On Jan. 13, at the age of 51, Shekhar Govind died in his sleep. This unexpected loss has affected the many who loved him and the artistic community that had grown to depend on him.
Possessed of a brilliant mind and heart, Govind was a professor, a systems analyst, and a philanthropist. After retiring from academia, he rediscovered an old love: the theatre. Living near the Vortex, he stopped by one day to see if he could be of assistance. His partner, Diane Christopherson, recalls, “They allowed him to have a hammer and a nail, and within a short time, he was invited to be on the board of directors.” To review the accomplishments, credits, and honors he logged in four years boggles the mind. He was involved in every aspect of the theatre’s life, from facility repairs to performance. Artistic Director Bonnie Cullum notes: “Shekhar was one of the best things that ever happened to me or the Vortex. Each day I encounter yet another place where I would have turned to him first for help.”
No job was too big or too small for Govind’s fine attention. His humor was ever present, whether doing magic tricks for his fellow engineers or solving complex problems in the service of stagecraft. Always a student of life, even had he lived eternally, Govind never would have exhausted his endless interests.
Vortex Repertory Company is dedicating its current season to Shekhar Govind. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, 1pm, at the Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd. For more information, call 478-5282 or visit www.vortexrep.org.
This article appears in February 6 • 2009.