TOUCHING tributes have continued to pour in for a “cheerful” father-of-two killed in a flat fire.

Friends from as far away as India, Dubai and New York have emailed the Harrow Times with messages of condolence for the family of Santosh Benjamin-Muthiah who died on Sunday.

The Microsoft employee spent more than three days in intensive care while wife Jennifer has been receiving treatment in St Mary's Hospital, in Paddington, after the blaze at the family home in Grant Road, on Thursday last week, at around 4am.

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.”

Mr Lawrence is one of numerous old and current friends to contact the Harrow Times with messages of condolence and many come from the Christian Medical College (CMC), in Vellore, India.

The fire started in the kitchen of the house and was contained on the ground floor but smoke billowed up to the first floor where Santosh, known to friends as Ben, wife Jennifer and daughters Anna, three, and Rachel, three months, were stranded.

Jennifer passed the two children out of the window to neighbours outside but her and Santosh had to wait for firefighters with breathing apparatus to arrive.

She is said to be stable in hospital with a good prognosis for recovery, while Anna and Rachel are staying with friends.

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."