From the speach of President of Canadian Polish Congress BC  - Iwona Swiatczak

 

Photos : J. Dobrowolska

 

 

On behalf of all Polonia, Canadian Polish Congress British Columbia Branch as well as myself, I would like to welcome all guests, family and friends of Athar Khan. 

 

We are here today to say goodbye….  and most importantly to say thank you….  to our long time friend and a member of Polonia Community.  Athar will be missed, he was taken from us unexpectedly, and this makes it really difficult. 

 

Some of us knew Athar better then others but everyone in Polonia, especially in Tri-City area Polish community knew very well his long time contributions and  his involvement in the works of Tri-City Polonez Association.

 

 Even though he did not speak Polish or had Polish roots, we all appreciated his presence, were happy to have him as a friend, and were very , very grateful for his help and involvment.  

 

Athar was a great person, always very friendly and positive,  and having him around felt very good. For over 20 years as a loving husband of Bozenka Lukomska - Khan,  well known Polonia Leader,  Athar was very active in Tri-City Polonez Association. 

He was always involved in all activities and was able to help and give his time to support Bozena,  her visions,..... and by doing that he felt like one of us.  One of his hobbies was photography, and this  made him the number one documenter of all events in our community, especially those in Tri-City Area. 

 

Last year  on May 3rd 2014  - at the Anniversary of Polish Constitution   -  Canadian Polish Congress awarded Athar with the honorary Gold Pin, for his countless hours of volunteer work in our community. I think he always knew we appreciate and value his work, but it makes me feel much better that he was formally recognized and actually thanked  for being a huge part of Polonia here in British Columbia. 

 

We all can celebrate the fact that we have known Athar, 

though he is no longer with us,  we can celebrate that we were privileged and honoured to have known him.  I will miss his smile and very friendly nature. Rest in Peace Athar, you will be forever in our hearts.