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AZHAR FASIH KHAN

1947 - 2021

BORN

1947

DIED

2021

AZHAR KHAN Obituary

KHAN, AZHAR FASIH Passed away peacefully, on October 20, 2021, at Toronto Western Hospital, after a heroic battle against lymphoma. Cherished husband of Farzana, adored Baba of Iram (Neil) and Razi, beloved Baabi of Sami and Maya, idolized brother of Akbar and Bhaijaan of Raana and Azfar. Predeceased by his treasured parents, Fasihullah and Zarqa Khan, and his revered uncle, Wasiullah Khan. Born in 1947 in Canpur, India, Azhar had a loving and happily peripatetic childhood in Pakistan as the son of a senior civil servant in the Pakistan Railway Service. At the tender age of 20, when his beloved father died prematurely, he became the family patriarch and zealous protector of his mother and siblings. The inimitable magic of our father was that he wore the mantle of this lifelong duty to his family with grace, magnanimity, and an almost transcendental lightness of spirit. Azhar was the archetypal Renaissance man with an incomparable zest for life inherited from his lovely mother. He was brilliant, funny, intimidatingly erudite, peerlessly charming, athletic (the 1964 Table Tennis Champion of Pakistan and victor of countless amateur tennis tournaments), warm and fundamentally kind. He was innately curious about the world and manifested that wonderful curiosity in genuine conversations with people of every stripe and walk of life. He was also an ardent feminist, which was evidenced in his exemplary choice of wife and in the egalitarian manner in which he raised his son and daughter. "Always have female friends," he would tell his son, "Women civilize us." Like his beloved Steinbeck, Azhar believed that life was a constant choice between right and wrong, generosity and selfishness, and fortitude and weakness. As his family and many friends can affirm, with his steadfast moral compass, he always chose right, generosity and fortitude. Azhar immigrated to Canada in 1972 after completing his Masters degree in Structural Engineering at Cornell University and his undergraduate engineering degree at NED University in Pakistan. He worked for the next 44 years in the Canadian nuclear industry, designing CANDU reactors, and retired as a senior manager at AECL/Candu Energy in 2016. The monuments to his genius and life's work span the globe-Embalse (Argentina); Cernavoda (Romania), Lepreau (Canada); Gentilly 2 (Canada) and Qinshan (China). After immigrating to Canada, he married our wonderful mother and spent the next 49 years loving, protecting, supporting, amusing and occasionally infuriating her. He was our mother's biggest champion in work (academia) and in life. "Marrying your mother was the best decision that I ever made," he would repeatedly tell his children (who concurred wholeheartedly). Azhar and Farzana were lifelong kindred spirits and their marriage was a model of unwavering love, occasional intellectual fireworks, and mutual respect. Azhar was an utterly devoted father and grandfather - always hugging and kissing his children and grandchildren and showering them with unconditional love and unreserved validation. He told us to be honest, work hard and believe in ourselves. "You're the best," he would always tell us, "Never let anyone make you think otherwise. Also, always face life with courage, never give up and remember to maintain your integrity. You can never get your reputation back once you lose it - look at George Tenet." He always showed up for our life milestones - even if he was far away working to support us. We always came first in his life and he reminded us everyday - with his boundless love and unwavering presence - that we did. Azhar loved his adopted Canada - both for the bounty and security that it gave him and for the values that it embodied. He was passionate about the Charter, multiculturalism and Medicare. He believed that these were the sacred pillars of a just society and he worshipped them until the very end. It is beautifully symbiotic to us that the public health care system, which he championed throughout his life, looked after him so well in his last days. We sincerely thank the doctors and nurses at the Mount Sinai and Toronto Western Hospital ICUs for the respectful and diligent care that they afforded our father. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Azhar's name to the Citizens Foundation Canada, which builds schools for underprivileged children in Pakistan and is emblematic of our father's life ethos. Contributing to the cause of educating the world's most vulnerable always made his lovely heart sing.

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Published by Toronto Star on Oct. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for AZHAR KHAN

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21 Entries

Jerry Boodhai

August 26, 2023

One of the most friendly and knowledgeable person I ever had the pleasure of meeting. His love and respect for fellow workers was second to none. God bless him and keep him close.
RIP , SIR.

Syed j Qamer

December 5, 2021

I met Azhar during the days he played table tennis first for Lahore and then Karachi.
I represented Peshawar.
Finally in america I remembered him and spent a lot of time trying to find him
after many months of trying I finally found him.

