Dr Robert Latheef Khan, QSM, a renowned community member and father of Robert Khan, the Managing Director and CEO of Radio Tarana – one of the leading Indian radio station in New Zealand – passed away on Thursday, March 8.
Robert Khan Senior, as he was fondly known among his acquaintances, was a highly educated, intelligent, suave and well-respected personality in the community.
He started his Kiwi journey in the early 1980s after emigrating from Suva, Fiji with his two daughters and son, Robert Khan Junior.
He completed his education at Massey University and later became a lecturer for postgraduate programmes in business management, international human resources management etc. at different universities and tertiary institute IPU New Zealand.
He was an active community worker who generously guided and mentored Indian ethnic migrants in New Zealand. The New Zealand Government made Dr Khan a Justice of the Peace and awarded him with a Queen’s Service Medal.
Managing Director and CEO of Radio Tarana Robert Khan, QSM (Picture: Radio Tarana)
Mr Khan was an ardent fan of Bollywood films and is said to have spent every weekend of his life watching a Bollywood film.
He was also a fan of James Bond films and would see the first day-first show of any Bond movie released.
Mr Khan’s funeral was held on Tuesday, March 13 at Manukau Memorial Gardens in the presence of his children and grandchildren and a huge crowd, which is a testament of his popularity amongst the community members.
The affection between the father-son was very evident throughout the speech delivered by son Robert Khan.
Robert Khan junior was overwhelmed with emotions and struggled to hold back his tears while recollecting memories about his father.
Robert Khan Senior is survived by his wife Evangeline Khan, brother-in-law Roger Wright, daughters Jacqueline Meo, Geraldine Prasad, son Robert Akhtar Khan, son-in-law John Prasad, grandchildren Jonathan, Rajiv, Natasha, India, Zara, and Kiyaan.
The Indian Weekender extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr Khan Junior and the family.