“ Ali was a gifted and special soul.
I had the pleasure of working with Ali at UVIC for many years and because of him, things really did start to look different. Due to his leadership and warm connection to the community, we started the Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award. And because of Ali, UVIC Business became Gustavson and it never looked back. He was part of the Golden Triangle, as he and Pat and Elango raised the bar on so many fronts. I know Elango will help keep that momentum alive and the keep spirit of these two souls we lost this year going.
Ali was a gifted and special soul.
I learned during those negotiations of attracting Ali to the school and then keeping him around, that he had this special skill of leading in the most effective manner. The community adored him because of how he connected to all, and the faculty and staff trusted him knowing they were on the right path for the common goal. There probably was not a more capable dean who knows how to get people out of their silos and work as a team.
Ali was a gifted and special soul.
My last meeting with Ali was in the produce department at Thrifty's and his smile was there again naturally and he then followed with a funny joke relating to his home country. He always made me smile, and he just knew how to make people relax, smile and be appreciated.
Ali was a gifted and special soul.
Of all the great attributes this man had, nothing was better than being an amazing father and a loving husband. He was a mentor to me in so many ways, but it was how he conducted himself as a father and a husband that I will remember him the most.
Ali was a gifted and special man and my thoughts and prayers are with Ann, Niki and Kia. ”