24 October 1946 – 24 February 2023
24 October 1946 – 24 February 2023
Armarchand “Pops” Huri sadly passed away peacefully on 24 February 2023, at home, aged 76.
Dearly loved husband of Jenny. Father of Rohan, Sheahan and Jonty (dog). Loved son of the late Mr and Mrs B Harri of Ladysmith, South Africa. Brother of Prem, (late) Gopie, Sumithra (Goodie) and Shiromanie (Shirley), doting nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews.
A funeral service to celebrate Pops life will be held on Thursday 2 March, 2023 at 10:30am (NZ Time) to be followed by a light lunch and a private Hindu ceremony and cremation.
Funeral service held at Central Park Chapel, Davis Funerals
We were sorry to hear of Pops passing to late to attend his funeral service. Our family have been privileged to have known Pops ,Jenny and the Huri family for many years through sport. Whilst we have not seen Popsl much lately he will always be remembered by the Bell family.
I pen this tribute with a heavy heart. Back in the early 80's when life was evolving at all levels, a relationship of a lifetime was forged between the Huri's and the Lachman's down in the Annet Drive, Umgeni River Valley in SA. We lived side-by-side with Uncle Pops, Aunty Jenny and the boys. It was an amazing time. Uncle Pops and Aunty Jenny were symbols of strength, knowledge, love, good values and Family foreverness. Today when Uncle Pops has been called to a higher plain, it leaves us shattered and heart broken. He was such a broad minded, lateral thinker, always addressing life's issues, big or small, with finesse, intellect, and logic. He could get to the level of a 9-year-old kid, or a 90-year senior with just as much ease and confidence! He could swop over from a Gentleman's English to a comforting Bhojpuri Hindi dialect in seconds! He could speak with ease from World Book Encyclopedias and just as easily, down to earth, humble folktales of life back home in Ladysmith about Aaji making roti and Aaja and Kaaka doing puja. The legacy that he leaves behind for us is one of nurture, nature, and nonchalant nobleness. From his immense affinity for gardening and sports to his professor-like natural intellect, Uncle Pops will forever be in our hearts for the role he played in developing our firm foundation in life. In the words of Andy (my Dad): Pops would stand by you till the end, and he did! He listened and offered notable advice. He would comfort you in times of duress and would praise you in times of success. A Man amongst Men. Dear Aunty Jenny, Rohan and Sheahan, our hearts ache for your loss, and we wish we were with you now to be of support and help in whatever way you need, in the days to come, know that you are not alone. We are blessed for having had Uncle Pops walk through our lives. We wish we could have enjoyed more of his time. Go well Sir, Go well. Andy and Molly Lachman, Shandhir, Narushka, Sudhir and Neha .
It is with a heavy, painful heart that I write this tribute in honour of my Popsy Khaka, the gentle giant in our family. Knowing his battle with his recent illnesses, we all knew in our hearts that this day would come, but not so soon. I always wondered why the burden of illness is placed on one that is so humble & so selfless. Popsy Khaka always made everyone around him feel so special. Family members held a treasured place in his heart and he spoilt us, especially his nieces and nephews. I am told “You were so tiny when you were born that your Khaka fainted when he first saw you” He made time for us, particularly the milestones, heaping praise upon us for our achievements & encouraging us to give off our best. School sporting events are treasured today as he was there, camera in hand to capture all the victories. We can share these with our own nieces and nephews. Fond memories of Disney Heights, Reservoir Hills & family get togethers come to mind, where a game of cricket was mostly on the cards, either played or watched. Khaka inspired my interest in crafts & was thrilled watching me decoupage. My first stethoscope which he funded is a treasured piece in my practice. Khaka, thank you for always being there for the joys & sorrows in my life. Your lovingly penned letters of encouragement when I was unwell, will forever remain dear. You were proud of us but also know that we are very proud to call you “OUR uncle”. I promise to honour your legacy. To Aunty Jenny, Rohan & Sheahan, know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. May the memories bring you strength & comfort. Thank you for your unconditional love & care for Khaka. Our sincere appreciation to the NZ family friends who helped make his last few years normal. His legacy lives on trough us all. Those we love are only a thought away. As long as there is a memory, they live in our hearts to stay. I miss you already. Watch over & protect us. May your Atma attain Moksha Om Shanti Love Nirupa
