Ijaz Godall
“A life guided by thought, led with heart, and lived with purpose never truly ends — it simply becomes part of those who follow.”
Obituary
Ijaz Godall lived a remarkable life defined by perseverance, intellect, and quiet wisdom. Born in Uggi, a village in the Punjab during the final days of British India, Ijaz’s journey began amidst the upheaval of Partition and a traditional rural upbringing. He was deeply influenced by his scholarly grandfather and nonconformist village elders who instilled in him a lifelong love of learning, critical thinking, and self-reliance.
He moved to the UK in 1965, where he carved out a successful life against the odds. With resilience and an unrelenting thirst for knowledge, Ijaz studied tirelessly, eventually qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and building a distinguished international career — first with Peat Marwick Mitchell (KPMG), and later in senior roles at Gulf Air and Emirates Airline.
More than a professional, Ijaz was a principled man. He held fast to the values of honesty, humility, and fairness. His warmth, wit, and wisdom touched many lives across the UK, the Middle East, and beyond. Ijaz cherished his family deeply — a devoted husband, loving father of three, and proud grandfather of seven.
He believed in lifelong growth, spending his later years reading philosophy, quantum physics, and history, and traveling the world with his beloved wife Shamim. His parting advice — echoing the village elder who shaped his youth — was simple but profound: “Don’t follow the crowd. Always make up your own mind.”
Ijaz leaves behind a legacy of integrity, intellect, and love — a life fully lived, and fondly remembered.
Ijaz's Memoir Published in 2020: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LRlMcquf3v7L7HlBNWMgv_bCo684clEm/view?usp=sharing
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Post a message or share your memories and photos.
June 6, 2025
I first met Ijaz in 2002 when he interviewed me for the new position of cost control at Emirates in London. We then worked together until his retirement in 2010. In my airline career I have been very lucky to have had two excellent managers, and Ijaz was one of them. He would give you the brief and then let you manage the project.
He was a very fair and kind man, and if you ever made a mistake he would still back you up.
Attached is a group photo of the Emirates finance team in London from 2009, and we were all smiling happily together because Ijaz was our manager.
Rest in Peace Ijaz
He was a very fair and kind man, and if you ever made a mistake he would still back you up.
Attached is a group photo of the Emirates finance team in London from 2009, and we were all smiling happily together because Ijaz was our manager.
Rest in Peace Ijaz
June 5, 2025
Very saddened to hear of Ijaz's passing. Our deepest condolences to the entire family.
Only have the fondest of memories of Ijaz ever since I was associated with him from the early 90's. He was a breath of fresh air and did not hesitate to honestly speak his mind. This and his witty and humorous quips kept us smiling all the time.
May God give the family strength to bear the loss.
God Bless 🙏🙏
Only have the fondest of memories of Ijaz ever since I was associated with him from the early 90's. He was a breath of fresh air and did not hesitate to honestly speak his mind. This and his witty and humorous quips kept us smiling all the time.
May God give the family strength to bear the loss.
God Bless 🙏🙏
May 23, 2025
I was very saddened to hear of Ijaz’s passing and send my condolences to all his family.
I was at Emirates for the whole of his stay there, and in my capacity as Staff Travel Officer was kept busy arranging his many overseas trips, his love of which I see has been mentioned above.
These continued into his retirement and he would make a special trip into the office to arrange them, and we enjoyed many chats then.
May he rest in peace.
I was at Emirates for the whole of his stay there, and in my capacity as Staff Travel Officer was kept busy arranging his many overseas trips, his love of which I see has been mentioned above.
These continued into his retirement and he would make a special trip into the office to arrange them, and we enjoyed many chats then.
May he rest in peace.
May 16, 2025
I was very sad to hear of Ijaz’s passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
There are many fond memories I have of Ijaz as I was his secretary when I first joined Emirates in 2000, and then worked with him in Finance until he retired. He was a firm but very fair manager who always supported the team.
I remember he especially enjoyed all the ‘feasts’ that we prepared when it was someone’s birthday. So there were a lot of celebrations!
I was glad to find a photo of him celebrating his 65th birthday, smiling and wearing his t-shirt which had a picture of all the finance team on it.
He was a true gentleman who will be missed and will always be remembered.
Rest is peace dear Ijaz. ❤️
There are many fond memories I have of Ijaz as I was his secretary when I first joined Emirates in 2000, and then worked with him in Finance until he retired. He was a firm but very fair manager who always supported the team.