We talked and discussed our time in Pakistan. I told him to come to America and stay with me. He promised.
But it did not materialize. I am shocked and saddened. Mere words cannot describe my pain in losing Azhar. May he rest in peace

IVAN GUREKIAN

November 21, 2021

Azhar and I have often met in the crossroads of our life: in Montreal, Argentina, Romania, and China. I remember he was unbeatable in tennis and pingpong. In tennis, while his opponent was always chasing the ball, he seemed not to move from his position on the court, and yet win. But always win with modesty.

Azhar was Structural Engineer and I was a Senior planner. A planner by nature is a pain in the neck, always requesting dates from everyone as to when a job will be completed and expediting work as to meet deadlines. That never fazed Azhar who always received me with a smile and helped me in my work.

Azhar and I were early morning joggers in China. I will never forget the day we both tried to imitate the Chinese by running backward. We did it alright, but could hardly move the next day. From that day on, we stuck to our normal way of jogging.

Azhar, even though we haven´t seen each other for a while, I will always remember your smile, your problem solving mind, your intelligence and your friendship. What memories. May you rest in peace.

Sally and I would like to offer Farzana, Iram and Razi, as well as all Azhar´s relatives and close friends our deepest condolences.

Ivan and Sally Gurekian

Ivan and Sally Gurekian

November 21, 2021

Azhar and I have often met in the crossroads of our life: in Montreal, Argentina, Romania, and China. I remember he was unbeatable in tennis and pingpong. In tennis, while his opponent was always chasing the ball, he seemed not to move from his position on the court, and yet win. But always win with modesty.

Azhar was Structural Engineer and I was a Senior planner. A planner by nature is a pain in the neck, always requesting dates from everyone as to when a job will be completed and expediting work as to meet deadlines. That never fazed Azhar who always received me with a smile and helped me in my work.

Azhar and I were early morning joggers in China. I will never forget the day we both tried to imitate the Chinese by running backward. We did it alright, but could hardly move the next day. From that day on, we stuck to our normal way of jogging.

Azhar, even though we haven´t seen each other for a while, I will always remember your smile, your problem solving mind, your intelligence and your friendship. What memories. May you rest in peace.

Sally and I would like to offer Farzana, Iram and Razi, as well as all Azhar´s relatives and close friends our deepest condolences.

Ivan and Sally Gurekian

Abdul Sheikh

November 2, 2021

, inn li-llhi wa-inna ilayhi rjin "Verily we belong to Allah and verily to Him.
I met Azhar when I walked into CANATOM Montreal office on a cold in 1975 after the company hired me from England. I and Azhar were colleagues and worked in the same group and later got promoted. We became family friends with my wife Tanzila and Farzana got along great. Iram and my son Faisal played together.
In 1979, I left Montreal for California and Azhar left for Toronto after some time. We both traveled a lot to different countries for work for our separate employers but kept in touch for family and work.
Azhar was a gentle and kind man. He was responsible for bringing his brothers, sister, and mom to Montreal from Pakistan and getting them settled in Canada. This shows the character of a man. Azhar was also a sportsman playing tennis in cold Montreal weather. I have never met a person who is good in both table tennis as well as tennis because one depends on different motions of the arm. Azhar was good in both sports.
I observed Azhar humanity at close. He would visit my older sister routinely in Montreal and Mississauga and treated her just like as his mom.
I was in Mississauga in early September and was not able to contact him . I have a feeling he had moved to downtown Toronto by that time.

Bruce Morrison

October 31, 2021

Such beautiful words describing who Azhar was and what he meant to those whose lives he touched. It was always a treat when we would run into each other. The world needs more persons like Azhar. What a legacy he has left. You hit ‘aces’ in all facets of your life. Thank you for being my friend.

Vinod Saxena

October 31, 2021

I first met Azhar in the 1980s at the AECL Montreal office. We became friends in 2002 while at the Qinshan Site in China.

Azhar was a person of great integrity, compassion, humility, and knowledge. It was enjoyable to discuss science, history and even religion and politics. Besides his great knowledge he had an innate ability to to see the other’s point of view with respect and understanding. One always learnt something meaningful from him.

We loved to talk about Cricket, a sport where India and Pakistan have great rivalry. He always talked about the best players from both sides and the best games ever played between the countries, irrespective of who won. He saw goodness in others, and in everything around him.

We will miss him greatly - a wise and gentle soul that we had great privilege and honour to know.

Our condolences to Farzana, Iram (Neil), Razi and the grandchildren that he loved so dearly. May they have the courage to bear this great loss.

