Print Print

Ahmed Ismail “David” Bhamji. Unapologetically Different.

2-24-2021

As we write this eulogy of our nana / dada, it’s difficult not to be overwhelmed with the countless memories, stories, tears and laughs we shared with this man.

Born on December 2, 1940 in Natanuku, Ba - Ahmed Ismail Bhamji was born different, although no one knew it just yet.

Early on he realized that Fiji wasn’t a big enough place for the dreams he had for his family. At 26, he left behind his wife and 5 kids in search of a new life for them. Initial travels led him to Australia, but it was Allah’s decree that Canada is where his grand vision would take shape.

Ahmed was a visionary and believed in the virtues of family unity. He saw things before others did and was often criticized for his decisions. Despite the naysayers, he worked hard and managed to bring his entire family to Canada – at one time housing up to 22 people at his home in Ladner until they had the means to support themselves. He didn’t stop there. Between 1966 and the early 80’s he continued to sponsor well over 30 families who now also call Canada home.

A pioneer. A patriarch.  He was a selfless man who was not just there for his kids, but his mother, siblings, grandkids, great grandkids, friends and friends of friends. Through courage and sacrifice, he planted roots for his entire family in this beautiful country.

An entrepreneur who opened the first halal meats store to serve his community, A pioneer who started the Halal Industry in BC, later he opened The Quality Sofamakers (formerly Dais’ Upholstery) where anybody who was in need of a job could walk in and have one.

“The Shop” is where most of his grandkids spent their summers. After spending the day sorting screws and binging on coffee, we’d take walks up Main or Fraser to pick out our favourite exotic fruit, ice cream, candy and movie. Usually a Western. No matter how late we stayed up, work started at 8am sharp. With his signature cut off shirt, leather work belt and smoke in hand, he’d start the day carefully cutting fabric. He is proudly remembered for upholstering the seats for the Civic Theatre and owning the first Civic Café where people of BA still reminisce about the sweet milk.

He gave most of his grandkids their first cigarette, asking them to smoke it in front of him, then having us promise him that it would be our last. He had such unique ways of teaching us lessons.

When it came to BA’s soccer team and the Flying Arrow Sports Club, nobody was a bigger supporter. Whether it was advice such as “darna nai aur gor nai ghichna”, finding players a job or simply motivating them by paying them for every goal in the tourney, he was the proudest supporter both morally and financially.

He never hesitated to buy new jerseys, trophies or food to ensure the players were treated like his own children. If you played on BA, everyone knew it by what you wore and how you carried yourself. His rule was to look good, play great and to carry the two letters on your chest with pride.

He was the man responsible for giving Farouk (Janeman) Bhamji his famous nickname “Janeman”. In his early football career, Janemaan was shielded and protected by Ahmed Bhamji, Peni Samba and dozens of others to become a fearless and successful despite his slim build.

Ahmed Ismail Bhamji was described as a gentle giant with a heart of a lion. He lived a life against the grain, the unapologetic black sheep.  However, those that knew him found him to be the most loyal, selfless and giving human they’ve ever met. A man so proud, yet humble enough to acknowledge his regrets. A man who ran a strict household but who’s heart softened at the sight of his children. A man who would be the first to admit that he was far from perfect. Here in lies what made him so compelling. It was his humanity. He didn’t hide his faults or vices. Nor did he shy away from opportunities to do good. He was defiantly his own man - a quality that attracted and inspired so many.

Ahmed Ismail Bhamji passed away in hospital at 4:30am on Monday February 22nd, 2021 after a long battle with his health which became considerably more serious over the last 6 months.

He had 13 siblings, 2 loving wives (Fatima Bhamji and the late Judy Brown) 7 children, 25 grand children, and 33 great grandchildren and counting. He was the king of this empire. The void left behind is immense. As a tribute to his legacy, we promise to hold true to the values that have been rooted within our hearts. We all have a part of his best qualities in each of us.

Before you pass, you ask yourself, what impact have I made and how will people remember me? Ahmed Ismail Bhamji’s impact was made not by his hands, but by his heart. His legacy was to bring unity and to treat everyone like family. To ensure those that visited his home left with a full stomach and that no judgement was ever passed, which is why people resonated with him. Everyone had a special and uniquely personal relationship with him.

To his grandkids, he was the world’s coolest, baddest, Cadillac driving, fedora wearing, offside jokes making, no filter, “nevermind the bullshit”, “it was different back then” grandfather to exist.

To his kids, he was a strict father who made tough sacrifices to ensure his kids didn’t have to suffer after he was gone.

To the world, he was Ahmad mama. A loyal father. A loyal friend and a selfless human. Born Unapologetically Different.

 

Inna lillahi was inna ilayhi rajioon. We kindly ask that you keep him and his family in your duas and forgive any of his shortcomings. May he be rewarded with the highest level of Paradise. 

Footnotes:

Article Source: WWW.ALAMEENPOST.COM