We are so sad to announce that Hassan passed away at the TBRHSC after a brief illness on February 17. He was born in 1953 in Kampala, Uganda, and was the oldest of 7 children. He moved to England to attend secondary school and eventually made his way to Lakehead University in 1979, where he graduated from the Political Science program. Hassan was employed with CPR and later worked independently repairing cars and renovating houses. In 1998 Hassan married Maria Niny Martinez, the love of his life.
We will all miss Hassan’s kindness. Friends were exceptionally important in his life, and he made all of us feel special. He extended his caring for others by volunteering with Thunder Bay Multicultural helping newcomers navigate their new homeland. Hassan visited seniors and served as the ambassador for a group of Malaysian students. On very cold nights, he drove to a local farm to feed the barn cats, and on one of these frigid nights, “Morris,” the kitten, went home with him and stayed for 23 years.
Hassan spent many happy hours repairing cars with friends Mark P. and Mike K. His discussions about local and international politics could go on endlessly with great enthusiasm. Hassan’s travels to the U.S. for a NASCAR race and holidays with Maria Niny in Colombia S.A., Europe, western Canada, and at Arrow Lake brought them great joy.
We want to thank the ICU staff and Hassan’s brothers and sisters at the Thunder Bay Masjid for their support, visits and prayers during his illness. Hassan will be missed by all, including his wife’s relatives in Colombia.
Prayers will be held at the Thunder Bay Masjid on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens will follow the prayers.