Picture
Part 2 He was a loyal relative who stood with us through thick and thin. Just as Pops enjoyed our relationship he left an undeniable imprint on the learners that he was in charge of. He was ever eager to help those pupil’s and it always endeared him to everyone. Surfice it to say we too are in deep sorrow and suffer the same pain as you Jenny, Rohan and Shehan. Pops will always be in our thoughts and conversations. God bless & may his soul have everlasting rest and peace
Dearest Jenny and Sons It is heart wrenching to say please accept our deepest and sincere condolences from Roy,Sharm and our Children, Renika, Yatheen and Avashnee and our extended family. The message of 24/02/2023 left us all shocked and in disbelief. Pop’s demise has left us all in deep grief because Pops left all of us not only in shock but he did so without a single word of departure. Besides being in deep grief I am dutybound to recall briefly our relationship of more than four decades: It was in 1979 that Sharm and I met our loving Pops. We were on a train on our way to Capetown, and here was Pops standing on the Ladysmith railway station platform with a huge parcel of delicious food prepared by his ever loving late mother. Here began a meeting that blossomed into a real friendship and then into family. We will always cherish and remember the voyage of life that we shared first with Pop’s and then his family. Our stay together in short street in Cavenby was unbelievable despite our beginning was only a few months. I remember vividly the day when Sharm in response to his question, that from that day on she (Sharm) would regard Pops as her brother he her sister. Consequently in 1980 their brother and sister relationship was cemented by Sharm tying rakhee on to Pop’s hand, this was a momentous moment for us as Pops became our truly and only relative in Capetown. Pops shared his life with us thereafter. We stayed together, we dined together, we travelled together and in a short space of time we explored every corner of Capetown. Pops helped us to learn about the environment. We took many pleasant trips to Table mountain, Robbin Island, Steenbrass Damn etc. One memorable visit was to the famous Sonesta ( you have the photo’s of that enjoyable holiday). Our admiration of Pops was a direct result of his strong qualities as a person. He was always respectful to us and our family. He was willing and caring with a deep sincerity. He was a loyal rela
Farewell Tribute to a beloved Brother (Part 3) A link in the family chain has been broken 💔 a branch of the tree has fallen and a chair in the corner will be empty. Go well my brother, you have served well, and you have fulfilled your mission. I believe the following lines are appropriate for a life well lived: " God looked around his garden And found an empty space, He then looked down upon the earth And saw your tired face. He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough And the hills were hard t o climb. So he closed your weary eyelids And whispered, "Peace be thine". It broke our hearts to lose you But you did not go alone, For part of us went with you The day God called you home" Your journey has just begun. We pray that this wonderful soul will attain moksha. Om Shanti 🙏🕉💕 To Jenny, Rohan and Sheahan we join in your grief and share in this immense loss of someone so near and dear. Although we apologize for not being there in person we join you in celebrating the life and legacy of someone so special to us.
Farewell Tribute to a beloved Brother (Part 2) As a teacher he was a dedicated and devoted professional, never settling for anything but to give his best. For me, my brother was a genial giant. In the more than 76 years as brothers we never exchanged a harsh word with each other. We shared a mutual and reciprocal respect for each other. When I received the news of Pops' passing my initial response was of disbelief, followed by a sense of immense guilt. In the early hours of the morning of his passing I was wide awake when I thought of calling him just to chat. For some unknown reason I decided to postpone the chat to Sunday. This error of judgement will haunt me for the rest of my life. In parting I want to acknowledge you my dear brother for your love and caring, your encouragement and support to family and friends, for bringing so much of joy and happiness through your presence in our lives, and for creating those wonderful memories for us to cherish. Your life has not been in vain as you have touched so many hearts and minds with your generosity of spirit. Your passing has left a void never to be filled, but the legacy you leave behind will endure forever.
