Dear Editor,
Some people enter your life very quietly and over time, their presence becomes a part of your daily life.
So it was with Sheik Mohamed Asween; he entered as our newspapers’ man over four decades ago. In no time, we all became accustomed to his whistle announcing his early morning presence in the neighbourhood. If perchance, the papers fell in the yard and not on the verandah, he announced “it in the yard” and perhaps another whistle.
We very soon became friends, often sharing a banter. Though always in a hurry, he had time for a friendly exchange. Our memories of Sheik riding off with a lively footnote after, will stay with us for a long time.
We feel sure that many others will share some of those memories of the indomitable Sheik, never failing to deliver, except in serious illness, the daily papers dry, even in the foulest rain. Guess he was always well prepared; we can’t recall him without his long rubber boots.
As he aged, he handed over some of his route to his son young Asween.
We were always so glad to see him on his bicycle on the street in anticipation of the mutual greeting and cheerful smiles all around.
Sheik, like all the “old faithfuls” was a vital cog in the machine of getting the news out. Hopefully, those who follow him, will learn from his fine example.
Sleep peacefully dear friend. Our family will not be alone in missing you, especially those in the print media.
To the Asween family, our sincere condolences and gratitude for sharing your dear Sheik with all of us.
Yours faithfully,
The Rodrigues family of Bel Air
Park
