Leave your tributes for Santosh Benjamin-Muthiah who died after a fire in Grant Road, Wealdstone

The Microsoft employee passed away aged 36 on Sunday, November 14, following a fire which had broken out in the kitchen of his family home in Grant Road, Wealdstone, at around 4am the Thursday before.

His wife Jennifer Christina Benjamin, 33, saved daughters Rachel, just three months, and three-year-old Anna by passing them out of windows on the first floor to neighbours below.

But the fumes were too much for the couple, who had to be rescued by fire fighters and rushed to hospital for treatment.

Jennifer survived the fire and is said to be making positive progress at St Mary's Hospital, in Paddington.

Santosh, known to friends as Ben, was in intensive care for more than three days but doctors could do nothing to save his life.

He was born in Chennai, India, on August 13, 1974.

His funeral has been arranged for Tuesday, November 30, at 11.45am at Wealdstone Baptist Church, in High Street, Wealdstone HA3 5DL.

There will be a committal at Kensal Green Cemetery, in Harrow Road, Kensal Green W10 4RA, at 1.30pm.

Below are tributes and messages of condolences sent from friends, relatives and colleagues from around the world.

To leave a message for the family or simply a touching tribute to Santosh, scroll to the bottom and post a comment.

Alternatively email jroyston@london.newsquest.co.uk.

Ian Webber, secretary of Wealdstone Baptist Church, said: “The loss of Ben will leave a gaping hole at the heart of our church.

“We can never replace him but only learn from his example as a devoted husband; a proud father; a loving son; a respected Elder; an inspiring worship leader; a talented musician; a gifted preacher; a conscientious worker; an unassuming servant; a willing helper; a faithful follower of Jesus; a much loved and sorely missed Christian friend and brother.

“We continue to pray for Jennifer's recovery as she remains in Intensive Care in St Mary's Hospital.”

James Richard, Santosh's father-in-law, said: “He was a wonderful ambassador of Christ, a loving husband to Jennifer, a loyal son, an ideal son-in-law to me, and an adoring father to his two beautiful children.”

He added: “We pray for his soul to rest in peace and we pray that the family will overcome this tragedy and continue to love God.”

Solomon Muthiah, Santosh's cousin, said: “We used to play as children, he was about a couple of years older, but he never bullied me, was always so gentle and sacrificial in everything, unfortunately as there was a break in the family, we lost touch completely, till I saw the article on bing announcing his death.

“However all I can say is that his memory will live on forever in my heart.”

Stuart Lawrence, from Chennai, India, said: “Santosh Benjamin and Jennifer are closely related to us.

“It is hard to believe that Santosh has gone to be with Jesus too early. He has been a warrior of God for long and his fight on the earth is over.

“Though a loss that cannot be replaced in the earth, a gain for the kingdom of God.”

Manoah John, Sweetie John, Joshua John and Jerome John sent a joint message from Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

They said: “It was with a great sense of loss and shock, when we heard of Dr Santosh's untimely death.

“We wanted to let you know that we express our greatest sympathy for the family, and that our hearts are truly saddened.

“We know that his passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew him better and closer. “Dr Santosh will always remain in our memories. May God give strength to his family. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are always with them.”

Smiha Dawson said: “Santosh and I were close childhood friends from our church, St Andrew's Kirk in Chennai, India. I've known him since we were in our early teens.

“We both received our Holy Communion together. He was a very talented musician, always making music for the glory of God. He was such a God-fearing man with an infectious laugh.

“He was hard-working, and loving to his family and all his friends. He moved to the UK for work, which was such a blessing for him, at the time.

“I visited him in Wealdstone before his marriage, and after. I am shocked to hear of the tragedy, and am praying that his soul rest in peace as he is with our Maker.

“My heart goes out to Jenny and the kids. My prayers for their recovery and life ahead.”

Dr Lavanya Diwakar, from the batch of 1993 at CMC, said: “I know Jennifer and her older sister very well from my days in medical school. I am writing to say how sorry and shocked I am at the news of his demise.”

M. Samuel Rajkumar, of Bangalore, India, said: “It is with a deep sense of shock and sorrow that I write this note on hearing of Santosh's demise.

“I recall Santosh as a very cheerful person most of the time sporting a smiling face.

“I also recall visiting their family along with my family in London during October 2006, when Santosh and Jennifer drove us to an Indian restaurant in a neighbouring area.

“I really don't know what more to say. We continue to pray for the children and Jennifer that God's abundant grace may be showered on them. May his soul rest in peace.”

Joy Mammen, a professor in the department of Transfusion Medicine at CMC, said: “We knew Jennifer as a medical student here at the Christian Medical College, Vellore, India, where two of her sisters currently are.

“Only God can comfort them now; they will be in our prayers.”

Edward Bakker said: “We are shocked by the terrible news about Benjamin.

“We have been working on a community project with Benjy for a long time and we would like to send flowers to the family to send our respect to the family and support them in this difficult time.”

Dr T George Koshy, from the batch of 1988 at CMC, said: “I'm really very sorry to hear about Mr Santosh's death.

“I do not know him but Jennifer is eight years my junior and I have seen her as a medical student. All I can do now is to pray for her recovery, for her children and for God to give peace to Santosh's soul.”

Dennis Mulder, of Microsoft Netherlands, said: “Sad to hear Santosh has passed away. Although I never met Santosh in person, I have met him several times virtually.

“Always loved his passion and ideas around the Microsoft community and filling in gaps in the Microsoft portfolio. We will miss him.”

Shirin (Solomon) Singh, from the Batch of 1956, said: “Dear Dr Jennifer, may the Lord of all comfort give you His peace and consolation at this time. May He heal you. I have been praying for you.”

Rajaratnam Abel said: “I knew Santosh as a classmate of the batch of 1964. While in Bangalore Baptist Hospital “I knew of his work and have met him personally quite often. He has been a source of professional support to my children while they were in Bangalore. May God provide His divine comforting presence to his family members.”

Mrs & Dr. Thampi Moses, ARC Hospital, Aden, Yemen, said: “We are shocked and extremely saddened to hear the news of the untimely demise of Santosh Benjamin in a fire accident in their house.

“We hope Jennifer is making good recovery and the children are safe.

“Jennifer is known to us while she was working in the CSI Hospital in Erode, South India and had been a good friend of our sons while they were studying in Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.

“Santosh is known to us as a fine young man, involved in many charitable deeds even in his younger years.

“We pray that our Lord give Jennifer the strength to overcome this loss and protect her and the children in their life ahead without Santosh.”

Ben and Nadia Peev, of Pernik, Bulgaria, said: "Nadia and I grieve deeply about the unthinkable loss of Ben, whose great and generous heart was full of love to us as well. "We can add nothing more but quote the words of people like Thomas Edison who whispered: "It's very beatuful over there!" Ben has gone "over there", where God's presence, light and beauty are in their perfect fullness and eternity. "Warmest love and sympathy, Nadia and Benjamin Peev."

Please leave your tributes to Santosh by using the comments box below