Raju Borwankar Deceased: November 6, 2009 Service Information: Memorial Visitation: Saturday, November 14, 2009 2pm until Memorial Service: at 4pm

Messages

Raju Borwankar was born on September 3rd, 1957 to parents, Prabhakar and Padma. He grew up with his brother, Umesh, in Bombay, India. Together they have maintained a close-knit family across the continents with their aunts and uncles, cousins and their children.
Raju was educated at the University of Bombay, UDCT, where he received a gold medal for being first in his class and the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineer’s award for the best B.S. thesis in India in 1979. His PhD was done at Illinois Institute of Technology and he earned an MBA from the University of Chicago. His PhD advisor, Dr. Darsh Wasan, became his lifelong friend and colleague. It was at IIT in Dr. Wasan’s lab that Raju met his future wife, Chris. Raju and Chris were married on March 22, 1985.
Raju spent most of his professional career at Kraft Foods. He started out as a Sr. Research Scientist over 22 years ago and held a range of positions in both development and research in Glenview, Battle Creek, and East Hanover, earning 4 patents and publishing 25 papers along the way. As Director of Analytical Sciences and throughout his career, he had a passion for developing and nurturing people in the organization - especially proud of his role leading the Global Diversity platform for RD&Q. His work family was his extended family.
Over their twenty-four years of marriage, Raju became best friends with his in-laws, and favorite uncle to the children of their siblings’ children, each of whom were assured they were his favorite as well. Most recently in August, he became godfather to the latest addition of the next generation.
Raju died on Thursday, November 6, 2009 after a 2 month illness with an aggressive and rare form of sarcoma, despite a courageous fight, surgeries, and a long stay in the ICU with the best of care.
Raju was a man who was devoted to his wife, family and friends. He approached everything in life with equal vigor. He enjoyed puzzles & all sorts of brain challenges, a game of cards or pool. He loved drinking single malt Scotch, eating good food from every culture, cutting trails on a tractor, cheering on the White Sox, singing off key around the piano or in the car, hiking in the mountains of Colorado, walking along the beaches of Mexico or just strolling the neighborhood with Simba. It is the manner in which he lived his life - brilliantly, lovingly, enthusiastically - by which he will always be remembered.

November 10, 2009

Dear Chris,

My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to you and Raju's family during this difficult time. As you know, I had the pleasure of working with Raju for many years and was saddened by the news of his passing. He touched our lives and we share in your loss. Know that we are with you, as part of his and your extended Kraft family, as you seek peace and comfort.

Sincerely,

Melissa H. Knorr, Principal Scientist \ PAQS Consumer Sciences

November 10, 2009

What a great person and man of knowledge. He was very respected by all. We will truly miss Raju. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Michael A. Cotta
Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
ME&S - Procurement

November 11. 2009

Dear Chris,

I was sad to hear about Raju's passing. I enjoyed working with Raju while I was at Kraft and wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I have often thought about you and Raju and reflect back on the time we spent together fondly.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Best Regards,
Mary Gebhard

November 11. 2009

Chris,

I just heard of Raju’s passing and was deeply saddened by the news especially after our conversation last week. Please accept my deepest sympathies and also to Raju’s family. I was fortunate to have enjoyed a great relationship with him as a boss and friend after I left Kraft. I will miss him very much and I’m sorry I can’t be in Chicago for the viewing. I will be present in prayer and in spirit and will continue to keep you all in my prayers. May you find comfort and peace in your faith and in the love of friends and family at this time; we will all miss Raju.

Mini Rodriguez & Family

November 12, 2009

Dear Chris and family,

I am deeply sorry for your tragic loss. Raju will be missed by so many people at Kraft. You are in my prayers.

Martha Trott
Associate Director, Human Resources

November 13, 2009

Chris,

I am in total shock and disbelief upon hearing Raju’s death. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and to Raju’s family. Our prayers to God Almighty for Raju’s soul to rest in peace and to give you all abundant strength and courage to overcome this time of grief. I still remember the time I was in his office getting coaching and mentoring from him.

Sincerely,

Ram Santhanagopalan

November 14, 2009

Chris,

We are so deeply saddened to hear about Raju's passing. As a passionate leader of diversity, Raju
inspired all of us to be more inclusive and collaborative. He lived his passions and know that he will be
remembered by us all. Out thoughts and prayers are with you, Raju and your family in this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Perfecto Perales

February 9, 2010

Dear Chris,

Raju & I grew up together in Santa Cruz , Mumbai, India. We were in touch with each other till he went to USA for higher studies.
He was always the nucleus of fun and joy in our group.
We are shocked to receive the news of his death , though belatedly.We too have lost a dear childhood friend & are left with his memories
Please accept our heartfelt condolences in your hour of grief . .

With deep Regrets.

Sudhir G Kulkarni.
Santacruz,Mumbai,India.

February 21, 2010

A great lively friend.

Sanjay Hete