fullest is one thing that all of us can practise in our lives amidst all that we go through..... With loads of love and memories that are so serene...... I thank our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the beautiful life, the glorious testimony and the lives he has touched............... Praise and Honour to our lord

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Rachael (Poppy) James posted a condolence

Friday, October 4, 2024

Deeply saddened to know that our dear Kumar annan is no more.I have known Kumar annan right from my childhood days. I would like to share a few precious moments that I cherish about annan. Kumar annan loved my mom- Beul chithi very much and extended that same love to all of us.I can never forget that jolly trip to Neyveli for annan's wedding as a big family in a big bus! We were excited to see Cynthia annie who was just as loving as annan.I still remember those 2 days they spent with us at Katpadi after their trip to Ooty before leaving for Canada. We missed them both in all other cousin's weddings including mine. Whenever they came down to India,they always visited my mom who was delighted to be with them.During Sam's children's wedding ,we all had a good get together. Annan promised to visit us at Coimbatore and paid a short visit. We spent a good time chit chatting and reminiscing our past get togethers with Premaka, mom,Johnny and other cousins. Annan is a ,loving, soft spoken, kind person who loves to chat. He is a God fearing and a prayerful person who stood the hard times with much faith in Jesus. I was praying for his health issues every day. God's plans are different and far better than ours . We will miss annan and his smile so dearly but definitely assured that he is safe in the arms of Jesus. May God comfort, console and strengthen annie and the children to go through this difficult time. Our loss is heaven 's gain! Isaiah: 57:2. He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness.

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Finney Premkumar uploaded photo(s)

Friday, October 4, 2024

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Sunitha Jaikumar uploaded photo(s)

Friday, October 4, 2024

I was receiving updates on Kumar's health ever since he was admitted in the hospital. But when finally late on 28th night when my brother Philip broke the news about his passing away, I was broken. I could not sleep that night remembering all the good times we had with Cynthy and Kumar over the years. When the wedding of Cynthia to Kumar was arranged I was working in a place called Asansol, in West Bengal, India. When I was trying to get more information about Kumar, my brother Roop reminded me of the quiet boy we had seen at a wedding in Tirunelveli in the year 1962. I was 12 then and Kumar probably was 15. Actually in the group photo of the 1962 wedding one could see Cynthy as well as Kumar. Kumar and Cynthy's wedding in December 1976 was one of the grand weddings in our family at the small industrial town of Neyveli. Kumar's family with talented musicians arrived from Chennai a day before the wedding. I remember how the family was so full of joy and laughter. They gave a special song at the wedding which was so beautifully sung. There was a bit of a drama after the wedding when we travelled to Chennai for the reception hosted by Kumar's family. We were supposed to bring the newly wedded couple to the Chennai reception. Our car had all sorts of problems and the journey to Chennai was eventful. We barely managed to reach the couple to the reception on time. That was one of the times I was really impressed with Kumar. He was absolutely calm all through the anxious period and in fact was encouraging us with his humour. When we had to push the car, he would be the first to get out to push and would be the last one to get in. When I think of Kumar the most significant thought that comes to my mind is that he valued family relationships more than anything else. As a family they would travel regularly to India and spend time with almost all the uncles, aunties and cousins . I remember him travelling to distant Turicorin just to meet relatives on his father's side. He just loved to be with family. Every time Kumar, Cynthy and children visited India there would be a large crowd of cousins waiting to receive them at the airport. Kumar was also extremely good with children. I remember Philip's child Andrea when she was a two year old child was quite sick when she came to India and she clung to Philip and wouldn't go to anyone else. But the moment she saw Kumar she was happy to go to him. We've seen him playing with all his little grandchildren and having fun. Kumar's passing is indeed a great loss for the family. But we all know that he is resting in peace with God . We pray specially for Cynthy, Jeff, Sunitha, Charles and their families to give them strength and comfort at this hour. With Love Rathi (Ratnakar)

