Obituary of Gulamhussein GWADRY

May 27, 1933 – Nairobi, Kenya

October 14, 2020 - Calgary, Alberta

Gulamhussein Gwadry of Calgary, AB, originally from Nairobi, Kenya, has passed away at the age of eighty-seven. Born to Hussain Rahimtullah Gwaderi, and Fatma Gwaderi, originally from Bombay, his family were deeply committed to helping others and dedicating their time to the Ismaili community.

Gulam was born in Mombasa, Kenya and moved to Kampala, Uganda, initially working for GH Clarke in Kenya before transferring to Uganda with GS Martin. Gulam was made branch manager before leaving Uganda in 1972 following the expulsion of Indians by Idi Amin. He moved to London, ON, where he raised his family with his wife Khatoon, they later moved to Calgary, AB. 

Gulam was known for his knowledge of history and religion. He was a learned man who sought understanding between peoples, and loved to read and learn. He had a witty sense of humour and had a gentle and warm personality. As the youngest sibling in his family, he was adored by his sisters and brothers as well as his nieces and nephews who sent numerous letters chronicling Gulam’s adventurous childhood and his caring nature. Gulam’s family recounted stories of how he walked several miles daily to go to school, helped them with their projects, celebrated their successes, and always conducted himself with humility. To his children, he offered numerous cultural lessons, introducing them to tennis, traditional Indian music and classic Western films.  Even while ill, he never complained and continued to soldier on. 

He was pre-deceased by his son, Fuad, and survived by his wife Khatoon with whom he would have celebrated his 60th anniversary on December 10, 2020, and his children Femida and Faheem. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Yasin, Anissa, Kira and Kamran, and lovingly remembered by all. 

Funeral Services will be held at the Ismaili Community Center Jamatkhana – Calgary Headquarters (1128 - 45 Ave NE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside to follow at the Rocky View Garden of Peace.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gulam’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. Donations, if you are able to contribute, can be made in Gulam’s honour to Agape Hospice (http://agapehospice.ca) which provided compassionate and dignified care in his final days. Alternatively, donations may also go to the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (https://www.akfc.ca/).