SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Late Khalid Usman

Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable Canadian who passed away on May 30: Khalid Usman, a respected leader in Markham and my dear friend of 46 years.

Khalid had the unique ability to connect with people, whether they were young or old, making them feel that their opinions mattered. He always greeted everyone with a smile, and his laughter echoed in any room he was in.

It was no wonder that he won over the hearts of the people of Markham. There, he became the first Canadian of Pakistani origin to be elected to the town council. He served as city councillor, representing Ward 7 for 14 years.

During his years in politics, Khalid ran for the provincial Liberals. As colleagues know, I am Conservative, but the two of us got along very well. We both believed in the importance of political representation in all parties and in all levels of government — representation honoured not by simply being there but by standing up, giving voice to and making room for the community we represent.

Khalid’s legacy extended far beyond elected office. He raised millions of dollars for charitable initiatives, including those that benefited local hospitals, such as Markham Stouffville and the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Pakistan.

His last big fundraiser was for York University.

He approached every task with the same sense of purpose: to make his community stronger, kinder and more united.

The Friday before his surgery, I met Khalid. He assured me that he was undergoing commonplace surgery. Imagine my shock and horror when I found out that he was not doing well. He was in critical condition. I was absolutely devastated when I heard about his passing.

Our community has not yet come to terms with his passing. I haven’t. He left behind a massive void. Markham mourns the loss of a dedicated leader. Countless charitable organizations mourn the loss of a staunch supporter. But family and friends mourn the loss of a man whose generosity of spirit touched countless lives.

His sister told me that, when their father passed away, Khalid told his three sisters that he was their father now. The younger sister confided to me when I met her that she felt she had lost papa all over again.

To me, Khalid was family. He was an uncle to my daughters. We shared a similar passion: politics. We would go on in endless discussions, a Liberal and a Conservative engaging in respectful debate.

Khalid left behind his wife, Dr. Abida, his three daughters and grandchildren. To them and to all who loved him, I extend my deepest condolences. May his legacy serve as an inspiration to future leaders of this country.

Thank you.