Grieving the loss of a dear family friend

Today, I heard the news that my dear family friend, Darius Karimpourian, has died after a long battle with cancer.

He was diagnosed two years ago. His first diagnosis revealed that he was apparently in his last stage of cancer – the doctors told him that he only had a few months left to live.

After finding out, his brother and sister flew in from Iran to encourage him to go back to live with them in his home country, so they could tend to him during this time.

After some consideration, he decided to make the move.

It was in his siblings' household that he lived his last days.

Darius was a very kind soul. When my family immigrated to Canada, he made sure that we adjusted well. Having no family here besides my immediate family (my mother, father and brother), he became an uncle to me.

He used to always visit us with a box of Tim Hortons doughnuts, which I quickly began to associate him with.

I'll remember him as a good listener and a sincere human being. When the adults gathered, he made sure to include me in conversation.

When he found out that I was pursuing a journalism major at Ryerson, he became my biggest supporter. We used to always discuss the news when he would come over. He wanted me to work at CBC. And recently, I interned with CBC Radio so my mom made sure to tell him – and he was proud.

So, although he lived longer than expected, I am deeply saddened by the loss of my uncle and friend. His memory will live on with my immigration story and every box of Tim Hortons doughnuts that I see.

I would like to thank him for always listening and believing in me.