Abdul Toheed a much loved Pakistani Christian who lived in East Ham, sadly passed away on 30th August 2017. Abdul was an extremely accomplished singer
and performed magnificently leading Ilford Asian Choir at their first performance at Redbridge Easter Parade 2017 – attaining one of the biggest crowds
of the event. British Pakistani Christian Association would like to extend our condolences to his family and friends. May God give him the
rest he assuredly deserves.
Abdul Toheed’s family and friends would like to invite anyone who knew him to show their last respects at a funeral that has been arranged for:
Date: Monday, 11th September 2017
Time: 12:30pm
Venue: St Andrews Church
Ilford Essex
IG1 3PE
Burial: City of London Cemetery
Aldersbrook Road
London
E12 5DQ.
A full programme of service can be found (here)
A Brief Biography of Mr Abdul Toheed
“For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
Those we love, don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday…..
Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed
And very dear.”
Toheed Elahi was born on the 13th September 1959 in Pakistan, Sialkot. He grew up in the city of Karachi alongside his four sisters and four brothers.
He moved to Rawalpindi and it was here that he found himself a loving wife and the city became the birth place of his daughter and two sons.
He was a complete family man; loving, kind and caring. He built a strong and binding relationship with his in-laws. A special kind of relationship, which
would go on to take prominence in his later life.
In 1998, Toheed came to the UK with the ambition of a better lifestyle and future for his wife and children. He shared a very unique relationship within
the household. Toheed was undoubtedly less a father and more a friend to his children. He laid the foundations for his children to achieve the best possible
education and be given the best opportunities. Toheed and his family have lived in East Ham and have continued to do so for over nineteen years. Some of
Toheed’s proudest achievements as a father were witnessing both his daughter and youngest son graduate from University.
Having spent a large chapter of his life in the U.K, he went on to become the pride of the Asian Christian Community where he utilised his blissful singing
talents for the benefit of the church. Toheed was a Choir Leader and overall an active member of St. Andrews Ilford Church. Toheed’s undying love and devotion
to the church are just some of the many things, which epitomise the character and the man that he was.
He was very talented, whether it be singing, playing musical instruments or cooking. A passionate lover of food, he was a Chef par excellence. He had
this uncanny ability to knock on your heart’s door and then walk in and then never leave. His sense of humour and wit would bring a smile on everyone’s
lips. There was never a dull moment when he would be around.
Toheed has without question been at the heart of the community’s hard work and endeavours. He will forever be known for his outstanding commitment to
the church and his undying love for his family. There can be no doubt that a truly inspirational man has been called up to the heavens by God.
On the 30th August 2017, Toheed took his last breath at home after he tragically died from a massive heart attack. His memory will live on. The loving
character that he was and the voice, which reached out to many hearts and lives in the community; he will truly be missed by his family and friends. May
his soul rest in peace.