Book of condolence for respected teacher

Wednesday 02 November 2022

A long serving teacher at Elizabeth College has been remembered with "great affection" following his death last month following a period of illness.

Shahid Rahman initially taught Languages at Elizabeth College from 1973. He later also taught history before his retirement in 2006.

Mr Rahman's family announced his death via the Family Notices in the Guernsey Press last week, calling him "our dear Shahid-Ur William Rahman".

He died on 23 October. His funeral will be held in the UK on 8 November with a memorial service to be held in Guernsey at a later date.

Pictured: Shahid Rahman and his wife Mita. Mr Rahman taught at Elizabeth College for more than 30 years. A book of condolence is open at the school for past pupils, colleagues and friends to sign.

A spokeswoman for Elizabeth College said that staff who worked alongside him, and many former students remember Mr Rahman with great affection. 

Among Mr Rahman's  former students are many who have gone on to great success in their personal and professional lives, with the President of the Old Elizabethan Association saying "generations of Old Elizabethans" benefitted from his pastoral care. 

James Ovenden (7671), President of the OEA, said he was very sad to hear of Mr Rahman's death. 

"I was saddened to hear the news that Shahid Rahman had recently passed away.

"Shahid taught me French and I remember that I was once persuaded by him to enter a spoken French competition. He could not have been more delighted when, to the surprise of all, I won.

"Generations of Old Elizabethans have benefitted from his dedicated service to the College. On behalf of the Old Elizabethan Association I send condolences to Shahid's family and friends at this sad time."

Elizabeth College Principal, Jenny Palmer - herself an Old Elizabethan - said:  

"Mr Shahid Rahman who taught at Elizabeth College from 1973 to 2006, has died at the age of 76 following a short illness. He was a well-respected member of the College community for 33 years;  Mr Rahman taught French and also some History.  

"Mr Rahman enjoyed classical music, reading, walking and gardening. He was fluent in three languages, took a keen interest in current affairs and while a teacher at Elizabeth College, was well known for leading memorable school tours of Paris where he would comfortably outpace his pupils.

Pictured: Elizabeth College Principal Jenny Palmer paid tribute to former College teacher Shahid Rahman who died last month.

"I have fond memories of one such trip to Paris on which Mr Rahman masterfully guided us about the capital; his knowledge, language skills and energy were unforgettable.

"Colleagues still at the College, those who worked with him and also those who were taught by him, remember him with great fondness.

"Following his retirement from Elizabeth College, Mr Rahman and his wife Mita spent most of the next eight years in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he volunteered in support of a school for street children.

"He is survived by his wife Mita and two children, Miran and Naveen along with three grandchildren Safal, Mala and Rafiq, his sister, Jo, and brother, Michael."

Mr Rahman's family have asked for no flowers to be sent, but they have welcomed donations, via Naveen, to the charity supporting street children in Dhaka which Mr Rahman had himself supported.