Our friend, Pramod Shah, passed away. His company, Universal Overseas, was a very important resource from India for Wesco Fabrics. We first with Pramod during an early trip to Brussels for a decorative textile trade fair. The sad news brought back a rush of memories of the past.

It was really by serendipity that we met Pramod and his company. The main Brussels textile show was held at the Expo exhibit halls. Marla and I heard that some Indian decorative suppliers were exhibiting at a Sheraton Hotel in town. From this chance encounter we developed a friendship.

Pramod often came to Denver to show us new fabrics. He had dinner in our home as well as in our daughter’s home in Dallas where he met our grandchildren.

At Pramod’s showroom at Heimtextil, in Frankfurt, Germany. Heimtextil is held every January and attracts over 3,000 exhibitors from around 65 countries and tens of thousands of visitors, reinforcing its status as a leading international trade fair. Marla and I attended the trade fair over 37 times. As the years went on India and China became our most important resources for exclusive and unique decorative fabrics. At one time we imported from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

We are looking at some new prints and embroideries at Pramod’s showroom at Heimtextil.

I’m looking at an embroidered velvet.

This was one of our very unique raw silk with applique fabrics from Pramod’s company.

During a trip to Delhi, India, Pramod invited us to a Holi Festival party at a friends’ estate. Pramod delivered long, white colored cotton garments to our hotel to wear for the event. The party was a special occasion to really relax and have fun along with celebrating the Holi. I’m already getting “colors” thrown on my face to celebrate.

The owner of the estate created a mud pond where guests cavorted and let their hair down. Marla and I will always remember that day with Pramod and his friends.

Pramod is getting the mud treatment.

I met this guy at the party who totally loved having “Holi colors” thrown on his face and clothes.

A view of buildings for Heimtextil in Frankfurt.

Marla and I at a textile show in Brussels.

“We miss you, Pramod.” Pramod’s son, Anurag, and daughter, Neha, are carrying forward what he built with so much passion.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.