Waterloo Student Awarded Scholarship Honoring Late Owen Sound Restauranteur

LondonStudent 'honoured' to receive scholarship named after slain Owen Sound restaurateur. A new academic scholarship in memory of Sharif Rahman, the beloved Owen Sound, Ont., restaurant owner attacked outside his restaurant a year ago, aims to continue his legacy of civic engagement. Its inaugural recipient is a University of Waterloo student who says he hopes to make an impact of his own.

Sharif Rahman, the owner of The Curry House restaurant in Owen Sound, was a dedicated community member who tragically lost his life following a violent incident outside his restaurant a year ago. His sudden death left a profound impact on the Owen Sound community and beyond. In his memory, the Sharifur Rahman Memorial Scholarship was established through the generosity of an anonymous donor to honor his legacy of civic engagement.

The first recipient of this scholarship is Shaan Banday, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Waterloo from the Grey-Bruce area. Banday expressed his gratitude, noting how significant the scholarship felt, especially given the similar challenges both his family and Rahman faced as immigrants in Canada. Banday emphasized the importance of accepting Canada as home, much like Rahman did, and is honored to carry forward Rahman's community spirit.

Rahman, originally from Grey-Bruce, came to Canada about a decade ago with his wife, Shayela Nasrin, and their daughter. He sought to build a new life, open a business, and contribute to his community, embodying the spirit of what it means to be a dedicated, successful immigrant in Canada. Tragically, Rahman passed away in a London hospital after being attacked following a dine-and-dash incident at his restaurant.

Stuart Reid, executive director of Community Foundation Grey Bruce, stressed the importance of the scholarship as a means to celebrate academic achievement and support post-secondary education for students with immigrant or newcomer backgrounds. Reid highlighted how the foundation's staff, who were familiar with Rahman due to their proximity to his restaurant, were deeply affected by his death.

The Curry House, known for its vegan Indian cuisine, was a beloved fixture in downtown Owen Sound. Rahman's commitment to his community was evident not just in the delicious food he served but also in his extensive civic engagement. Following his death, hundreds of community members lined the streets to pay their respects, underscoring the profound impact he had on Owen Sound's residents.

Earlier this month, Ontario Provincial Police announced arrests in connection with Rahman's death, though details remain sparse. Grainy images of suspects were previously released, but the exact charges and number of individuals arrested have not been disclosed.

For Banday, the scholarship is more than just financial aid; it embodies a commitment to Rahman's values. He plans to return to the Grey-Bruce area after his graduation in 2027 to contribute to the local economy, following in the footsteps of Rahman. The scholarship not only supports his studies but also aligns with his personal mission to give back to the community.

This story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of community, the importance of civic engagement, and the lasting impact one individual can have. Rahman's legacy lives on through the scholarship, inspiring the next generation to carry forward his spirit of dedication and love for the community.