Story: Naheem Hanif
Long-serving shopkeeper Nobat Khan of Khan Brothers Grocers, on Scott Road, sadly passed away on March 13th 2008 after battling leukaemia.
The popular grocer served the local community from his corner shop on Scott Road for more than 30 years and was a well known local figure.
Known as simply “Norman” to many people in the community, he had served four generations of customers and was well known for his good character, sense of humour and broad Yorkshire accent.
Ill health forced him to reduce his workload over the last two years and in February 2008 he developed a chest infection which further weakened him. He died from leukaemia, a cancer of the blood, aged 67.
His son Mujahid Khan said: “All of our family miss him as do our customers, he made the shop what it is today. We are also very grateful for the compassion shown by the local community and we thank them for their support at this difficult time.”
Many of Mr Khan’s friends and customers attended his funeral. His body was then returned for burial to his ancestral home in Attock, in northern Pakistan.
Local customers also sent their condolences. Mike McColgan of Scott Road said:
“We were shocked and very saddened to hear of Mr Khan’s death. He had a great character, who enriched our lives in Pitsmoor. We shall miss him greatly.”
Sandra Jessop formerly of Scott Road said:
“We are so sorry to hear about Norman’s death. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Nobat arrived from Pakistan in the 1960s with his younger brother Isa Khan. He worked in the city’s steel industry for a number of years before setting up his grocery business in 1977. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him in the community he had served for so long.