After about two years in college preparing for medical school, realities of life caught with Mohamed Merchant and forced him to earn a living. Starting out as a driver, he went on to become a doctor's assistant and then a pharmacist before coming to Canada in 1972. Like many of the newcomers he later helped, he initially entered the job market as a security guard and then did a stint as an old-age home nurse. The last 20 years of his working life were spent as a chemical plant operator. Sadly, the cancer diagnosis came within three years of his retirement.

It was Mohamed Bhai's (Bhai is a term of endearment meaning older brother), as he was affectionately known by all who knew him, selfless willingness to help that struck people. His enthusiasm and open arms in receiving countless new arrivals and easing their settlement endeared him to many. It was common knowledge within the Malayali (someone who speaks Malayalam which is the official language of Kerala) Muslim community that his support improved the lives of hundreds.

Mohamed Merchant, husband, father, brother, friend, mentor. Born July 1, 1936, in Trichur, Kerala, India, Died December 17, 2006, in Malton, Ontario, of esophageal cancer, aged 70.

Mohammad Bhai is Gone But Not Forgotten.