Author Topic: Naj Jesani ... (Read 9722 times)

114015 · « **on:** November 30, 2020, 23:30:38 »

Dear @ll,

It is a very sad day that I was just informed by a close friend of him that Naj Jesani passed away earlier yesterday evening.

He was very well known by many long-termed Group members here over the years and he was also very involved in the British Mercedes-Benz Club, in events and rallies there. He was even once the W113 model captain in the UK MB club. His knowledge on the Pagodas and many other Mercedes cars was next to none.
Naj was one of the earliest Pagoda SL Group members. His kindness, deep knowledge, calm voice, his cooperativeness were close to nothing. Naj was always able to describe complex technical contexts or facts with few and very kind words. His advice was invaluable and always helpful for so many aspects e.g. along my own restoration project. Personally I have learned a lot from his experience and knowledge of these cars and he was always sharing plenty of interesting stories and details along the way.
Naj attended at least three European Events together with me/us, with the last one in 2018 in Southern France...
I remember well when Aslam, Hans and I were invited to his home sitting in his garden for dinner and enjoying the 2014 European Event and funny stories about my slow restoration progress.

It was only a very few weeks ago that we talked about some originality details on a ZF 5-speed car of one of his close friends.

Together with a companion Naj was the owner of a trucking parts supply shop and I remember well when I once got his last set of brand new Bosch lenses and headlight mirrors from him.
May these always illuminate brightly the road ahead of my car to his memories.

Anyway rest in peace Naj, you will be sorely missed by so many and our thoughts go to his lovely wife Meena.

Sadly mourned,

Achim

Jonny B · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2020, 23:35:18 »

A very sad day in Pagoda-land!

I met Naj for the first time at PUB in Blacklick. As Achim states, Naj was always helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and just generally one of the finest gentleman I have met.

Driving the Pagoda in the clouds.

114015 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2020, 23:35:46 »

His last post here was five days ago..., on 25th.

kampala · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2020, 23:37:52 »

Very very sad.

I remember the times Achim mentions and visited Naj many times in England over the last few years as he lived only minutes from my sister. All memorable moments and great discussions (about the world and of course pagodas) - very glad I visited.

He will be missed.

Garry · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2020, 23:40:31 »

I have met Naj many years ago at both PUB and on Euro events. He always astounded me with his parts knowledge and it someone asked the question on a part number he was always willing to answer with the exact parts numbers detail that he was known for.

The Group will sadly miss his help he gave to everyone.

Iconic · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2020, 00:34:42 »

Rest in Peach, Naj.
I had the pleasure of road tripping with Naj for the 2015 (?I think) Blacklick Ohio event. He flew in to Chicago and spent a few days with his brother, then I picked him up in my Anthracite Pagoda (at the time) and off we went with Blacklick. Bob Youngman, his lovely family, and other members caravanned together for a 7 hour drive. Naj was a gentle man with a lot of Mercedes knowledge. My condolences to his family.
Mark

sandcrab59 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2020, 01:00:09 »

It is sad to hear about NAJ.
He was a great fellow.
I first met him at Blacklick in 2005.
That is a real loss to the club.
Tom M

66andBlue · « **Reply #7 on:** December 01, 2020, 01:29:05 »

We lost a True Gentleman.
RIP Naj.

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #8 on:** December 01, 2020, 01:31:40 »

I'm so sorry to hear about Naj passing

. Several years ago when I was trying to find parts for my fuel injection pump, Naj stepped in and helped me out. I'll never forget how he went out of his way to help. He will be sorely missed.

JamesL · « **Reply #9 on:** December 01, 2020, 03:46:01 »

In our virtual world, many of you may not know that he had been ill for several years: his trip to and from Provence in 2018 revolved around kidney dialysis times/locations while away from home.

He loved our cars, loved being with them, doing road trips in them and he is a loss to the us all, the wider Pagoda World but most of all his family and friends. RIP Naj.

Cees Klumper · « **Reply #10 on:** December 01, 2020, 04:20:30 »

So very sad to hear this. Naj welcomed Peter van Es and I into his home when we traveled with our two Pagodas and two friends to the UK in September 2007. We had such a great time together. He was a true gentleman, very generous with his knowledge and always ready to help. He will be very much missed. RIP Naj.

