They spoke fondly Monday of a wonderful man who, despite intellectual limitations, worked tirelessly at odd jobs and as a volunteer at his Ismaili Muslim mosque, as well as helping neighbours.
GUELPH — When sports fans gather around the horseshoe at the Arena Bar and Grill for Sunday’s Super Bowl game between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, they’ll be glancing at an empty stool where sports fanatic Salim “Sammy” Alidina often sat in his signature referee jersey.
Alidina, 59, died in a house fire last Saturday that also sent four close relatives to hospital.
His death shocked his extended family and left an emotional hole with patrons of the close-knit sports bar reminiscent of the classic Cheers television comedy.
Donations are going to his family from Sunday’s event, a Super Bowl party in his honour.
“He’s been to most of them,” owner Chuck Miller said.
Near the cash register is a photograph of Alidina with the Storm hockey club’s mascot, Spyke, a note appealing for donations to his family.
A Royal Bank account has been opened for the family, a relative said Monday. People wishing to donate can by saying it’s for the Guelph home fire fund or mention Alidina’s name.
“We’ve had a pretty big outpouring from the community asking how they can help,” nephew Abid Virani said.
Alidina died in an early Saturday fire at the family residence on Deerpath Drive. The cause is under investigation by city fire officials and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, though an on-scene probe has concluded.
Authorities estimate the loss at $350,000. Family members say the house, which was insured, is effectively destroyed, as are contents.
The residence was owned by Alidina\’s older brother, Anil Alidina. Salim was rushed to Guelph General Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.
Four others were also rushed to hospital, where younger brother Rafik Alidina remains. Salim\’s mother, Fatima Alidina, and sister, Nasim Alidina, were released Sunday. On Monday, his brother, Moyez Alidina, was also released.
Family members are temporarily staying with local relatives as funeral arrangements are finalized.
They spoke fondly Monday of a wonderful man who, despite intellectual limitations, worked tirelessly at odd jobs and as a volunteer at his Ismaili Muslim mosque, as well as helping neighbours.
“He was a good soul, always hard working. He would never speak ill of anybody,” Nasim said Monday as family members gathered.
She said they were refugees from then-dictator Idi Amin\’s brutal Ugandan dictatorship when they immigrated in 1972 to Canada, pursuing better lives.
Ismailimail 