Self-made millionaire

Jamshed Khodayar Irani, a former student of the Bai Virjibai Soparivala Parsi High School (BVS) in Karachi whom we lovingly called "Bruce Lee,” passed away on November 19, 2009 in Los Angeles. He was suffering from leukemia.

Jamshed Irani: left his mark

Irani was a self-made multi-millionaire who earned every penny with sheer hard work and determination to succeed in life. He had a very difficult childhood. After leaving school he started a chai (tea) business in Empress Market which became very successful. He then went to the US for his studies, got a degree in electrical engineering and started work at Pitney Bowes, which manages postage meters, document management and other business communication solutions that help companies manage their flow of communications. Later, he started his own business of shipping and freight forwarding called Transit Air Cargo.

Irani, who leaves behind his wife Golnawaz and a 15-year-old daughter, Tania, supported and donated to the BVS alumni website, sponsored BVS school children’s fees and did a great deal behind the scenes to help others. Just six months ago he made a big donation for the DAWN Alumni Ad which was needed in a hurry. He left his mark on earth.

Z. R. BIRDIE

Karachi

zrbirdie@zrbirdie.com