Letter: A Good Man, Remembered Fondly from Scotland
Scotsman Alec Harley reflects on an impactful visit to The Curry House in Owen Sound, and shares condolences with owner Sharif Rahman's family and community.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor,
I would like to offer a small note of sympathy following the sentencing of those responsible for the death of Sharif Rahman.
Many years ago, my family and I were travelling around Ontario, having spent a short period working at Bruce. Towards the end of our trip, we found ourselves in Owen Sound with nine hungry travellers, including several hungry children, in need of a meal. We came across a newly opened curry house and decided to go in.
As we looked through the menu, we noticed several unfamiliar dishes and jokingly asked the waitress whether there were any more traditional Scottish variations available. She disappeared briefly and returned with her husband — Sharif himself.
What followed was a wonderful evening. Sharif spent time reminiscing about his years in Scotland and, with great humour and generosity, prepared a feast for all nine of us, largely based on curry dishes we knew and loved. It became one of our most enduring memories of Owen Sound and of Canada.
You can imagine, then, my shock when I later saw a photograph of the restaurant on the BBC website and read the tragic story of Sharif’s death. The senseless killing of a man over the theft of less than £100, leaving behind a wife and child, is beyond comprehension.
I simply wanted to extend my heartfelt condolences, and those of my family, to Sharif’s loved ones and to the people of Owen Sound from across the Atlantic here in Scotland. Although we only met him once, Sharif left us with a lasting memory of kindness, warmth and generosity — one that we continue to share many years later.
A good man, fondly remembered.
Yours faithfully,
Alec Harley
Scotland
Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.
Related:
