A businessman, respected community figure and family man, Tazeen Ahmed has died peacefully aged 71 following a courageous battle with cancer. His wife of more than 50 years and family were by his side.

Tazeen was born in 1949 in Gujar Khan, near Rawalpindi in Pakistan and moved to London in 1965 with his father Nazir.

After working in various restaurants in London’s West End, Tazeen moved to Southampton in 1969 and worked at the Ford Transit factory for many years after short stints at The Telephone Exchange, Hythe and the Lymington Foundry.

He moved to Bournemouth in 1981 and started Ahmed Food Store, the first Asian food store in Moordown, relocating to bigger premises in Charminster in 1990. Tazeen served the community for nearly 40 years and was affectionately known as Taz or Ahmed.

A real family man, he loved entertaining at family gatherings, and doted on his grandchildren. He had a passion for travelling, food and retro Bollywood films and music.

He was a larger than life character with a determined attitude and immense willpower. Tazeen was a man of integrity who helped the community and touched many lives with his generosity and passion for life.

Tazeen is survived by his wife, three children and three grandchildren.