Manzil Khan from Wycherley International School is no more

MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN

COLOMBO-The sudden death of Manzil Khan who was attached to Wycherley International School in its administration department, sent shock waves to the staff, students, parents and well-wishers of the institution.

He was the son of Marhoom S.M.Furkhan and Marhooma  Zanooba Furkhan from Colombo 5. He is survived by his wife Rizwana and her two sons Shyam in Dubair and Yaser in Karachi.

Manzil,74, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday morning at his Kolannawa residence when his wife went to put him up for his morning prayers..

“ His death came as a great shock and I simply rejected the news,” said Dr.H.M.Rafeek, a parent told Colombo Times. Khan was a sincere,serene and simple unassuming gentleman who used to help everyone who sought his assistance and there were instances where he had voluntarily went to help those who were really in need of a helping hand.

Chintha Dias, a school teacher said : “ Khan was a person with rare qualities and a good heart. He had this habit of talking to each and everyone who passed by his office. His never ending jokes made all of us laugh forgetting the stress of the job. He was so supportive to the students and parents. While all of us at high school are sad hearing his demise, I received several telephone calls and messsages from our parents here and abroad after hearing this shocking news. They were really sad about the news. Khan is a person who earned people in his life. He has left his indelible footprints in our hearts and disappeared today.”

Zahara Jawfer Tharique,teacher had this to say : “ Today I lost an ex work colleague, a very dear friend and absolute father figure. I’ve been wanting to call him for a over two weeks now; my mind kept reminding me periodically to tell him that I had resigned and that I will miss him but I also knew it was going to be a long conversation and I kept putting it off till I was ‘free’ enough to do it. This morning when I read the message of his passing I was beside myself. I didn’t even call him was the first thing I thought. I still can’t believe I can’t pick up the phone and call him anymore; I just want to have one long conversation with him! I’m with full of regrets.

To those who knew him, we all knew of his infectious presence and smile; standing at the gate supervising everything and everyone! Back when I was pregnant, he would run up to the gate and ask me to watch the step as I walked in, every single day! Then he would come and take my hand bag and make sure someone carried it up for me. He would adjust the classroom rosters so I always got classrooms downstairs. Before I leave school for the day, it was customary to go and have a chat with him- I ‘have’ to say bye or next day he complained that I didn’t. We then chat a little; he would scold the government end on, inquire about my health, my family, ask for updates, tell me about his and fill me up with the latest at school. Then he would ask the guards to get me tuk tuk and walked me to it. He always waves and says “ Alladakawal” after I get in and then hurries back into school.

I’m so shocked and full of absolute regret. Never put off calling a friend is all I keep thinking about.I’ve been horrible at keeping up with people due to this pandemic. Mr Khan’s passing has been quite an eye opener. Pick up that phone, make that call, check on loved ones before it’s too late; we don’t know what just might happen. I wish with all my heart that he may Rest In Peace and that God opens the gates of heaven for him. Knowing Mr Khan, he would probably go in and want to stay close to the gate, so he can check on everything and everyone going in an out. I hope I get to meet him again there; one day. He was loved and he will be thoroughly missed.

He is more spirited in my memories. Please make those calls you have been putting off. You don’t want to live with this regret.”