Yaseen Akhtar died on August 10, 2021, at age forty-eight, after many years of struggling with traumatic brain injury and mental health.
Yaseen will be missed by his loving parents, Denise Gour-Akhtar and Shahid Akhtar, who fought hard for years to get Yaseen the support he needed and to take care of him with love and compassion. He is survived by his big sister, Seema Akhtar, and her husband, Charles Haines. Yaseen also leaves behind two nieces, Safia and Ameena, and a nephew, Luca, who will miss their Uncle Yazzy very much.
Yaseen was fun-loving, kind and generous. He was compassionate, caring and incredibly smart. As a young child, Yaseen was curious about everything and could often be found investigating a praying mantis or a caterpillar--even in the middle of a soccer game! As an adult, his natural curiosity evolved into a passion for watching documentaries and YouTube. Yaseen could rhyme off sports results just as easily as he could engage on the details of current affairs, and he often regaled us with his eclectic knowledge. He was always ready to entertain his nieces and nephew--playing many marathon games of Monopoly, Checkers, Risk and even Pinkalicious Uno (which he did not enjoy!) with them. Even though Yaseen lived with more pain than anyone should have to endure in the past decade or so, he was always ready with a smile, a funny story or an anecdote.
Yaseen, wherever you are, we hope you are feeling free and light. We hope that all of your pain and suffering are gone. Maybe you're sitting in a boat on a beautiful lake with your rod in the water and the sun on your face. We love you.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside service in section 51S of the Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Friday, August 20 at 3 p.m.
Dress: smart casual
Due to COVID restrictions, the short service will take place outside. Please bring your own chairs, umbrellas and drinking water, as needed. Masks and physical distancing will be required.
Instead of flowers, we'd be grateful for donations in Yaseen's name to Brain Injury Canada (https://www.braininjurycanada.ca/en/donate) or to the Canadian Mental Health Association (https://cmha.ca)
Digital Guestbook
Christine Culham
Tracy Bray
So sorry to hear of this tragedy. Yaseen was a wonderful friend from high school and I was able to briefly reconnect with him in Vegas years ago...Sending my love to his family and friends that will miss him dearly. I hope that he is free in spirit and can be forever happy wherever he is. Sending love and light to all xox
Robert Gour
Mes condoléances
Geordie Davis
I am saddened to hear of the passing of one so young. I have fond memories of him and his family as a young child growing up. It sounds like his burdens in life were great and hope he has found solace.
My warm regards to his lovely parents and sister through this difficult time.
Geoff Nevin
I am sad to hear of Yaseen's passing and send condolences to his family and many friends. When I think of Yaseen I remember his great sense of humour and his infectious laugh.
Antoine and Sheila
Dear Denise and Shahid, We are so sorry to learn about your great loss. We feel your grief and we stand with you in our hearts, though we are a great physical distance away right now. With much love, Sheila and Antoine
Tom muir
My deepest condolences to Yaseen’s family. He was a great friend, who gave selflessly to all of who knew him. His infectious laugh and keen mind will always be how I remember him. I believe that he is at peace now, and know he will be deeply missed by all.
Rest In Peace my friend. May we see each other again.
Andrew Veizer
I can still hear Yaseen’s laugh as I think of the days we whiled away our childhood fishing down by the river. They are happy memories from a great childhood with an incredible friend. I will miss you dearly old friend and will cherish all these memories.
rico battikha
may god rest his soul and our condolensces from our family to yours may god be with you in this tragic time all our love YASEEN is awesome love you lots rico
Scott Friendship
Rest In Peace Yaseen.
Yaseen and I were friends in high school. We worked at the movie theatre together and for a brief time I would have easily called Yaseen one of my best friends and for this reason he has remained in my thoughts and heart for many years. We lost touch in University and tried to reach out to each other through Facebook at different times. Time and geography got in the way. Yaseen made me laugh. He was kind. I will miss him. This was a beautifully honest obituary.