It is with a very heavy heart that Bambi learned today (well yesterday since we are past midnight) of the tragic death of DEAREST “AKH” Ahmet, or Mr. Ahmet Mohamad Ali, in London on August 29th (following ten days of hospitalization). He was on his way back to Canada from a family trip to Germany.
Both Louis and Bambi are speechless now… May your memory be eternal, dear Ahmet.
May God knows how to comfort your sweetest spouse “Okht” [sister] Ferida. Bambi’s heart goes to her ❤️, daring to imagine only one little drop of the ocean of her shock and sorrow.
Heartfelt thoughts to all your children, and grand-children, who are literally spread around the world, including Syria, Canada, Germany, and maybe Lebanon.
Bambi’s heart and mind are specifically with your son and daughter-in-law Abd (Abdel-Kadr) and Nadin, along with their little ones (your adorable grand-children) who reside in Ontario.
A warm thought, and lots of courage, to your daughter who lives in Germany. Bambi had the pleasure to speak to her once on the phone upon your arrival to New Brunswick a few years ago. May God fill her heart with peace. This being said, Bambi is happy because you saw your beloved daughter et al. after LONG years. Sadly, this precious family reunion ended up being a final good-bye.
Of note, your family members have an inspiring faith in their hearts. Despite their shock and sorrow, they seem to have already accepted the bitter reality (God or Allah’s will), perhaps also being reassured that you are now in a much more comfortable place.
Please know that everyone in Sackville, New Brunswick, shares their sorrow. Indeed, our small town is the place where your migration journey in Canada began. Despite your appreciation of Ontario and of being with your son and his family, you always had words of both love and gratitude for Sackville, especially for all those who welcomed you by opening both their hearts and homes for Ferida and you. They helped you in integrating and they supported you in moving out to be closer to your family.
Actually, Bambi does not know from where to start in offering her condolences: from the inspiring Reverend John and Dodie, along with all the members of their Sackville Refugee Response Coalition (https://shorturl.at/xzXVT), to perhaps others folks at Mount Allison University or in the Town of Sackville or from the United Church and the Presbyterian church with its devoted Reverend Jeffrey Murray and his wife et al. (perhaps also to other sister churches), and to the community at large. Bambi may have forgotten names or organizations now, but she sends her heart specifically to your dearest friends in humanity, the devoted Diane and David.
Warm condolences to your dear friends Suzie and Nizar et al.
Kind regards also to your caring friend and volunteering translator Khaldie. Same to the sweet Gloria.
Thoughts also to Sarah and to Aline for their care and support or involvement in the coalition mentioned above. Same to the the talented Diana from Amherst, NS, who speaks Turkish as well as Arabic, like you.
Bambi is also thinking now of ALL the smiling faces on the streets who used to move your heart with their kindness during your daily walks over the year spent in Sackville (to use your own words).
Same for all the Maritimers and Ontarians who opened their hearts for you/Ferida. Bambi is thinking of them now. She also salutes all the welcoming fellow Canadians who made you feel at home in one way or another, despite the challenges of migration.
Last but not least, and if she may, to all the paramedics, physicians, and nurses who have treated you in the UK until your last breath, Bambi will say thank you.
However, her biggest thanks will be for you, dearest Akh Ahmet for our beautiful friendship and for the lessons in humanity. Bambi had the honour to sometimes act as your translator, you and Ferida. This is how we became friends, almost like family. We kept being connected after you moved to Ontario, thanks to both WhatsApp and your loyalty.
Indeed, every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, you reached out to Bambi. Year after year, she thinks of you when she decorates the house with an Easter bunny you kindly offered her. In turn, every Eid and Ramadan, she called you/Ferida. We also spoke between feasts and celebrations. The last time we spoke it was around Eid El Adha. You were in Germany and she touched base to tell you how happy she was for you to be finally united with your daughter. Through and thanks to you/Ferida, Bambi developed an enriching friendship with your daugher-in-law. Once again, may God comfort her aching heart.
On a lighter note, trust that Bambi will always think of you when she will listen to Turkish folk music and to the late and great Mr. Sabah Fakhri from Aleppo. When he died, you reached out to her to share the sad news because there was an internal joke between us about him. If she may, Bambi will now share it with her readers: Mr. Sabah Fakhri was a Syrian tenor, very fluent in the standard Arabic language. Once, Bambi was with you on the phone, translating some official documents. Her mind may have been tired then, she forgot how to say “Residence Permit” in Arabic, shame on her! The brilliant guy sitting next to her, yes Louis who does not speak Arabic, said out loud: “Ikama“. He got it right! We laughed so much about it that you decided that we should teach him how to sing like Sabah Fakhri :). You made Bambi laugh for several years with your cute joke.
The above was a spontaneous obituary of a great grand-father, dad, spouse, businessman in a second life, friend, community member, and… especially fellow Canadian, Bambi will use your own words. Yes, they still resonate in her spirit and ears, today more than ever. She recalls walking with you to your place and chatting about the wind on that day. Our conversation may have naturally switched to life, death, and war. The chat happened perhaps a couple of days upon your arrival to Canada. Yet, you said the following WISE and BEAUTIFUL terms: “Do not tell me what is your background, what is your tribe, or what is your religion. Just tell me whom you are as a human being because this is what matters the most in life“. Bambi recalls having told you: “Mabrouk/Congrats Akh Ahmet, you are now officially Canadian. Welcome to Canada“.
Thank you Akh Ahmet for your beautiful soul, lovely personality, sense of humour, and inspiring values of humanity, decency, and generosity of the heart. May your soul rest in peace. May your memory be eternal. May God comfort, protect, and bless your family and friends. One thing is sure: we will all miss you. We all love you. Thank you for having made our world, including Canada, Syria as well as Lebanon, a nicer place ❤️.
