Frank’s Eulogy

Jim Burroway

June 7th, 2011

After Kirk’s funeral in India, family and friends gathered in Phoenix for a memorial service. Frank Schnepp, Kirk’s supervisor at Bowne of Phoenix, delivered this eulogy:

I want to take a few minutes this morning to speak to, and recognize, Kirk’s professional impact at Bowne. Kirk was an integral part of one of the most significant business initiatives that our company embarked on in 2002 when we initiated our outsourcing project in India. In December 2002, as he realized the magnitude and importance of the project, Kirk enthusiastically volunteered to help with training Tech Books employees on-site in India. Kirk put in significant amount of time and effort building training modules for individuals who live in a culture significantly different from ours along with overcoming substantial language barriers. Kirk approached this with the same characteristic intensity we came to know and love on the floor in Phoenix. By the time we boarded the plane to New Delhi in January 2003, Kirk’s persistence, that many of you experienced first-hand, had us well prepared to launch a training program on the other side of the world — an effort that was unparalleled in Bowne’s 225 years of existence.

I had the opportunity earlier this week to go snow-mobiling in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. The trails we rode on were beautifully and serene. I was able to reflect how beautiful our country is. I mention this because I truly believe that on his first visit to India in January 2003, Kirk immediately saw through many of the less appealing aspects of a developing country and was struck by the beauty of the land, the enormity of the history and the affection of the people. Because of the profound impact of India on Kirk, he came and proposed to relocate to India and work there for Bowne for a period of years. Upon his permanent return to India in August 2003, Kirk began to expand his knowledge of the Hindu religion and language. He became a student of the religion visiting temples often. He was taking lessons to learn to speak and write Hindu. He was even taking yoga lessons. This should comfort all of us, as it does his family, knowing that Kirk was living in a land he loved and an environment he found fascinating.

The people at Tech Books embraced and welcomed Kirk on a professional level as well as a personal level. I would like to read to you the words used by Depak Kumar, VP Operations for Tech Books, as he told his employees of Kirk’s passing:

It is with deep sorrow that I share with you the news that our friend and a great supporter of all of us, Kirk Murphy has passed away.

Kirk worked with Bowne of Phoenix in their Conversion Department on Third Shift prior to accepting an International assignment that brought him to India this past August.

Kirk came to India first time in January along with Bowne Team to impart training on X Mark. He stayed back for a week more for extended training sessions. He developed an immediate bond with our Country, and with us, and came back again in March for the busy filing season. This time too he extended his stay and imparted training on BITS Conversions.

Because of the love and affection he found amongst all of us, he volunteered himself for the overseas assignment that brought him here in August.

As you all know, Kirk was always a great supporter of all of us. He taught us the basics of Edgar Conversion. He brought with himself the professionalism and above all the elements of Team Working. He participated with full energy in each and every event organized by us. Even he was an active member of the Tug Of War on sports day.

We pray to the Almighty that the departed soul rests in peace and offer our deepest condolences to Kirk’s family.

These words from Deepak signify the relationship that Kirk had developed with the people of Techbooks in India.

I am going to miss Kirk Murphy, miss his enthusiasm, miss his knowledge, miss his unassuming and humble nature that enabled him to fit in so easily and naturally with the people of India. When I last saw him in November he was in high spirits, enjoying the challenges he volunteered for. He took justifiable pride in showing me the impact of what he had done at Tech Books. You could see Kirk’s influence and leadership reflected in the way the employees interacted with him.

Although Kirk is no longer with us, his legacy continues to affect all of us through the lasting impact of his work at Tech Books, which continues to evolve. My thoughts and prayers are with Kirk’s family.

scott veroeven

August 26th, 2011

what a wonderful gesture of kindness amongst shocking circumstances for you to be the first to break the news to maris and offer her support and companionship to travel to india.

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