My ‘ PIPPA BASS’ is no more!
The sunset on the soul of my dear friend and brother, Farih Fous at 6 pm on the 9th of January 2022 and was buried on the same day at 10.30 PM at the Jawatte Muslim burial grounds. A rare human being with probably the biggest heart on earth is no more. A humble soft-spoken man who had no malice towards anyone. A void that would be hard to fill.
Owner of speedy trades, probably the No.1 and the most professional plumbing company in Sri Lanka has provided class 1 plumbing service to thousands. His pride was in the 100s of letters of appreciation of his work given by diplomats and top corporates dating back many decades. His commitment to professionalism is a rarity. He starts work at 4 am and will come and break walls and drains and leave without a speck of dust carrying all the rubble along with him. A rarity in his trade.
I know my Pippa Bass, not through his profession. Since the fateful boxing day Tsunami, he has dedicated his life to charity and I have had the pleasure of partnering with him on many social needs., Farih and his humble bullion, wife Saadiqa (from the bullion exchange family) were not blessed with children because the almighty wanted them to look after thousands of needy children. They spent their fortune and huge donations they received in supporting the neediest Even his funeral could not be taken from his house because lorry loads of daily essentials had been unloaded to pack the monthly dry ration packs to be distributed to over a thousand families this week.
Farih and Sadiqa are gods blessings to mankind. They spent their early youth from racing and bungee jumping to all the fun on earth but later dedicated decades to the well being of the needy. He was an antique car enthusiast and had a huge collection of them but gave away everything to support these charity projects since the fateful Tsunami disaster. Their home was open to any meetings or discussions on serving people. They are great hosts and would entertain all visitors with the best of short eats and tea/coffee every day. He associated kings and the poor with equal respect. Noble actions of a person born with a golden spoon.
He has been the treasurer of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka and not a cent could not be spent without prior approval and documentation. His dedication brought immense credibility to the Muslim Council.Every single meeting of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka was at their residence.
The last I spoke to him was three days back. My wife visited them the same day and was fortunate to have a long conversation. His parting words to my wife was “We miss you here”, meaning our physical meetings were greatly reduced during the pandemic.,
Farih has left us, Life will never be the same without this huge teddy bear. I pray we will be reunited in a better place as we too depart this materialistic world. Aameen. HILMY AHAMED
