In memory of a friend
lost, but never forgotten
Leslie
Raymond Pope
Al
Habtoor Group
Director
of Information and Research Department
10th
October 1949 - 24th February 2003
Where does one begin when burdened by
sadness and shock by such a sudden
demise of a person, who only a few days
ago, was so full of the joys of life?
Leslie had a great sense of humour and
a unique and infectious laugh that would
make anyone smile, and the only serious
side to him was his total dedication to
his lovely family and job. He was like a
latter day ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ who used
the pen rather than the sword with his
exceptional writing skills to address
the unbalanced views in international
press about important local matters.
Leslie was also a fighter who battled
against all odds to survive numerous
operations related to his heart such was
his will to live.
He was totally thorough in his research
of any article so that he knew what was
right from wrong and was not afraid to
say so! When we last met, he was
determined to win, but lost against an
unbeatable opponent. He wrote with
passion about Arabic issues and helped
to educate and influence major
politicians, diplomats and decision
makers from all around the globe for a
peaceful and lasting solution. Although
we have lost a great man, his powerful
words will be immortalized forever.
An excerpt from
the eulogy read at the funeral service
by Gerry Sherard on behalf of Mr. Khalaf
Al Habtoor
Dubai, UAE
26th February 2003
"To my colleague,
friend and my mentor. You will
stay in my heart forever.
May your soul rest in peace."
Nadia Jones,
Editor - Al Shiindagah Magazine
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