We are surrounded by Lalit’s paintings in our house, which reminds us of his exceptional talents and love for all of us. His lovely memories will always be with us. We remember all the good times we spent with Lalit over the years. We miss him dearly. May God bless his sole.

                    Bimal & Sulabh

Thinking of Lalit Uncle today. When I first started teaching at Western Michigan University two years ago, I remembered Uncles spirit and wore a hat when I taught (like his) my first month to quietly remember him and hope to capture some of his teaching gift and care of students.
He taught me a lot and helped me to become a more open minded person. I miss him and wish I could have had chai with him a few more times.

Dr. Masih was a graduate professor of mine at LIU. As a Graduate Assistant, I knew him as a faculty member. But I came to know him better as a student of his. I never knew what religion he followed, but I recognized a Christ-like spirit in him. It has been many years, but of all the professors I have had in my academic life.....he was one of the most memorable. A good and kind man, with a joyful spirit. God Bless him and rest his soul. Thank you Dr. Masih; you said the most with the fewest words. Namaste
Ciro Anthony Massa, Psy.D, LCSW, LADC

I remember Lalit Uncle frequently and sometimes feel like his spirit is on my shoulder. After he died I bought a messenger cap and wore it to remember him. As I taught at the university I wore the cap nearly each time I lectured, honoring him in some small way in my heart. What I would give now for the opportunity to sit at his feet and learn as his students did. I wish I could ask him for advice and gain from his long life of wisdom.

Happy Birthday Lalit. Looking at the paintings on our living room wall makes me so proud and blessed to have had such a wonderful talented brother. We miss you so much, specially now when we cannot talk, sing and laugh together. I remember one time when I was in school, during spring festival in our hometown Almora, all schools sent paintings by their students. One of them was mine. You had just come back from college and we all went to see the art show. To my surprise my painting had won a prize. You were so happy. You were gleaming with joy and made me feel so good. Your being able to see good in every human being was so admirable. You have left a good example of life well lived and a reminder to look for beauty in everyone and everything.

I have a very pleasant memory of Lalit's generosity. The date was September 1,1970. The day I landed at Kennedy Airport. Lalit in his famous bug came to pick me up. Intuitively he asked me if I had packed necessities such as shaver, shaving cream etc, almost anticipating that in my excitement to travel abroad I must have forgotten. He took me to a local pharmacy in East Northport and bought me a few items that I had overlooked. The next day I had to leave for Tallahassee. Lalit bought my air ticket. The coach section was full so he bought me a First Class ticket. He made my entry to USA a grand one. Thank you Lalit.............Avi joshi

I remember when Lalit Uncle took me to Meijer (a Michigan-based superstore) to buy my first professional-quality watercolor paints, paper and sable hair brush. As soon as we got home, he gave me a personal painting lesson. I still remember those few minutes very clearly because it's impossible to forget someone's passion. Within a few strokes he had painted a beautiful mountain range. I learned more than how to hold a brush... I learned that being an artist was possible. Lalit Uncle had a profound impact on my life. It's because of this, that I wish I could sit with him one more time for an art lesson.

Lalit Uncle, Bimal Uncle, Kamal Auntie and my Mom (Pratibha) all share a gift for seeing beauty in the world. I'm thankful for Lalit Uncle being a big brother to my mom because I can see his influence in her every time she points out how beautiful the trees or mountains are.

Lalit Uncle, I want to say thank you and I miss you.

With Love, Ritu

Bimal Masih's (his brother) memories of Lalit...

Dear loved ones,

It is with sad heart that I writing these few lines about my brother who meant a lot to me. 

We grew up in Almora, which is at the foothills of the Himalayas. Our father was one of the greatest Leprosy experts of his time. Because Lalit was the first child in the family, our parents wanted him to follow in the footsteps of our father and to become a doctor. Lalit, however, had his own ideas. He had no interest in medicine. From the very beginning, he wanted to be an artist. I remember his affinity for the mountains. He was a budding philosopher. He had a passion for art and music.

I have a vivid memory of him when he came home for the holidays. He had a strict regimen, structured around his day hiking and climbing in the mountains. When at home, Lalit and I used to share a room. He would wake me up early in the morning.  He would pack his shoulder bag in which he had packed his note pad, many lead pencils and several plain white drawing sheets. Our breakfast consisted of a glass of water and a handful of sprouted beans, which he would soak the night before. I felt compelled to eat those beans, even though I disliked them. He was my older brother after all. We would then go out for a hike and climb the mountains, which were called Granite Hills. He took inspiration from those hikes in the mountains and would use it to pursue the passions in his life. It was not uncommon for his to suddenly stop, appreciate the mountain scenery and make sketches. He used many of these sketches in his later art work.