Farewell Tribute to a beloved Brother (Part 1) It is with a leaden heart that I pen this message as a last farewell to my beloved brother Amarchand, always affectionately called Pops or Popsy. This nick name came to be because my mom and dad endearingly called him "Pop" when he was a toddler. Pops was born in the railway barracks in Ladysmith. It is in the dusty ash covered backyard of the barracks that we grew up. In the communal living environment we lived contented lives playing and sharing experiences, oblivious of the hardships that our families endured raising us. Pops and I spent the better part of our lives in each other's company. Memories flood back of when Pops was a baby and I as a three year old would often partake of his lactogen baby feed and tell my mom that baby was still hungry, until my khaki (aunt) caught me helping myself with his feed. In 1955 my grandparents, my uncle and aunt and Pops and I moved to our new home at 45 Poona Road. Our chores included chopping firewood, watering the vegetable and flower gardens and the weekly polishing of the floors with red stoep polish (down on knees). Amazingly, we never had disputes about one having more to do than the other. The main goal was to get done with the chores as quickly as possible so we could have more time to play. Having grown up in a family of sportsmen with a passion especially for cricket, Pops and I played cricket together for Railways CC and Parkhill CC in Ladysmith. Pops was also an accomplished tennis player. Pops and I shared a very close and intimate bond and always were conscious of each other's welfare and lent support, whenever it was needed. As other family members have mentioned, my brother was a gentle, loving and caring soul, selflessly and willingly offering guidance, encouragement and support to whoever needed assistance.
Deepest condolences to Jenny, Rohan and Sheahan on the passing of Pops, beloved husband and father. It is with great sadness that we learned of Pop's passing and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. There are so many memories... So many looked on now with fondness and tears. Always with love and kindness, shown by Pops, that runs through all. With love, from Citty, Janaan & Abdulla, Mika-eel, Nishaat Caron & Peter, Jack Tashreeq & Nabilla, Mujaid, Ayub Fagrie & Ayesha Aneeqah
I offer these words from the Bhagavad Gita given to me by my late granddad, Mr B Hari, in prayer and in tribute to his son, and my Popsie Khaka. "The soul is never born, nor does It die. Coming into being and ceasing to be do not take place in It. Unborn, eternal, changeless, ever Itself. It is not killed when the body is slain. This Self cannot be cut, nor burnt, nor wetted, nor dried. Eternal all-pervading, unchanging, immovable, the Self is the same forever. This Self is said to be unmanifested, unthinkable, and immutable. Therefore, knowing it as such, you should grieve." As I write this my eyes are welling up at the recollection of my childhood, and Popsie Khaka's role in cultivating my curiosity in science, and photography, as well as the fun weekends spent with Aunty Jenny and Popsie Khaka at their flat in Durban. His birthday gift to me of a Salter Science kit, in primary school was literally the light-bulb moment that made me choose a career in electrical engineering. I am forever grateful to Popsie Khaka, and will always honor his memory for the love and attention he showed me growing up. To Aunty Jenny, Rohan and Sheahan, you are all in our thoughts and prayers, and we are sorry that we cannot be together at this difficult time to share in the joys and sorrows of remembering and honoring Popsie Khaka. With love, Jitesh, Rashika, Shruti and Aditya Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi
In memory of Amarchand, fondly known as Pops to all of us. It is with deep sorrow and shock that I reflect on the phone call I received from Jenny that morning. Upon answering the phone, my first thought was to ask if Pops wanted to chat with me, as he had done so just a month prior. During our hour-long conversation, we reminisced about the past and he spoke highly of his caregiver. I requested to speak with her and appealed to her to take great care of him, knowing what a dear friend he was to me and assuring her that God would bless her. Little did I know that Jenny was about to deliver the heartbreaking news of his passing. My friendship with Amarchand (Pops), dates back to our childhood days as neighbors in Poona Road in Ladysmith, Kwa-Zulu Natal. We attended school from Grade 1 to Grade 12 and spent much of our weekends engaged in sporting activities. Cricket was his passion, a trait he inherited from his late father and elder brother, Prem. Even as kids, 45 Poona Road was an "open house" to and we were always greeted with warm hospitality from his Aunty, who never failed to offer us something to satisfy our hunger. It was a difficult time for our families, and the memories of that period remain etched in my mind. As luck would have it, we both entered the teaching profession and shared our experiences throughout our lives, even after he relocated to New Zealand. Pops and his family will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to cherish my friendship with Jenny and the children. I offer my sincerest gratitude to Jenny for taking care of my dear friend during his illness, and I pray that God will bless her and her children. Go well, my friend, and may God welcome you with open arms.
