From Lanka to Saudi and NY, he made great strides

Nazeer Rasheed, who passed away after a brief illness, specialized in two of the biggest foreign exchange earners for Sri Lanka in the 1960s: tea and rubber. Starting his career as a tea taster at John Keells, he moved to rubber brokering at C.W. Mackie & Company.

Hopping across continents, he later relocated to Al-Khobar, a city and governorate in Saudi Arabia, where he worked at Saudi Scales & Equipment for five years, and had the privilege of performing Haj.

In 1984, he moved to New York and was employed as a tea taster at Vannier Tea, later switching to the rubber trade. In 1991, he was the first Asian to be elected as Director of the Rubber Traders Association of North America. He also served as Director and member of the USA-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and President of the Sri Lanka Association of New York (SLANY). His days as a rubber broker began at Philip Billhardt Inc. and when Mr Billhardt retired, he took over the company and carried on a successful business.

He began his junior years at S. Thomas Prep School in Kollupitiya and then graduated to S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. A staunch Thomian, he played an active role in the OBA during the school’s centenary celebrations and was a founder member of Royal/ Thomian Colts Tent. He also played Second XV rugby and was an active member of CR&FC during the late 1970’s.

His friends knew him as jovial and fun loving, always ready and willing to offer a helping hand to those in need. As a son, he took great care of his parents and made sure all their needs were met for a happy and comfortable life. For the rest of his family, he was always there with his advice and support.

Nazeer met his future wife Pauline Ratnayake in London during a vacation and they married in November 1984 at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Manhattan, New York city, followed by a Sacrament Service at St. Paul’s Church. Pauline, his life partner of 38 years, was a tower of strength and was always there by his side, caring and nursing him throughout his illness.

Nazeer died peacefully on January 17, 2023, aged 77, at his home in Manhattan, with Pauline and his sister Zeeniya by his side. His Janaza prayers took place at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Manhattan followed by burial at the Hillside Cemetery, Cortland Manor, New York on the 18th.

He will be missed by one and all, as he was a wonderful husband, loving son, affectionate brother, adorable uncle and a good friend to all those who knew him.

May Almighty Allah shower his choicest blessings upon him and grant him Jennathul Firdhouse.