| The sad news that BHBPA member Jaffer had passed away met not only with shock but also immense sadness. |
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| A few words from co-founder and Board Member of BHBPA, Susan Fleet; Jaffer was just SO very special. Not just because he was a superb networker, but also a great guy. A real gentleman, in the old-fashioned sense of the word, because he was ‘gentle’. A man with the utmost integrity and an innate ability to bring out the best in everybody he encountered. He was kind, reliable, and totally trustworthy. Jaffer and I met – like most of our fellow members – at a networking meeting. My first impression was that Jaffer made me feel instantly at ease and as though I was the only person in the room. Everyone he encountered felt that way about him. A dear friend of mine said meeting Jaffer and experiencing his special qualities was the trigger to her joining the BHBPA. Interestingly, it was only a few short years ago that Jaffer told his colleague he didn’t see the point in networking! However, after his first experience, Jaffer didn’t look back. He swiftly became a director of the Burgess Hill Business Parks Association and an ambassador for Gatwick Diamond Business. In truth, Jaffer became the King of Networking. Jaffer had an interesting and diverse career. After leaving university, he went to Cirencester Agricultural College and later joined Massey Ferguson’s development programme which gave him the opportunity to realise his ambition to travel the world at their expense. This was followed by some big roles which included setting up and owning his own highly successful IT company, which he sold last year. A few Jaffer facts… Not only was he a qualified ski instructor who taught numerous friends to ski, an accomplished sailor, as well as a qualified helicopter pilot. The tributes for Jaffer are still pouring in and Elaine has been bowled over by the love and respect for her husband. Jaffer was a truly remarkable man – he was the most honest, generous, thoughtful, highly intelligent and kind person anyone could ever wish to meet. He made a huge impact on our local business community and will long be remembered as an exceptional friend and colleague. |