OBAIDULLA MOHAMED

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OBAIDULLA MOHAMED January 31, 1916 - November 25, 2001 From Allah we come and to Allah we return. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Obaidulla Mohamed, on November 25, 2001. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, at the Tuxedo Villa Nursing Home. He is survived by his faithful wife of 57 years, Abeda, his son Arif, his daughter Naz M. Ahamed, son-in-law Bashir Ahamed, and his four grandchildren, Tania, Siddiq, Sehba, and Hafiz. He was born in Kotah, India, in 1916, the eldest of four brothers, and received his Bachelors of Science in telecommunications both in the University of Bombay, and at the London University in 1939. He worked for some time in the Indian Posts and Telegraphs and served on the Burma Front as a Captain in Signal Corps during the Second World War. In 1947 he immigrated to Pakistan, where he joined the Pakistan Telephone and Telegraph Department (PTTD), as the Director General. During his time there, he was an instrumental force in setting up the basic framework of the telecommunications system in Pakistan. He was recognized by the Government of Pakistan in 1961 for his work and given the honour of "Sitara Khidmat" (Award of Service). In 1973 he joined the International Telecommunications Union, a branch of the United Nations. As an active member, he represented Asian countries in various capacities. He travelled extensively and attended conferences in the United States, Canada, West Germany, and Japan. He played a major role in the setting up of Intelsat, one of the first telecommunication satellites launched in 1969. He had the opportunity to serve as an International Telecommunications Advisor to the Ministry of Telephones and Telegraphs in Saudi Arabia, and played a pivotal role in setting up and maintaining the Telecommunications Network there. On March 31, 1983, Mr. Mohamed immigrated to Winnipeg, MB after retiring from the United Nations. As a retired senior he lived an active life and was a productive member of the community. He was a dynamic member of the Manitoba Islamic Association, and contributed in many fundraising and charitable causes. Mr. Mohamed will always be remembered for his philanthropy. Amongst friends both inside and outside the Muslim community he will always be thought of as an Elder of profound insight, respect and humanity. To his immediate family and friends, Mr. Mohamed or "Dadajan/Nanajan/Khalujan" (Grandpa/Uncle) will always be remembered for his warmth, kindhearted manner, and a smile that always brightened any room. He could lift the darkest of spirits with his manner and was humble, polite and amiable to both friends and strangers. Even in the final stages of his illness he would never complain and would always respond in a polite manner. We will miss you Dada/Nana/Khalu, may you shine in the next kingdom just as you did in this one. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Manitoba Islamic Association, 247 Hazelwood Ave., St. Vital. For inquiries or condolences, please send to Mohamed Family, 310 Kelvin Blvd., Winnipeg R3P 0H9.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 01, 2001