I remember he especially enjoyed all the ‘feasts’ that we prepared when it was someone’s birthday. So there were a lot of celebrations!
I was glad to find a photo of him celebrating his 65th birthday, smiling and wearing his t-shirt which had a picture of all the finance team on it.
He was a true gentleman who will be missed and will always be remembered.
Rest is peace dear Ijaz. ❤️
May 11, 2025
Ijaz was more than just a colleague in Emirates Finance—he was a dear friend with a brilliant sense of humour and a warm, thoughtful way of connecting with everyone around him. He had a special love for food, especially Ravi in Satwa, which became our unofficial reunion spot whenever he visited Dubai. His WhatsApp alerts to the Naughty Boys group—"Ravi at so-and-so time"—always brought us together, not just for the food, but to enjoy his stories, his laughter, and his company.
On his last visit, true to form, Ijaz was full of life, rallying us for a reunion in London. We had no idea it would be our final get-together. His spirit, kindness, and wit will be deeply missed. Every time I pass Ravi, I’ll think of him and smile, grateful for the memories we shared. Rest in peace, my friend.
On his last visit, true to form, Ijaz was full of life, rallying us for a reunion in London. We had no idea it would be our final get-together. His spirit, kindness, and wit will be deeply missed. Every time I pass Ravi, I’ll think of him and smile, grateful for the memories we shared. Rest in peace, my friend.
April 27, 2025
I met Ijaz at the gym a while ago, we got chatting and found we had a lot in common, and had some interesting conversations. I found Ijaz a reliable and friendly person and will be missed.John Morris
April 20, 2025
Uncle Ijaz was a deeply influential presence in our lives, someone whose impact stretched quietly across years and generations. I still remember those summers when he’d come visit and get the whole family to take MENSA tests. We’d groan, roll our eyes, and do them anyway. Looking back, it’s clear he was planting something more lasting. He taught us to value knowledge, to respect education, to think critically. And now, as we raise our own children, those same values are showing up in them too. What moves me most is realizing that someone did the same for him once, that his love for learning was passed down to him and continued through us. That kind of influence doesn’t fade. He may be gone, but the mark he left on all our lives and now our children's lives is permanent.
April 17, 2025
I first met Ijaz on 14th November 1993 - it was the day when I made a friend for life.
I have had the privilege of his friendship for over 30 years, filled with fond memories of real conversations, great moments spent together.
Ijaz was one of a kind - warm, funny, direct, humble and above all, a man of great integrity.
Rest in peace my friend. We will miss you.
I have had the privilege of his friendship for over 30 years, filled with fond memories of real conversations, great moments spent together.
Ijaz was one of a kind - warm, funny, direct, humble and above all, a man of great integrity.
Rest in peace my friend. We will miss you.
April 16, 2025
My condolences to the family.
To many memories and stories. Always remember one of his quotes, "always learn from your mistake".
Very honest man, one day I went to Sainsbury's and asked for cash back, but the cashier didn't added to the bill, I told him, and sent me back to Sainsbury's to returns the money, they didn't want the money back..
Very funny, always making jokes.
I was always the last to go home, and when he was leaving the office never forgot to stand in front of me to tell me "Haidee you are in charge" and laugh, of course in charge of myself.
I have many more memories, sometimes arguing about work, but in a good way.
I am very sorry he is not around anymore. Rest in peace Ijaz.
To many memories and stories. Always remember one of his quotes, "always learn from your mistake".
Very honest man, one day I went to Sainsbury's and asked for cash back, but the cashier didn't added to the bill, I told him, and sent me back to Sainsbury's to returns the money, they didn't want the money back..
Very funny, always making jokes.
I was always the last to go home, and when he was leaving the office never forgot to stand in front of me to tell me "Haidee you are in charge" and laugh, of course in charge of myself.
I have many more memories, sometimes arguing about work, but in a good way.
I am very sorry he is not around anymore. Rest in peace Ijaz.
April 15, 2025
It has been a great pleasure and privilege to have had such a wonderful neighbour as Ijaz. I am deeply saddened that he is no longer with us.
It was always uplifting to see him around—cheerful, active, and so dedicated to his household. He was often busy looking after things around the home and lovingly caring for his beautiful grandchildren.
