West Berkshire mourns loss of leading light of Newburys Muslim community
Father of two Nadeem Soomro collapsed in the evening on New Year’s Eve at his Wash Common home and died en route to hospital.
He was aged 47.
His friend and forum colleague Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera said: “It was very sudden and we’re all shocked and saddened.
“Nadeem was an admired community advocate and respected business leader who will be missed by many people in Berkshire and beyond.”
Mr Soomro had been a founding member of West Berks Minority Ethnic Forum and director of Empowering West Berkshire.
Through these organisations he had championed the needs of communities throughout the area alongside his wife Waheeda.
Mr Uduwerage-Perera added: “A strong advocate for inter-faith dialogue and an active member of the Newbury mosque, Nadeem had promoted better understanding between people of different beliefs, and cultures.
“He had sponsored cultural events, and worked tirelessly to change hearts and minds over intolerance and racism. In this respect he worked with local councils, schools, churches and other organisations.”
He went on: “Highly regarded by colleagues in local criminal justice circles, Nadeem had been chair of the Police Independent Advisory Group and a member of the Thames Valley Crown Prosecution Service Advisory Group.
“He was also entrepreneur widely known amongst the local business community in Newbury and further afield. Nadeem will be remembered by many with a smile, as always having an IT solution to any problem.
“Nadeem was immensely proud of his two children, as well as being a loving husband and helpmate to his wife Waheeda, who worked tirelessly at his side.”
Mr Soomro will be buried at Hainault Cemetary near his parent’s east London home.
However a memorial service is being planned locally.
Mr Uduwerage-Perera said: “I have been inundated with calls from dozens of people from all walks of life who want to pay their respects.”
See next week’s Newbury Weekly News for details of the local memorial service.
