Contributed by Zahir Dharsee
Halton, Ontario
Zahir Najak, Bsc, P.Eng, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 25th 2025. Zahir was born in Soroti, Uganda. His parents and four siblings were one of the pioneer Ugandan South Asian refugee families that were settled initially in Port Colbourne ad later in Hamilton, Ontario, in October 1972 as a result of the Government of Canada’s resettlement program for the Ugandan South Asian refugees.
Zahir was 10 when the family arrived in Hamilton. He finished his Elementary and High School education here. In 1983 he started his University education at the University of Waterloo and in 1987 graduated with a BSc degree in Civil Engineering. He started his professional career with various engineering consulting firms and was with Trane Engineering Canada.
For the last 24 years, Zahir worked as the Engineering Manager, with the Halton Region, near Oakville, Ontario. He was very well regarded and a capable and professional Engineer who always enjoyed his work, supervising various municipal projects under his direction, and was also an excellent team player and mentor to many aspiring engineers.
In recognition of his services, Halton Region paid the following tribute to his dedicated services:
This commendable honour of flying the Halton Region’s Flags at Half Mast, accorded to the late Zahir Najak, is a rare tribute to his dedicated services to Halton Region, Ontario and Canada. As a young South Asian refugee from Uganda this honor is a testament to the success and benefit of the Canadian refugee program.
He will be forever missed by all as he starts his next journey to be with his late parents and beloved wife Hamida. We pray that May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. Amen
Ismailimail 