Another aspect of his life was his love for music and dancing. Almora was a small hill station¸ with a population of 10,000. There were not many opportunities for us to pursue outside goals. Our parents, nevertheless, made every effort to help us achieve those goals. They found a violin teacher for Lalit. He found out he was unable to stretch his little finger far enough on the violin string for him to play the right note. He later figured out that his left little finger was almost ¾ of an inch shorter than the right side. 

He was an excellent athlete. He excelled at Badminton. Our entire family played Badminton.  together, he and I won many tournaments in our local district

He was the first in our family to move abroad. When I came to United States, Lalit helped get me adjusted to the American lifestyle. He took me in his VW bug to a parking lot to practice driving on the right side of the road. He also convinced me that VW bug was the best car. I followed his advise and bought a VW as my first car.

He continued his passion for art as he grew older. He taught psychology and exceled in his work in the field of water color painting.  He received several awards and recognition.

I will always cherish all these and many other sweet memories as long as I live. I and my family will miss him. His memories will always be alive within us.

May God give us strength to bear this great loss.

Sulabh, Ajay & Shalita join me in sending you their sympathy and heartfelt condolences as you get together on December 24th to celebrate Lalit’s life. Unfortunately, we will miss it, but you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bimal

Lalit Kumar Masih was a son, brother, husband, son-in-law, father, grandfather, uncle, professor, philosopher, free thinker and artist. Where does one begin to put into words, a lifetime of memories? It's impossible of course. So, knowing these words will never truly do justice to the man who was my father, here goes.

If I were to summarize him in one sentence, it would be, "Lalit K. Masih, Ph.D., M.F.A, AWS DF, NWS, was a philosophical, academic and artistic stud." The man accomplished so much in his life. He was the first (talk about being brave) from his family in India to travel across the world to further his studies. Then he decided to stay in the U.S. and pursue his Ph.D. He fell in love, started a family and had a 32 year career teaching at LIU/CW Post. But that wasn't enough. He went on to become one of the top watercolorists in the world and earn an M.F.A to boot. Impressive to say the least.

Our relationship deepened as he and I spent countless hours on the tennis court with him helping me reach my potential. While we rarely played competitive sets, I do remember losing our first match and being devastated. How could I lose to my old man?! He was old, had a funny looking forehand and no serve! Plus, he was losing his hair! Man, I was pissed! But as you always do in tennis, I walked up to the net to shake hands and mumbled an unenthusiastic, "Good match Dad, well played."

That loss only fueled my fire to work harder at my game. A month later, I beat him the next time we played. Actually, I crushed him. I gleefully walked to the net and with enthusiasm said, "Good match Dad, well played!" We never played another competitive match after that, we didn't have to. You see, sooner or later, a son will best his father physically, and that is what happened that day. But, the great benefit afterwards should be a closer relationship, a more adult relationship. For us, that was the case. While my skills eventually outpaced his ability to be a practice partner, he would still coach me, more from a mental perspective. He was witness to many matches, some great, some good, some bad and some ugly. Tennis, by the way, was one of the few things that would keep him from his art studio. Playing or watching, he was a big fan and that was something we both shared.

Starting when I was age 10 until I was 21, we drove monthly (30 min. each way) to Syosset where Dr. Novalis would administer our allergy shots. These trips in the car (the very same 1967 VW Bug his brother Bimal talks about in his tribute) ended up being a great place to talk. Many a conversation, often philosophical, would ensue. This would be where I'd first notice his true wisdom. I recall a statement he made, "Gyan, the more you learn, the more you realize you really don't know anything." His "wisdom" was nothing like that of a "know-it-all." He thought with a free mind and questioned just about everything. Perhaps, what I am most thankful for is the gift from him to be a free thinker. While he'd be so knowledgeable about certain subjects, he'd still say he wasn't sure what the true answers were. Humility. Perhaps that is why he had a love affair with art. No definitive right or wrong, just a canvas to create.

There are other memories: Smoking my first cigar with him, dancing at weddings, seeing him do art demonstrations, family time, him bringing back home cheesecake, him mowing the lawn with a motor free mower, painting lessons, teaching me how to make curry (a pinch of this, a bit of that), teaching me how to drive (including stick shift) and many, many more. We miss him dearly but the memories are many.

