What does one say about the passing of Deunden Nikomborirak? How does one adequately mourn the death of one so accomplished, one with so much more to give? What does one say about a death too early?
I recalled our last lunch together, several years ago. Too many. We had just finished a media interaction where she performed flawlessly, explaining the research we had done on agricultural value chains. It was her town; she could have just gone home. But she wanted to make sure I was looked after, that I understood the exquisite choices before me in that classy Thai buffet. That was Deunden.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lirneasia/4842148443/in/album-72157624489125111
I was looking at old pictures. Deunden with flowers in hand to offer at the Mulkirigala Temple. Duenden, Somkiat and son. 2010 office trip.
I was looking at my emails. She had declined my invitation to join the CPRsouth Board, citing commitments at TDRI, back in 2016. She had responded in full to a request for information on funding of regulatory agencies, a few months after that. A quintessential professional. Responsible, responsive, committed to quality. But more, a great human being, a wonderful mother, a good friend. We are lesser for her loss. The world is.
Our heart goes out to Somkiat and their son. May she be free of suffering.
2 Comments
Alison
So sorry for your great loss.
Marcela Garcia Henriquez
I remember Deunden’s fresh and beautiful smile when we were about 17 and were on a scholarship at Lester B Pearson College. Dear Deunden, you will be missed.
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