Whether it was warm greeting or just wondering how your day was, Munir Ahmad was a kind hearted man, who never gave up on his students. He taught chemistry, math and physics for five years at Opawikoskican School in Pelican Narrows. 

"Munir was an asset to our school. He prepared our students for departmental exams and post-secondary and always told the students to never give up and he always had a smile," said Susan Custer, a long time educator and principal of the school.

On April 4, hundreds from the community and 60 members from Saskatoon's Muslim community came together to remember the educator's life. Ahmad passed away suddenly from a heart attack in mid-March in his home in Pelican Narrows. 

Munir Ahmad Opawikoskican School

"He cared about everybody, it’s so sad that he had to go so soon," said 16-year-old Savannah Sewap, a student of Ahmad's. Sewap sang a traditional Cree gospel song, along with her choir class during the gathering. "I was nervous but I did it for him," she said. 

Not only did the community host a dinner with their Muslim brothers and sisters but the gathering was also an educational one, as many experienced, for the first time, a Muslim Friday prayer that took place before dinner, called the Jumu'ah prayer. Words of remembrance, gifts and laughter were shared among both communities. Badar Rizwan, Munir's son, was also in attendance and was given a painting of his father by a local elder. 

Friends of Munir Ahmad hold his photo as they remember his contribution to the community. From left they are Librarian Margaret Brass, Office Manager Angie Merasty, Principal Susan Custer, Teacher Lorette Clarke, Teacher Lana Henry and Teacher Lonnie Sinclair. Creeson Agecoutay

"He was my hero. I was devastated when I heard the news. Now that I that I feel the support here, instead of feeling grief, I feel more proud," said Badar. 

"(Munir's life) has created a bond of brotherhood," said Shamoon Rashid, friend of Munir's and president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at in Saskatoon. "We all feel the love and passion the community had for Munir. When we had the memorial services in Saskatoon, we had 100 members from Pelican Narrows come to visit us. We really wanted to show how much gratitude we had and visit the people of Pelican."

For many students and staff, Ahmad was like a father figure and community elder. He lived his life by the prayer he had on the wall in his classroom, "Love for all, hatred for none," a lesson he passed on to many in the community.

"He would ask all the staff and students how their day was, every morning, afternoon and before school was done," said 17-year-old Austin Dorion, another student of Ahmad's. 

Born in Pakistan, Ahmad received his education degree from his home country and later taught in Africa for many years. In 1999, he emigrated to Canada in Barrie, Ontario, where he taught at a private school. Soon after that school shut down due to economic recession, he was hired at Pelican Narrows.

"As soon as he found the position at Pelican Narrows, he was so happy to get back into teaching. He always wanted to help, especially those who needed help," said Syed Shah, a lifetime friend of Ahmad's.

Ahmad is survived by his wife and children. The school will continue to remember Ahmad through an annual $1,500 graduation award called the, Munir Ahmad Math, Science and Most Virtuous Award. The school will also fundraise and pay for Ahmad's family to travel from Ontario and hand out the first award in June.

Custer said it was the least they can do to continue his memory. 

"He left a legacy of love, caring and being humble. He loved everything about life and saw life as a gift. We will all miss him very much."