But perhaps his greatest parental lesson was given to me (and others) as his health declined during his final year. No matter the situation, he remained positive and happy. He never complained. Nor did he ever seem angry or depressed. He'd always be wearing a smile, and that invited others around him to smile--he was a man very much at peace. But, this positivity and peace was, I believe, a result of a life very well lived--a life that is to be celebrated rather than mourned. 

Dad, I enthusiastically celebrate your life. "Good match Dad, well played!"

Lalit uncle, such a dear, sweet man! I love how you always had a smile on your face! Do you know that you are the one who Taught me how to set an elegant table when I was younger, and didn't know where the knife went? I remember this day so vividly. You always impressed me with your knowledge, not only of the arts, but of the simple things in life as well! I will miss you!

Bimal & I have been thinking of Lalit a lot, and the impact he has had in all our lives.What a great person he was ! In spite of his numerous achievements, he was always very humble and down to earth person. We are fortunate to spend so many years of good times together. Even though, he is not with us in person any more, his memories will always live within us. It will be very hard to fill the emptiness in our lives, and it will never be the same without Lalit.

I shall really miss Lalit. He was a very sweet man. We had many good conversations, talking about India and Germany among other topics. I was in awe of his many achievements, and especially his beautiful paintings. He will be remembered for a very long time. Savannah Court will not be the same without him.

A special memory/memories I have of you is when we'd fly into New Paltz during the winter and you'd come in the CR-V to pick us up every time. I loved how happy you were when you'd come out of the car, slightly hunched over beret and all, to greet us with open arms in just the most Grandpa way possible. Thinking about that puts a smile on my face.

How can we forget the weddings? You, my father and I just showing up the dance floor with the "Grandpa Move." Don't worry Grandpa, we'll keep that move going.

From you, I learned the importance of patience and the ability to appreciate the beauty and good in everything.

I always think of you when I am strolling around outside observing and appreciating my environment and thinking to myself, "Wow, that'd be a nice picture."

I love that our family is so unique and diverse.

One thing I admire about you is the simplicity of of all that you do--helps me to make life easier.

The best adventure we had together was any hike around Katyur's property. I really miss that place--so many great memories. Another good little adventure we had was when you taught me how to drive stick... when the cop came... too much fun.

I've always wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for saying that you grew up tiny when I was younger. That was unnecessary. Also, that even though you're one of the greatest artists in the world, you somehow were the worst Pictionary player in America. Oh and your forearms are stronger than mine even. Oh and when we raced in the front yard many years ago, I claimed that we tied, but really looking back into my memories I realized you beat me.

Thank you for always being there for me. Sounds cliche, but it's true. You are one of the most consistent people in my life. You always give me the time of day, care about what I have to say, and teach me countless lessons. Don't ever change, Grandpa. See you soon.

Love you, Grandpa.

In Sanskrit Lalit means playful, charming and desirable. Lalit's parents must have seen that twinkle in his eyes to name him Lalit. Every one of those attributes say who he was. A man with humongous sense of humor and an outlook to life that says 'Life's Good'. A man who created art that had character a photograph could never capture. I feel fortunate to know Lalit as my brother-in-law. Countless stories I heard from my wife Chanu of his younger days are marvelous examples of the fibre that made Lalit. Always a health nut and a comedian who wants to improve people around him.
Hats off to this awesome magnificent man who made his mark on this world through his family, his friends, his art and many students in his psychology classes over the years. We will cherish your memories always!

"REMEMBERING LALIT MY SPECIAL BROTHER:
Wherever you are, I love you and miss you. I know you are at a much better place. There are very few people in this world as special as you are. We will always love you. Thank you for being there for me and sending your beautiful paintings and cards on my special birthdays. You have a very special place in my heart. I was so fortunate to have a pure hearted, sensitive and loving brother, who raised a wonderful family with gifted children and who brought love and happiness to me and to our family and all the people around. May God give everyone a son and a brother like you. Your beautiful work of art is a special gift you left for all the world to see. I was blessed to have you as a brother. Love.....Chanu (Pratibha)"

Lalit is connected to us in a special way. Lalit's family and my family have been friends for many years. Chanu and I spent many happy occasions as sisters. Also, Lalit and Abner Lall (Don's cousin) were best friends in Syracuse, NY.
We met Lalit and Sandy many years ago at Tara's home, and we always looked forward to see them whenever they came to Boston. Both Don and I felt that Lalit was one of the sweetest & kindest persons we have known. We enjoyed talking to him about art, his hobbies and his collection of pens. We remember those visits with Lalit and Sandy very fondly.
We thank Tara for keeping us informed of Lalit's welfare. We are thinking of you all. Love to you all.
Shirin & Don Chand