My beloved dad

My dad, Al Haj. A. R. M. Zanoosey passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on February 24, 2016.

He hailed from a middle class Muslim family and was educated at Hameedia College, Colombo 12. He showed his scholarly talent at a young age and was an active member of the Scout Movement.

He had a sharp memory and whenever I visited him, he reminisced about his past with me. He often recalled his Boy Scout activities.

His narration about the difficult times during Word War Two, kept us spellbound. During this time, his role, among other things was to take quick action and send people to safety against a possible air raid. These stories would have been the impetus which made me join the Security Forces.

When peace returned, he joined Walker & Sons, where he worked until retirement. After retirement, following the footsteps of his father, he took to gem business.

My father was honest and humble in his business dealings and was not interested in making huge profits. He was bold and worked with determination to achieve his goals.

His vast wealth of knowledge and experience in many disciplines, made him a mentor and role model to family members and to many people of the area. He was a devout Muslim and had a knack for social work.

As a people-friendly person, he respected people from all walks of life irrespective of caste, creed and religion and earned their respect and became a popular figure in the Grandpass area.

I remember he worked for a short while as a member of the Quazi Court in Grandpass. People visited him seeking help and advice on various matters but he spared no effort to resolve problems encountered by the people of the area with foresight, tact and knowledge. At times he fearlessly stood by for just causes.

He encouraged us to do our best where education was concerned and took great pride when I entered university. I still remember, during my primary school days how he helped me in my school work after office. As an angler, I learnt the basics of fishing from him during my childhood on a rainy day near a fresh water fish pond in Hunupitiya in Wattala. I will always remember the sacrifices he made to keep us happy.

He was fond of his grandchildren and spent hours amusing them and making them laugh.

With the passage of time, he took to religious activities. He visited the Muhiyaddheen Jummah Masjid in Grandpass almost daily and took part in religious activities. As the trustee of this mosque, he was concerned about renovation and took painstaking effort to renovate and uplift it to its present state. Lately, he fell sick from time to time and gradually over the years became feeble and weak. He was not happy being confined to the house. Despite his sickness, he occasionally visited this mosque.

My dad was appointed as the senior advisor to the mosque in recognition of his honorary service. Muslims of the area would speak volumes in testimony of his untiring service.

His passing away is a stark reminder that we are in this world for a limited time and that death is certain. Memories of his past will linger and remain with us forever.

While paying tribute to my loving dad, I pray that Almighty Allah grants him Jennathul firdouse.

-Brigadier (Ret) M Z Ishrath Mount Lavinia