Aditya Kadam's Obituary
He continues to live and inspire us… The Grace Of The Wind In My Feet, The Strength Of The Earth In My Body, The Heart Of The Fire In My Soul, The Serenity Of The Water In My Mind. -Aditya (D.A.)Aditya Kadam, fondly called Sunny by his family (Aditya means Sun in India), and also known as D.A. in his paddling community the world over, passed away unexpectedly on 26th January 2014, in San Mateo, California.Aditya was born in India in July 1990 to parents Tejaswi and Sudhir Kadam. Aditya did his schooling in Mountain View, CA (Landels, Graham, and Mountain View High).He was in the school’s symphony and marching bands and played the Trigger Trombone. While in high school, he learned Tae Kwon Do and earned his black belt. Simultaneously he took interest in Dragon Boating and participated in MV-DB team (Mountain View Dragon Boating). As he excelled in Dragon Boating and was counted amongst the top California paddlers, he developed a liking for Outrigger Canoe, which allowed him to spend time by himself in the Ocean, away from the rut of daily life.After his high school internship at NASA, Ames Center, he developed a passion for Aerospace and followed his passion for building UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to attend University of California, San Diego. Aditya graduated from UCSD with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in June 2013. While at UCSD he pursued his passion for Dragon Boat and Outrigger and after participating in several national North American racing competitions, he was selected to be part of Team USA at the World Championship in Milan in 2012. Aditya was preparing for the 2014 ICF World Championship in Poznan, Poland.DA was the heart, life, and soul of the paddling community and to him his life was in the paddling world on the waters. He was a coach, mentor, and a team player who was loved by everyone.His blog about his preparation for World Championship in Milan in 2012 can be read at: http://da-beast-x.tumblr.comFuneral Service by Kadam Family for our beloved DA (Aditya) The funeral service will be held at the Sky Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park located in San Mateo on Friday January 31st, 2014 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. followed by a 10-minute funeral procession leading to the Crematorium. Details: www.skylawnmemorialpark.com Skylawn Funeral Home, FD# 1848, Hwy 92 at Skyline Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402 (Directions: From 280 take 92 West, after 3 miles at the junction of 92 x 35) Phn: 650-349-4411Aditya is survived by his parents Sudhir and Tejaswi and sister Swati.The Kadam family would like to thank everyone (the paddling community, his friends, our friends, and our other family members) for the love and support shown to us during the loss of our loved one. Email for condolence messages to the family: [email protected] from Dragon Boat USA by Mike Blundetto, Head Coach, Dragon Boat USA Our friend, teammate and Regional Coach, Aditya Kadam (DA), passed away after going for a paddle in his OC-1 in California.On behalf of Dragon Boat USA and all the members of the Dragon Boat USA National Program, our hearts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.Dragon Boat USA will take a moment on DA’s behalf at each of the Regional Training sites holding Clinics / Trials and at the 2014 ICF World Championships in Poznan, Poland.Memorial Service organized by Dragon Boat USA in Long Beach, CA, on Feb 22, 2014 A memorial service will be staged on Mother’s Beach in Long Beach, California. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 9 AM. We are encouraging the paddling community at large to join Dragon Boat USA in this tribute to a fine young man who left us way too early.There are over a thousand messages from all over the world on DA’s FB page as evidenced below.You definitely inspire me to continue pushing beyond my limits to get the results I want. I remember when you trained you drew “Arashi” on your wrist as your personal motivator. You were a storm, unleashing your fury at the most opportune times and calm at the next while sipping on Boba. You left this world too soon, dude. Whatever is after now for you, I hope you’re still enjoying the waters. Rest in peace. Amelia ChuYou called me your Conscience, and I found it ironic because it was always you who guided me through tough times and encouraged me to keep my head up when I felt lost. You were honest when I was being too stubborn for my own good, and pushed me to get back up when I chose to sit and give up. And now, I know you’re up there watching over me, and I promise I will make you proud. You left your mark on this world and no matter what, I will always remember you, one of the greatest friends and mentors I’ve ever had. Save a seat for me, DA. Love always, Conscience (Erin Pang)
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