Tributes to Mr Rahman

Saturday 05 November 2022

Many former pupils of Shahid Rahman have shared memories of him this week, after his death was announced by his family.

The long serving Elizabeth College teacher died on 23 October after a short illness.

His funeral will be held in the UK on 8 November with a memorial service to be held in Guernsey following that. 

A book of condolence has been opened at Elizabeth College, where he taught between 1973 and 2006. It will remain open until the end of this term.

Mr Rahman taught languages initially before also teaching history at the College. Following his retirement he spent time in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he volunteered in support of a school for street children.

The present Principal of Elizabeth College was one of his past pupils who shared her memories of him this week.

Jenny Palmer said "he was a well-respected member of the College community for 33 years" and that he "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," said Mrs Palmer.

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

Also remembering Mr Rahman with great fondness this week were former pupils including Adrian Bott, who said:

"A level French c1980. We played up too much probably but he was always able to calm things down... and with a smile or a curveball question he'd bring it back to Moliere or Corneille! We were blessed to have such dedicated and patient teachers in languages at that time and they all prepared me to study French and German at uni. Over the years when we bumped into each other in Guernsey I was so impressed by his dedication to charity. I recall a proud father bringing his baby into school and so I am thinking of the children and Mita now I have heard this sad news."

Guy Mallett was taught by Mr Rahman in the early 90s. He remembered him as "a great teacher and lovely man with a great sense of humour".

Andrew Le Poidevin, Nic Langlois, and Dan Lovell all paid tribute to their former tutor and expressed their sadness at the news of his death.

Christopher Lindsay said Mr Rahman "made French entertaining and enjoyable" while Scott Ingrouille said he was "a great teacher who made the lessons fun".

Matt Sirett summed him up as a "lovely man and a great teacher. Was a credit to the school and made learning fun!"

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.

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".

His 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.