Tony Hoosain

Tony Hoosain  of 40 Old Mill Rd, Oakville Ontario, passed away at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital on 19 November 2021 (Age 83).

Born Goolam Hoosain on the 15/01/1938 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was the 3rd of 8 children to Ahmed and Khadija Ganchi Hoosain. His father died when he was 8 and together with his older sister Mariam helped raise their younger siblings by pre packing and selling vegetables and home cooked meals.

At 15 he left school to work full time in support of his family. Being fair skinned, he ignored the oppressive restrictions of segregated Apartheid South Africa and by pretending to be Portuguese (white) by day he obtained a black belt in Judo, snooker champion of southern Johannesburg and an expert in French polishing at an exclusive furniture manufacturer.

Over weekend he used these skills to set up training facilities for the youth of his neighbourhood. Helping to train three local champions and providing a space for the youth to be off the streets. He also started a manufacturing Center for the blind making wicker trays and baskets.

This energy, resourcefulness, spirited initiative and courage earned him the nickname GUMPTIONS. A name he is still remembered by in his old South Africans community.

Tony immigrated to Canada in the early 1960’s with his wife Bibi and toddler daughter Zarina. After two more children, Joey and Dean she returned to SA. Gumptions never gave up on trying to repatriate his kids to Canada. Continuing this  effort into their adult lives and even including his grandchildren and his niece Rookshana.

Tony married Linda Eileen, a nurse from Bancroft, Ontario in 1972. His soul mate for over 40 years who was at his side through all his entrepreneurial endeavour as an insurance broker, business owner, development fiduciary and hobby marquetry artists. She pre deceased him a decade ago.

During the last 4 years of his life, Tony found  happiness and solace with his good friend and roommate Zahra Salehi.

From all the family a big thank you to Zahra for being there for him during his final golden years including times of ill health.

Goolam Hoosain (Tony) GUMPTIONS is survived by his sister Mariam (89), children Zarina and Joey, adopted daughter Rookshana (Mariam’s daughter), Dean predeceased (2020). Grandchildren:- Nazlee, Nasreen, Sadia, Khamila, Farid, Zaino, Dean,  Nabellah, Layla, Shiraaz and Nadeem (pre deceased, 2001). Great grandchildren:- Nawal, Mia, Iaaiq, Miguel and Nadeem.

May he Rest in Peace.

A memorial service will be held during the summer of 2022 when family will be physical present in Canada to undertake a dignified scattering