I knew one person who was quite well known to me but was not my friend. I contacted him whenever I wanted to buy some components. My interactions with him were not regular but only when I required to buy something. My conversations with him were always courteous. Recently, I sent a mail to him asking for a quote. It was responded by his daughter. His daughter called me up and asked me if I was close to him. I said I did not have any answer to that question. Then I was told that he died eight months before. Now, if I say
[1]. Madam, I am sorry I was completely unaware of his passing away.
or
[2]. Madam, I was not informed earlier of his passing away.
This does not in any way convey that my being unaware was not deliberate at all and it should also not be related to my not being close to him.
Is there any word that conveys both i.e. being unaware + attempt to being unaware is not deliberate.
I saw some synonyms and the following words (these are my interpretations and I may be wrong !!!)
oblivious: probably gives an arrogant touch to the above sentence
unmindful: May show that the news does not have any significance/bearing on the current conversation.
do not convey the second part. Is there any word that describes both feelings.
thanks…
Best Answer
I wouldn't worry about it too much.
That you were unaware of his passing is implied by your asking him for a quote; there's no need to make it explicit if you're not comfortable doing so.
The best approach would be simplicity: I'm very sorry for your loss; I only knew him in passing, and I hadn't heard. I apologise for troubling you.
The idea that not knowing about a person passing away was in some way 'deliberate' seems quite strange to me. I really wouldn't worry about it.