Javed Akhtar 1962–2007

Story: Irshad Akbar

It is with sadness and regret that after a long illness Javed Akhtar passed away at the Northern General Hospital on Sunday 3rd June 2007 aged 45.

Javed was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer in 1994; however this did not deter Javed from becoming a key member of the Burngreave community and a successful businessman. Javed never let his illness cause discomfort to family and friends he was always cheerful and will be remembered for his wit, bravery and honesty.

Javed emigrated from Pakistan in 1976 aged 15 years of age. He attended a local school and on leaving school he obtained employment at a local wood factory as an apprentice wood machinist. However, Javed was not content as, from a very young age he had a yearning for cars. Within a few months, Javed obtained employment as an apprentice motor mechanic at a local Toyota dealership. During this time he attended a local college and obtained a range of qualifications.

Javed was adventurous and entrepreneurial and always wanted to run his own business. In 1980 he left the comfort zone of full time employment, and with his brother Muhammad Iqbal, opened a mobile tuning and auto electrical business. This was a pioneering initiative as it was one of the first mobile tuning businesses in the area. Javed quickly acquired a reputation for his craftsmanship and problem-solving techniques. He would leave no stone unturned and no job was too big or too small. His clients gradually built up and he quickly realised that he needed to expand and acquire premises so that he could achieve his ambition of running a successful garage.

Javed purchased the “Signpost” garage on Kilton Hill in 1990. Over the next 15 years he expanded the business to such an extent that he had customers requesting his services throughout the region. Javed was well known for his honesty and integrity and over the years he built his business on trust and dedication. He would never let a problem get the better of him and he was often known to be working at his garage until late at night because a customer wanted his vehicle the next day. Javed’s reputation and his technical ability were well known and before long established dealerships were contacting him for advice and assistance.

Javed was a keen sportsman, an active weight lifter and a keep fit fanatic. He participated in many sporting events throughout the city.

Javed was a friend to many a stranger. He would not turn anybody away. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, straight forwardness and as someone who would not hide his feelings.

Javed will be missed by the whole community and his family. Our condolences go to Javed’s wife and four young children.

A message from family and friends: “Javed rest in peace and may Allah grant you a place in Jannat –ul-Firdus. Ameen”.