Mohammad Rahim

Mohammad Rahim
Col. Mohammad G. Rahim
Some times it is better to start a beautiful story from the end rather than the beginning.
Surrounded by the love of his family-at birth, in life and again at death-Col. Mohammad G. Rahim, 84, Pocatello, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, with his family at his side. He was born in Hyderabad, India on June 29, 1929 at home in a large household filled with love and affection.
Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, cousin and friend, Col. Rahim filled his life with great passion for music, dancing, travel and family-most of all, his grandchildren. Even in his last days, his touch told the story of the love he held in his heart. His last days were spent in Pocatello, being tenderly cared for by his physician sons, Fahim and Naeem Rahim, and surrounded in the supportive, comforting love and good spirits of his extended family and wide circle of friends near and far.
Col. Rahim was born before the partition of India and Pakistan into separate countries. Born in 1929, he was the 9th child until two years later his younger brother, Yousuf, was born, who would remain his brother and best friend until the very end. A mischievous, charming and infectious smile always graced his face, and he was full of good humor and the spirit of living life to its fullest. He was the center of attention, the hub of his family and exceptionally well dressed. He was also fast. As a young, talented athlete, he clocked 100m at a mere 10.4 seconds.
He received schooling at Madrasa e Aliya. He remembered clearly walking to school. His streak of rebellion began young: he was always getting in trouble at school during those early years. The thing he would get in trouble the most was during choir singing he would start singing a wrong song and ruin it for all. This likely instilled a passion for music that lasted his entire lifetime.
At 17 years old, he decided to join Hyderabad Army as a cadet. It was September 1948, and during that time there was a war and Hyderabad had police action by India. The Indian army had invaded Hyderabad with forces on their way to seize the state. Many of Rahim's colleagues went back to their homes while he stayed back in barracks. There was no resistance and Hyderabad became a State of India.
In 1949, Col. Rahim relocated to Pakistan. Rahim later retired from his military career with the rank of Colonel in the Pakistan army. He later moved to the United States where he resided in Chicago, Illinois and Pocatello, Idaho.
In his last few months, he spent as much time as possible with his grandchildren-hugging, cuddling, teasing and playing around. He left a legacy of love and commitment to family, which will be treasured forever and passed down to the future generations of the Rahim family.
The activity he enjoyed the most was singing KL Saigal songs in duet with his son, Naeem, who inherited his singing passion. Col. Rahim is survived by three sons, Zahir Wasim, Fahim Rahim, and Naeem Rahim; a daughter, Shazia Sayeed; daughter-in-laws Kulsum, Amna and Beena; 13 grandchildren; and an expansive circle of extended family and friends. Whenever and wherever Col. Rahim's name will be mentioned, it will always bring a smile. That is what he has left behind with us and we are grateful to him for this.
Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, March 14th with a visitation for family and friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Stephens Performing Arts Center Rotunda. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Drs. Rahim would like to invite their friends and family and our wonderful community to join them for the traditional Janzah Procession, an Ibadat (prayer service) honoring their dad. Pallbearers for the service are: Zahir Wasim, Fahim Rahim, Naeem Rahim, Ali Khan, Mustafa Rahim, Musa Rahim, Farasat Mannan, Shahid Ekbal and Khalid Jamshaid.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Col. Rahim's honor to their not-for-profit organization, Idaho's Hometown Hero Medal, which pays tribute Idaho heroes and supports other not-for-profit organizations, including Bright Tomorrows, The Idaho Food Bank and Women's World Health Initiative. Donations can be made at www.idahohometownhero.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, 232-0542. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com.