Vinod and Sunita Saxena

Maria Qureshi

October 27, 2021

I met Azhar chacha After my marriage into the family and consider myself so blessed to have known him and interacted with him.
He showed a genuine interest in people and was a gentle soul. On his visits to Karachi We connected often and exchanged notes on gluten free intolerances and good eating habits. Learned so much from him. May his soul Rest in eternal peace. He will be missed in Karachi.

Rama (Aryasri) Ankisetty

October 27, 2021

I have met Azhar while he was an engineering manager in Cernavoda Romania for the first time. He became a very good friend to me as well as my family and later meeting him at AECL Sheridan Park was such a nice feeling. It was never late to go to him for any problem, let it be official or personal. He had always found time for his colleagues from all levels. He was so kind at heart and made it easier for anyone to speak to him wholeheartedly. I and my wife Mona are going to miss him so much, a dear friend. Our heartfelt condolences to Farzana, Iram and Razi for the loss! Rest in peace our dear friend! I loved the tribute , beautifully expressed by Iram! Absolutely love it.

Doug

October 26, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Medy Matta

October 26, 2021

I have known Azhar for over 40 years He was a humble soul and a bright free spirit. He was proud of his children wife and family.
Respectful friendly and always ready to listen and help
We enjoyed the Monday night at the movies the sessions of current affairs with Probus and their dinner group His intellect shined .I remember introducing him to the general meeting of the Probus club and I introduced him as Dr khan to see him interrupting me in front of the crowd by saying “just for the record I do not have a PhD only a master and Medy out of respect calls me Dr. !! “ He was a humble man
We lost a great man. May he Rest In Peace

Ron Cullen

October 26, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Peter

October 26, 2021

Azhar was a friend and former colleague. Kind and generous we spent time discussing everything from politics to tennis on occasional walks. I watched him win one of his tennis championships at Wallace Park against much younger opposition and it was a controlled display. Azhar was quick to smile, full of wit, highly educated and respected by all who knew him. I know he will be missed by many. Peace to his family.

Tom & Ela Middleton

October 26, 2021

I first met Azhar when working on Cernavoda Unit 1 and later worked with him when he was the Health Physicist for Pickering NGS. Always professional, yet a very human person who treated everyone with respect, courtesy and dignity. It was always nice to bump into him and be treated to that great smile he had. He willl be missed.

Klaus Wittann

October 26, 2021

Azhar and I met in 1980 on the Argentine Candu project. He was a much respected colleague. In the Resident Engineering group from that time he is remembered by his favorite saying "In life there is time for everything ". We worked together again in China over a period of 5 years in which Azhar exemplified his professional expertise and leadership in the civil and structural engineering field. He also stood out in the many social events with his kind and caring attitude towards others. Although he was a master in the game of tennis, he did not find it below his dignity to teach beginners (such as my wife Susana) by slowing down his own play. I will fondly remember Azhar as key member of our engineering team and the excellent person that he was for the rest of my life. May you rest in peace Azhar! Klaus and Susy Wittann

Ken Hilt

October 26, 2021

I was seurity manager during the construction in Cernavoda for 4 years and I would meet Azhar 3 to 4 times per week. He was a gentleman and a scholar & I always liked talking with him. My sympathy to his family!

Katalin Futo

October 26, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

John Szemeczko

October 25, 2021

Lynne and I have fond memories of Azhar as:
our neighbor in Santa Rosa
our trip to the Bolivian Border with my son, Farzana and Razi
our coffee meetings, the lat one postponed due to covid
our exchange diners
We greatly admired Azhar for his personality, his wit and his great friendship
We are saddened by his passing and will miss him deeply.
Our sincere condolences to Farzana and family
Lynne and John Szemeczko

Keith and Barbara Bradley

October 25, 2021

Kind, considerate, intelligent and curious, Azhar was a gift to all who worked with him and shared ideas and feelings. His empathy always left us feeling better about humanity.

Deepest sympathy to Farzana and family on your profound loss.

Dinshaw

October 25, 2021

Very sorry to learn of Azhar's death. I got to know him while working in China where we shared a love for tennis. Azhar was very kind and I developed great respect for him. We met a few times for coffee with other colleagues before COVID isolated us, where I discovered we shared similar views.

Samina Ahmad

October 25, 2021

He was an exceptional human being, touching the lives of all those who walked alongside him, on life's path, even if for a short while.
His affections, concern, and interest in their lives, was genuine.
His smile was always warm and welcoming.
He was an inspiration to many. He will always be missed. May he be at peace.

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