Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: 114015 on November 30, 2020, 23:30:38
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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. :D
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
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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.
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His last post here was five days ago..., on 25th.
:'(
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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We lost a True Gentleman.
RIP Naj.
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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. :'(
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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.
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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.
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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..........
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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A sad loss inded. I've known him 30 years and last spoke to him just a few days ago.
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Great guy. He will be missed.
CT
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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.
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Very Sad news
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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...
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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
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Naj in happier times with Cees. Memorable times!
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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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Great pictures from Alfred and Peter.
Brings back many memories.
A great loss.
Tom
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Very sad to hear of Naj’s loss.
Having known Naj through the site since it’s inception, I finally got to meet him at the Blacklick tech sessions many many years ago. He was every bit as kind and gentle a soul as his online persona, sharing knowledge freely and with humility. Rest In Peace.
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Very sad news,i new Naj about 15 years and we became very close.
Rest in Peace Naj
Sully
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A sad day,
Had the pleasure of meeting him in Provence 2018 and had several off line chats about our cars, a fountain of knowledge and a great and generous man.
RIP Naj and condolences to family.
Ray
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If anything, this thread is a testament to the fact that we are so much more than just an internet forum. Many of us know one another in real life, even though we live countries... nay, continents apart.
The original founders of the Group could not have expected that we would get to this stage. I'd like to repeat a call I've said before:
- look one another up when you are in a different state or a different country. The people you will meet will become friends forever really quickly;
- Use your "real name" on the forum as your forum handle. So much on the internet is fake, or anonymous. I think of us as real friends even if I haven't met you in person. Be real. Sign with your real name. If you go to Profile / Account Settings / Name you can enter your real name, as it will be displayed on the forum.
I'm so glad to have met Naj a number of times. I'm glad to have met many of you in real life too. If I haven't met you yet, I do hope to meet you at some point in the future when we can all meet again. In the mean time, be helpful and civil on this forum!
Peter
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Very sad to hear this news and I extend my deepest condolences to Naj's family, may he rest in peace.
The replies and comments from this community are a bright spark, and Peter's comments ring so true.
Franjo
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I believe I drove with Naj to his first Blacklick. I know it was my first. He had flown in to Chicago where we met. A year or two later I had the pleasure of driving both Naj and Garry Marks (obviously not in my Pagoda).
My wife suggested that I not do all the driving, that I let one or the other of my trip mates drive. Hah, two guys that drive on the wrong side of the road. Fat chance.
Levity aside, Naj was in a class by himself and his knowledge and contributions will be missed.
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:'(
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Picking up on Peter's sentiments, it is a testament that so many of us have been and will continue to be inspired by the contributions of someone that many may never have met in person, yet counted as a friend. "Good night sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"
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I meet Naj during 2 PUB events and during the last Euro event in France and found him to be a very knowledgeable individual about our cars as well as a true Gentlemen. My heartfelt condolences to his Family may the Memories of Naj never ever fade. Rest in Piece we will miss you Naj.
Dieter
PS. I too second Peter van Es words when he wrote;
“Use your "real name" on the forum as your forum handle. So much on the internet is fake, or anonymous. I think of us as real friends even if I haven't met you in person. Be real. Sign with your real name. If you go to Profile / Account Settings / Name you can enter your real name, as it will be displayed on the forum”
I too mentioned this several times in the past, we are like close friends when we get together. Originally I too signed on as
“Alter Peter”
As Peter mentioned it is easy to change to your real first name. Our site is truly a site like no other “of individuals with one item we all cherish, our Pagoda”
Stay Save in those difficult times.
Rolf-Dieter
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Oh man, very sad news indeed. Naj has pretty much been here from the start -- and I cannot tell you how many times he would PM or email me when I needed help understanding some Pagoda issue I was having. He had a knack for explaining things in simple terms (which believe me I needed!). I remember taking a "test spin" after following his step-by-step tutorial -- and he was always eager to say "Well, and how did it go?"
Thanks Naj, we will miss you!
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Dear All
I am a close friend of Naj who informed Achim about the passing of Naj and asked him to start this post off.
Meena who is Naj's wife has asked me to post on her behalf to pass on her sincere thanks to you all for your kind messages that you have posted over the last few weeks. They have provided her with great comfort knowing that so many people had such found memories of Naj. In this current climate with everything going on his passing has been particularly hard on her and she really appreciates all these kind messages and wants to thank you all xxx
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It has been nearly a month, but I have only now learned of Naj's passing. I could not agree more with the comments on this thread. A truer gentleman, or kinder soul has not graced this planet. I visited his home twice and had a lovey dinner with his family. He let me drive one of his Pagodas. When he visited here, he drove mine. He was the first after me to drive my 5-speed conversion. Knowing his exceptional knowledge of our cars, when he said, "It is a good result." I was over the moon.
I will always cherish the blessing I received by meeting him and Meena.
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All the heartfelt messages here show he was very special. I only ever conversed with him via email but have the same respect as you all. Good job Naj!
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I'm reading this deeply sad news for the first time, having read all your comments has made me feel very emotional and my memories of Naj as yours are fondly remembered.
My deepest condolences go to his family and his lovely wife Meena whom I had the plesure of meeting on a couple of occasions at their home in London.
" Gone but will never be forgotten "
RIP Naj x
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I agree with Kemal.
Gone but never forgotten.
Tom M
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I’ve just arrived at this thread and this is very said news indeed.
My experience with Naj was always that he was a lovely helpful, warm and sweet guy.
The very best to his close family and friends.
He will never be forgotten by our community.
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How very sad, such a nice man. So helpful. A great loss to the Pagoda community.
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My thoughts and prayers goes out to Naj's family. I met him in 2006 on MBCAs Rt 66 tour. He introduced me to this Pagoda group! Lovely gentleman!
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My condolences to Naj's family. A true asset to our club in many ways. Comraderie being foremost. He will be missed by all of us.
Mike Mizesko
President
Pagoda SL Group
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If there is one person that will be missed next Euro Event, its Naj .
Hope he will be smiling upon us .