Yusuf Muhammad Sajjad

Muhammad Sajjad YusufOn Tuesday 3rd February 2015, our beloved Muhammad Sajjad Yusuf returned to Allah. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Masiha Marium, (Kum Kum) with whom he raised their three children: eldest daughter, Afreen Yusuf Gootee of Mechanicsville, Va.; son, Fayyadh R. Yusuf of Tampa, Fla.; and youngest daughter, Tasneem A. Yusuf of Knoxville, Tenn. Also surviving him are their respective spouses, Glenn Gootee, Tanzina Yusuf and Darren Berg. Mr. Yusuf will be most missed by his grandchildren: Najeeba, Nabeel and Nazeem Gootee and Zara Berg.Mr. Yusuf first came to the US in 1959 as a student at the University of Virginia. He returned to Dhaka, Bangladesh only to emigrate back in 1968 to join the University as a staff member. During his 46 years in the Charlottesville community, he touched the lives of thousands who continue to remember him from around the world. Many of them represent former UVa students or professionals who affectionately referred to him as "Uncle Yusuf" or "Brother Sajjad." Among his many fine qualities, most recall his love of young people, generosity to guests, positive attitude, sage counsel and his ability to connect with persons from all walks of life. Equally memorable were the many fine dinners provided to anyone who wanted to visit.In addition to Mr. Yusuf's individual relationships, he is also recognized as one of the founding members of several Muslim organizations in Central Virginia. What began with just a few families has now grown to hundreds. Over many decades, he consistently sought unity while celebrating diversity.As a father and husband, Mr. Yusuf set an extraordinary example to follow. Our "Abba" was born in Chorkanni, a small village outside of Chittagong in East Pakistan. After marriage, he journeyed with his young bride and settled in Charlottesville, where they raised their family while instilling the values we hope to continue. He practiced his faith in all aspects of daily living; he demonstrated a passion for the pursuit of knowledge; and he treated people with genuine, kind manners.In honor of a life well-lived and to promote higher education, UVa's Alderman Library Fund is accepting donations in his name. Please be sure to write Sajjad Yusuf in the memo line.Notes of condolences may be sent to the family via www.hillandwood.com.