I always admired his calm presence and his philosophical outlook on life. His words often carried wisdom, and his attitude towards life was truly inspiring.
After seven years of living next door, he became more than just a neighbour—he became a good friend to our whole family.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We truly sympathise with your loss and are keeping you all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
It was always uplifting to see him around—cheerful, active, and so dedicated to his household. He was often busy looking after things around the home and lovingly caring for his beautiful grandchildren.
I always admired his calm presence and his philosophical outlook on life. His words often carried wisdom, and his attitude towards life was truly inspiring.
After seven years of living next door, he became more than just a neighbour—he became a good friend to our whole family.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We truly sympathise with your loss and are keeping you all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
April 14, 2025
Have fond memories of Ijaz who assisted just greatly when I worked for Emirates Holiday by signing and approving payments, often noting my hard work,appreciating my efforts, Bless you, You are no of the greats
April 14, 2025
Ijaz had a great sense of humour sometimes hidden. We used to smoke together sometimes on Cromwell Road. I was so pleased when he found the birthday card I gave him extremely funny- attached.He even showed it to Vic Sheppard our Big Boss. Sleep Peacefully Ijaz.
Bev Ticket Office
Bev Ticket Office
April 14, 2025
I know inside this well discipline boss, he has a good heart.
He granted my request if he knows of my personal needs for my family.
My unforgettable memories of him, is every morning he is downstairs smoking, every time I saw him I always say “Good morning Ijaz” he never replied I never get tired of greeting him as respect. Then one memorable day we have our finance meeting, before he ends the meeting he asked anything you wanted to say, then with my trembling knees I said that I have it kept it my heart for many many years, I said “I always said good morning to you, but you never reply but then I said you must have so much in your plate that you probably did not hear me and beside I am so little, surprisingly he apologised and since then you never stop greeting me.
Since then he has a place n my heart.
May he rest in peace🙏🙏🙏
He granted my request if he knows of my personal needs for my family.
My unforgettable memories of him, is every morning he is downstairs smoking, every time I saw him I always say “Good morning Ijaz” he never replied I never get tired of greeting him as respect. Then one memorable day we have our finance meeting, before he ends the meeting he asked anything you wanted to say, then with my trembling knees I said that I have it kept it my heart for many many years, I said “I always said good morning to you, but you never reply but then I said you must have so much in your plate that you probably did not hear me and beside I am so little, surprisingly he apologised and since then you never stop greeting me.
Since then he has a place n my heart.
May he rest in peace🙏🙏🙏
April 12, 2025
i worked under Ijaz at emirates London
I remember him being dedicated to work always in at 6am and the last one to leave. ijaz always pushed and encouraged me to do better.though he firm with regards to work he loved telling jokes and being told jokes, his were always better than mine. I eventually left emirates in 2002. I last met Ijaz on a visit to england at the emirates office in 2009 (i think) turns out it was his last day emirates. I asked him shall we go out for drink he agreed but only half a pint. There isn’t a day that goes by where Ijaz comes to my thoughts one way or the other especially when it comes to spending money…i use his favorite quote’’NOT IN THE BUDGET’’. My sincere condolences to the family.
Ijaz was a good man and will be missed.
Sunny
I remember him being dedicated to work always in at 6am and the last one to leave. ijaz always pushed and encouraged me to do better.though he firm with regards to work he loved telling jokes and being told jokes, his were always better than mine. I eventually left emirates in 2002. I last met Ijaz on a visit to england at the emirates office in 2009 (i think) turns out it was his last day emirates. I asked him shall we go out for drink he agreed but only half a pint. There isn’t a day that goes by where Ijaz comes to my thoughts one way or the other especially when it comes to spending money…i use his favorite quote’’NOT IN THE BUDGET’’. My sincere condolences to the family.
Ijaz was a good man and will be missed.
Sunny
Family tree
Mohammad Ibrahim
Fatima Bibi
Nabi Baksh
Hamida Begum Baksh
Shamim Godall
Rehana
Irshad
Samia Godall
Children
Yusuf
Zara
Asif Godall
Children
Leila
Rosa
Sohail Godall
Children
Myra
Zayna
Noah
Rehana
Irshad
Shamim Godall
Samia Godall
Yusuf
Zara
Asif Godall
Leila
Rosa
Sohail Godall
Myra
Zayna
Noah
Ijaz Godall
made with 
Français
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Português
Magyar
Русский
繁體中文