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Sunitha Jaikumar posted a condolence

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Tribute to my dear brother in law - Handel S. Jaikumar Kumar Annan became my brother in law when I was sixteen and in college. I was not too happy that he was taking my sister far away from me. His brief time with us didn’t help us to get to know him then. In the 1970s and even into the new millennium, letters and their India visits were our only means of connecting with family living in North America. We were building our lives and couldn’t dream of visiting them then. Kumar Annan made it a point to visit India as much as they possibly could. Thanks to him, we have precious memories with each one of them, and of our children bonding with theirs. The entire family was present at our daughter’s wedding in India in 2004. After 2009, when our daughter and family moved to Rochester NY, we got to spend more time with them. We feel thankful for the good times we enjoyed with them in LA, Toronto and Rochester and for the time we travelled with them to Cologne, Amsterdam and Paris before attending nephew Jey’s wedding in Bremen. Kumar Annan was always enthusiastic and energetic and loved walking and sightseeing. Kumar Annan valued people and relationships. He loved company. As a couple, their hospitality and warmth were exemplary and heartwarming. During their visit to India in 2017, he was particular about visiting all relatives. I accompanied them on their trip to Tutucorin and Tirunelveli. His aunt (his Dad’s sister) was thrilled to see him. Scrolling down to Covid times, we connected through weekly zoom calls and family prayer. We looked forward to the banter and catching up. Kumar Annan and Cynthia’ka enlivened those times with quiz questions and even offered prizes. When I visited them, I have seen Kumar Annan praying by himself on his knees. Through challenges and touch times, his faith remained steadfast. He memorized scripture and led a weekly Bible study at home till last year. He was keen on visiting those in prison and was active in the ‘Angel Tree’ ministry. He wanted to do whatever he could with the love of the Lord. Kumar Annan was great with babies and children. He would engage them in conversation and read them stories. God blessed him with the most devoted and loving wife, three lovely children and their families which include six grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Our loved ones may depart, but memories don’t. Thankful for memories of a brother in law who showed us that love for the Lord and love for people matter the most in a Christian’s life. Devina Albert

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PRIMILA Desai uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Our departed loved one “ Handel Jaikumar “ Our minds are now flooded with many a precious memory , He is now with the Lord, but has left behind a very rich legacy , He impacted many with his quiet and humble spirit deeply, His love for the Lord, his family and humanity will be remembered fondly. My thoughts go back to the 60s when as kids we spent Sundays together, We attended Christian meetings and those carefree days were stellar! We reconnected in the 80s and he recognized my voice over the phone! I just said “ Kumar “ and instantly he took my name , what a joyful reunion! They relocated from Canada to the LA area soon after and we met frequently , At family gatherings and celebrations in each others homes gladly , He often would say humorously that I represented his side of the family, Birthdays, graduations, and weddings were occasions to meet joyfully. Even after they moved to Canada we stayed in touch regularly, Speaking over the phone, sharing prayer needs and meeting annually, Our children remember the delicious meals that dear Cynthia prepared, But last year at their home Kumar cooked tasty dishes,we were amazed! Despite recent health challenges he was an overcomer truly, He traveled to visit his family and friends ever so frequently, His faithful and very devoted wife Cynthia was always by His side , His 3 loving children and 6 precious grandchildren were his joy and pride! The rest of us, his extended family were also to him most dear, We will miss him immensely but our great hope rings loud and clear, He is with Christ which is far better, free from all suffering and pain, How we await that glorious resurrection day to be reunited again Primila Desai (Kumar’s cousin in LA)

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Sunitha Posted Oct 3, 2024 at 1:53 AM

Aunty, thank you so much for these beautiful words. Daddy always loved your way with a good rhyme <3

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Courtney Ariel Bowden posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Sending condolences and love to the Jaikumar family in the wake of this great loss!

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The family of Mr. Handel Samuel Jaikumar uploaded a photo

Monday, September 30, 2024