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #11 on:** December 01, 2020, 06:02:53 »

I remember the first time I met him at one of the PUB vents. I didn't know him by sight or many members at that time. He came up to me and gave me a small lapel pin in the shape of a wrench, saying, " Here, this for you. You're a wench guy. "

I mean, when was the last time that someone walked up to you and gave you some small unexpected gift? Seems like a normal thing to do for a guy like Naj.

I'll cherish that little wrench a bit more now..........

ja17 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 01, 2020, 08:17:17 »

Such bad news. Naj was one of those people that immediately became your friend, always helpful, kind and gracious. Our group has lost one of it's heroes. I had the pleasure of welcoming Naj to a few PUB events and he will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.

pagoda113 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 01, 2020, 08:42:26 »

Naj will be missed by many for his passion for our cars and his extensive knowlodge on the w113. I met Naj through here by chance few years back and he taught me loads about our cars where over time we became good friends. He had great sense of humour and always willing help or teach you something about our cars.

The picture below was us back in May meeting up one early Sunday morning for social distance long drive out in our cars. He came along in his lovely blue 280sl which he loved driving very much, It would put huge smile on his face when out in it.

Rest in peace Naj

Peter van Es · « **Reply #14 on:** December 01, 2020, 09:07:47 »

Achim called me yesterday with this terrible news. I remember Naj fondly, both from the visit in the UK, as well as the Technoclassica lunch meets when Naj was still healthy enough to attend those, and the European Events.

He will be missed.

Tonight I'll dig through my photographs and see if I can find a few nice ones to upload in this thread.

Peter

450sl · « **Reply #15 on:** December 01, 2020, 09:48:35 »

Sad news indeed,

I remember having dinner with Naj at 2018-France event , very admirable guy with a great knowledge about our cars.

He will be missed.

Mark

Paul & Dolly · « **Reply #16 on:** December 01, 2020, 09:51:18 »

Very sad news, we have lost a true gentleman,
he was always ready to help everyone,
and never spoke of his own difficulties.

Rest in Peace, Naj

Paul & Dolly

stickandrudderman · « **Reply #17 on:** December 01, 2020, 11:51:08 »

A sad loss inded. I've known him 30 years and last spoke to him just a few days ago.

ctaylor738 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 01, 2020, 13:10:30 »

Great guy. He will be missed.

CT

doitwright · « **Reply #19 on:** December 01, 2020, 15:26:17 »

I had the pleasure of driving with Naj from Chicago to Blacklick, Ohio in 2009. The best 7 hours of talking about Pagoda's and cars I will always remember. He was a great contributor on this forum and a true gentleman. He will be dearly missed.

StevenF · « **Reply #20 on:** December 01, 2020, 15:44:41 »

Very Sad news

mdsalemi · « **Reply #21 on:** December 01, 2020, 16:29:18 »

Obviously I knew Naj Jesani for many years, having been to all but one PUB, and having many private off-line conversations with him.

This is a great loss for us but more for his family. As others noted, he once came to a PUB with his brother in law, I believe. That gentleman passed away some years ago.

Naj was a director and owner of a company in Middlesex, UK, called Carmichael Components, Ltd. that supplies parts for commercial trucks.

Naj, you will be missed. Godspeed, my friend...

pagoda113 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 01, 2020, 17:41:26 »

I am in group chat with family and friends of Naj and the family have posted a lovely note to everyone which I would like to share with you.

On behalf of our family we would like to thank everyone for your very kind messages of condolences
and especially for your good thoughts and prayers for Naj (Kaka).
Thank you also for sharing some of your memorable times with him.
We are devastated by his loss and thank you all for your continuing support and prayers.
We are dealing with the formalities and certificates to arrange the funeral.
As you know there are strict guidelines from the government, the hospital and our council about attendance at funerals and any ceremonies. We will adhere to them all.
We will inform you of any further news concerning these.
Once again our sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your messages of condolence and prayers for Naj.
Finally as many of you know, Naj was a founding director and Trustee of our family foundation, Friends for Development (FFD).
We will continue to do this work in his memory.

Take Care, Be Safe & Go Well

Peter van Es · « **Reply #23 on:** December 01, 2020, 20:56:50 »

Naj in happier times with Cees. Memorable times!

Neil Thompson · « **Reply #24 on:** December 01, 2020, 22:33:42 »

Very very sad news, when we attended our first Euro event in 2012 Naj was one of the first to make us welcome and his friendly nature never dwindled. RIP and condolences to his family

Neil & Margaret

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Author Topic: Naj Jesani ... (Read 9722 times)