Remembering Ben Parsad: A Much-Loved Friend of the Self Storage Industry
It is with great sadness that the Self Storage Association Asia marks the passing of our former Board member, Ben Parsad, whose great journey, full of joy that he brought to us all, was cut short too soon.
Ben was a valued member of the SSAA Board from 2015 to 2021, serving the maximum time allowed as the Supplier representative while he was working for PTI Australia and then Janus. He was loved and respected by his industry colleagues for his dedication, insight and infectious warmth. He brightened every room he walked into, whether he was there to fix a problem, bring insight to the Board or just hang out over a drink.
Ben was known for having the biggest smile in the business and putting all his heart into taking care of his clients - his people, really - across Asia.
SSAA Chairman Helen Ng, reflects, “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ben at just 45 years of age. Ben was truly a kind soul — the sort of person whose warmth you felt immediately. I’ll always remember meeting him at the Self Storage Conference in Melbourne, Australia, when I first joined the industry. As someone new and finding my feet, it meant so much that Ben was one of the first people to welcome me with genuine kindness and openness. He had a natural way of making people feel included and valued. The industry has lost not only a respected colleague, but a generous spirit who left a lasting impression on so many of us. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest peacefully, Ben. You will be remembered with gratitude and warmth.”
Loc&Stor 24/7 in the Philippines were part of Ben’s community and founder Sam Peterson’s comments are representative of the widespread affection for Ben. "I've known Ben for over a decade. Never without a smile, friendly comment, or a helping hand. He will be dearly missed by me and my team at Loc&Stor 24/7." The immediate reaction of his successor as the Supplier rep to the SSAA Board, Miles Davison of Storeganise, was shared by many, on hearing the news, “Incredibly sad indeed. A genuinely nice guy through and through…He was a really lovely guy - down to earth, kind, funny. He will be very missed.”
The experience of those new to the industry was typical of that of Heily Lai, SSAA Director of Community Events, Marketing and Sponsorship: “Ben was one of the first people I met when I first joined the self storage industry, and I will always remember how welcoming he was to me. At every expo and industry event, he had a way of making people feel included — always warm, friendly, professional, and full of good humour.“
Ben is survived by his wife Nirvana, and remembered fondly by all of us who knew him. We’ll be lifting a glass in his honour.