In Honor of Michael "Vinay" Hemmelgarn
$15,124.09
Raised
51
Donations
$15,000
Goal
In Honor of Michael “Vinay” Hemmelgarn
My father, Michael Hemmelgarn, was given the spiritual name "Vinay", an Indian name typically meaning guidance, politeness, and modesty in Sanskrit. This name very aptly describes some of his best qualities.
He was the best father I could have asked for growing up. He was always there for me when I needed him, and his love knew no bounds, even to people he had just met. Even to this day, I have not met many people like him.
Ever since I was young, my father ran his own company in the tax & accounting fields. I helped him as I could while I was in school, but after graduating high school, I really got more involved with the business. We were a pretty good team.
At the start of the pandemic, he & I took a road trip to see a number of close friends & family for 8 months. It was a very special & wonderful time in our lives. During this road trip, I met someone online through Zoom, and made plans to travel to see her.
In November 2020, my father & I parted for the first time: I came to Brazil to meet Iishitá, now my wife. My father was totally supportive. He and Iishitá have a lot in common, including the dream of propagating Ananda Marga's Philosophy through training.
In mid-2021, Iishitá and I decided to get married, but we didn't have any official celebration. We were waiting for certain documents to arrive from the USA in order to complete my residence VISA to let me stay here permanently.
At the end of November 2021, my father was diagnosed with COVID & pneumonia and was taken to the hospital. We continued talking every day via video and even did some work to help him feel like things were normal. However, over the next week, his condition gradually declined & I got concerned. He eventually stopped responding to calls or texts, and I had to call the hospital directly to be able to speak with him. The last words I said to him were, “I love you Dad” and his last words to me were, “I love you too Jai.”
A few days after that, he had a stroke. He was taken to another hospital to have emergency surgery, and was placed in an induced coma to keep him calm and stable. My Aunt Kathy flew from California to Saint Louis and remained at his side every day, holding his hand while he was unconscious, letting him know how much we all loved him.
Yesterday, on December 20, 2021, at 10:11 pm St. Louis time, my father left his physical body and his mind became free to move onto the next stage of his spiritual journey. He was listening to the beautiful sound of kiirtan played by many of our close spiritual friends & family. It was a very beautiful passing, full of love and positive energy.
THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS
On behalf of the Hemmelgarn family, I would like to thank everyone who sent messages of love and support. It has been very wonderful to receive everyone’s blessings and words of encouragement and to know that we can all count on you. It's an honor to see how much my father was loved by so many.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Many people have asked how they can support us at this time. We are very grateful. Right now, in addition to emotional support, you can help our family by participating in the Donorbox Donation Campaign we created to help us through this time of transition. You are free to contribute any amount you wish, and there is no obligation.
Unfortunately, in addition to bearing some unforeseen expenses, I will need to close down the family business, which was my only source of income. Iishitá works for Ananda Marga, and her salary is not enough by itself to cover all of our expenses while I reposition myself professionally. I will need to start from scratch, but I am confident that the Universe/Baba will provide the resources & tools necessary to do so, as it/He has always done for me in the past.
On a more positive note, we had made an application for financial assistance directly through the hospital to cover my father’s medical costs. The hospital approved his application and will cover 100% of the medical costs! We will not have to pay any medical expenses, but we will still need financial help to finish things properly first and move into the next chapter of our lives.
The amount collected will be used for:
Travel expenses for Iishitá and I to come to the US and return to Brazil (around $3,000)
Expenses for an average period of 6 months for my professional re-establishment and starting a social project in honor of my father (around $12,000 - $2,000 per month)
BRIGHT FUTURE - IN HONOR OF VINAY
My father always dreamed of devoting more time to teaching yoga, meditation, and Ananda Marga philosophy. Although he was a great devotee and did his best to help Ananda Marga (especially with bureaucratic issues), overwork did not allow him to fulfill his dreams. In addition to not having time to take care of himself, most of his plans were shelved.
From now on, in this new cycle of our lives, Iishitá and I want to honor him by making some of his dreams come true. We want to start a social project in my father's honor. We still need to mature this idea and plan everything, but it will probably be something aimed at teaching yoga ásanas and basic philosophy, which he loved so much.
If the amount collected in this campaign is higher than necessary to pay the expenses, we commit to using the surplus to develop this social project in Vinay's name, with a lot of professionalism, dedication, and love, as he would do.
We will move forward, building a new life based on unconditional love and service, always inspired by Vinay's guidance, politeness, and modesty.
With love,
Jai & Family
Donor Wall20
Harsh | $311.84
Anonymous
Marshal McKitrick
Dearest Jai, I'm grateful that I got to meet you while Vinay was still incarnated and contributing to AMPS and the world. I can see that you and your father had a special bond and that is one of the greatest blessings to experience in this amazing journey called Life. I wish you and Iishita' a prosperous and fulfilling life. I still remember Vinay's huge and joyous smile and his deep passion for music. May his soul's journey lead him to many new and glorious adventures, as he continues to travel the Cosmic Ocean! Wave of the sea is always the sea. Baba Nam Kevalam! Love and Light, Viirabhadra (Marshal McKitrick)
Ke | $1,038.73
Robert Sardello | $1,038.73
Thank you for these pictures! I never saw his without this so-genuine smile!
Karen Davis | $208
Laura Roman
So sad to hear of Vinai’s passing. He was such a special part of my life since I was born and a dear friend of my parents Bruce and Shari Silvey. I know Bruce and Vinai are going to be doing great work together on the other side.
Jayamati Kennedy | $104.15
Mary | $100
We love Vinaya so much and always will. It is such a shock to learn of his death. Much love to the family.
Madhurii | $104.15
Karen Ochoa
Jai, your father was the best father ever. All our love goes to you and Lishitá. As you two follow your new path, please remember we are only a phone call away!
Anonymous | $519.52
Namaskar Jai and Iishita. I hope you continue doing the good work in honor of Vinayji.
Mahajoy Laufer | $25
Anonymous
Vinay was the best friend anyone could have. He sorted out the legal and financial status of the organization over 5 decades. He was an example of kindness and love for humanity, and a shining star. I am honored to have known him
matt
Vinay Michael Hemmelgarn was an ideal friend. We laughed, swam nearly every day and worked hard at the Sectorial Office in Denver. He always sacrificed for others, and gave himself for our Beloved BABA. What a loving father for Jai
Hae Saxon | $208
We(Saxon’s)will all miss you sweet Vinayjii. Baba Nam Kevalam 🕉🕉🕉
W B | $1,000
Michael was my friend as well as my tax and legal advisor. Brilliant. Loyal. Loving. And inspiring. A rare gift to me. Thank you Michael for being in my life, love to you, Brian
DENNIS | $500
Vinay is a good soul who has passed on way too soon. I will always recall the many talents and versatile sides of this dear friend. Vinay was truly a renaissance soul. I knew him as a athlete, accountant, tax advisor, musician, vegetarian, philosopher, father, and good and decent human soul. He was committed to Ananda Marga and their efforts to bring peace and love to a sometimes violent world. I will miss another opportunity to sit and meditate in his presence. The memory of him tuning the guitar will always be with me Dennis
Helena Hurrell | $346.11
My late husband Edward and I absolutely loved and adored Vinay. I know he had many friends in life and I also know that Edward was one of his closest. He will be missed and yet my late husband Edward and I know that they are now joined in a spiritually alive community forever to continue their work bringing love, light and hope to the world through their warmth.
Michael | $500
Jai, Your dad was a unique man. We loved him. His departure hurts. He was part of that first Margii generation which was good. Your generation will be better. And your family will be best. We know you'll make him proud. Bnk, P & K