“Does this guy not ever work?” – this was the thought that crept into my mind bumping into Shahid at the tackle shop many times during the week. We never spoke, just a polite greeting whilst we both prowled the isles and tested the sales people on their bassing knowledge… It was only after a few months of regular sightings that I had to ask the question…”so do you ever work or do you just always loaf in the tackle shop”… to which he replied, “Well I was going to ask you the same question!”
That’s where we started, now the 2 hour mid-week tackle shop stop became a 4 hour one as Shahid and I would discuss what’s hot and what’s not and where and how we were planning to catch our next bass. We spoke quite often on the phone, and exchanged many a hand-drawn map of little honey holes. When he took on the challenge of Bass Digest I was very excited for him, and courteously offered any help he needed - To which he duly responded – sure mate, please get an article to me every month on the month! Not only was the man determined on the water he would pester me like terrier on my ankle (except Shahid had the ability to disguise the pestering as a kind courtesy call) to get content and ideas for content to him like clockwork on a monthly basis. We had been talking about getting together on the water to do an “on the water” segment for a while but sadly never got down to it.
So this is not an obituary, it’s a celebration of a simple guy, the guy who never made a fuss about things, the guy who generally kept to himself and got on with life, the guy who like many of us appreciated the simple things in life, the guy who always smiled and also a very talented bass angler… and I could always rely on Shahid as a willing customer whenever I needed to offload old gear! It’s heartwarming to know that close friends have decided to keep the Bass Digest flag flying and keep Shahid’s legacy and vision alive – the best way to remember is through life not death and the best way to live life is on the water. My only worry is having to deal with heavyweights Paul and Brent when it comes to getting the magazine some content!!
My friend, the Almighty had a better plan for you, the best of us always go too soon because this world is just not good enough for certain souls, I’ll catch you on the other side, I hear heaven has got some proper water so best you find the pattern before we arrive! Salaam my friend, go with peace.
By Aadil Cajee
Bass Digest/July, 2014
Shahid will be missed by many people who were privileged to know him and to have met him.
Thank you for the good times on the water. Stywe lyne vir altyd my vriend.
Arno van Zyl & Hennie van der Bank
I am just so privileged to have had the chance to meet such a great person. He was a fantastic person on the water & off the water. Always willing to help and give excellent tips.
Shahid you will truely be missed by everyone that knows you. Your legacy will definitely live on when we as The Bass Challenge family are on the water & off the water.
Rest in Peace Buddy.
Your family are in our prayers & our prayers are that the Lord keep them safe & take good care of them till we see you one day again!
JP Brooks - The Bass Challenge
Heaven is a place nearby, so there’s no need to say goodbye