To Aunty Jenny, Rohan & Sheahan…my heartfelt condolences to you. We share in the sorrow and pain in the days that are to follow. There will be a void in our hearts now that Pops Khaka has left this world. I pray that he was welcomed with the loving arms of the family departed before. Growing up I have fond memories of weekend visits to Pops Khaka & Aunty Jenny’s home in Reservoir Hills, Durban. Cricket was always on the cards either by watching or playing. It is a Huri tradition afterall. We also enjoyed many afternoon “matches” over school holidays with the boys while visiting Aaji & Aaja in Ladysmith. There was always much laughter as we got to spend time together creating those precious memories that we will treasure in our hearts forever. I love that Pops Khaka cared so much for all of us ❤️ We love you and will miss you dearly.🙏🏽 आत्मा को सद्गति प्राप्त हो
Dear Popsbhai, you brought love, light and laughter into the lives of family and friends! Your kindness was immeasurable. My first ferry boat ride was to Salisbury Island, the college campus for Indian students, then to see the Dick King Statue and lastly the trip was complete when the pigeons were fed! We travelled around the world! You showed me every possible site! You would explain the history to me! The weekly video calls meant the world to you. You never failed to ask about every family member, young and old! I would hear about the calls you received and the conversations you had! I will miss your humour! May your soul reach the ultimate Moksha! Fly with the Angels dear brother! My heartfelt condolences to Jenny, Rohan and Sheahan. I’m sorry that I cannot be there during this difficult time! Thankyou Ela, Subha and Saras for your support! Pops spoke so fondly of you! Heartfelt thanks to Kim for your support and comfort to Jenny, Rohan and Sheahan. Thankyou for arranging the ‘Celebration’ of Pop’s life! Om Shanti Om
Maama , words cannot express the shock and great sadness when I got the call that you had passed on . Our childhood memories at Annet Drive are some of the best holidays, thank you and Maamee for tolerating us and always making our times together special. Thank you for you unconditional love for everyone around you , always making sure everyone around you was comfortable. Maamee , Rowie and Sheahan ,our deepest condolences ,always know that you are in our prayers , Maama lived a wonderful life surrounded by your love , we now pray that his soul attains Moksha . Lots of Love , Hemesh,Candice, Kiyaan and Liyara
PREM NAMASTE, GOOD MORNING AND KIA ORA TO ONE AND ALL POPS MAAMA, AND OF LATE POPSY AAJA I WILL NEVER FORGET OUR FIRST MEETING, IT WAS A FEW WEEKS BEFORE OUR WEDDING BUT I FELT I HAD ALREADY KNOWN YOU FROM ALL THE WONDERFUL CHILDHOOD STORIES DILAN HAD NARRATED TO ME. ONE PART THAT STANDS OUT MOST WAS HIS EMPHASIS ON HOW STERN YOU WERE, (WHICH I NEVER BELIEVED AND STILL DON’T. WELL ATLEAST NOT WITH ME). I ADMIRED AND RESPECTED YOUR PASSION FOR NEW ZEALAND AND THEIR CULTURE. OUR CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE PRESENT, STORIES ABOUT THE GOOD OLD DAYS AND ADVICE YOU SO FREELY GAVE IS SOMETHING WE WILL CARRY WITH US FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. SINCE THE BIRTH OF BOTH OUR KIDS, YOU HAD MADE IT YOUR ULTIMATE PRIORITY TO BE PART OF THEIR LIVES AS AN AAJA FROM THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY. WE WILL ENSURE THAT THEY NEVER FORGET THE LOVE AND ADMIRATION YOU HAVE FOR THEM AND WILL SPEAK YOUR NAME REGULARLY SO THAT YOUR MEMORY LIVES ON. THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS GIVING AND DOING YOUR BEST FOR EVERYONE AROUND YOU SO WHOLE HEARTEDLY. YOUR LEGACY WILL DEFINITELY LIVE ON FOR MANY, MANY YEARS TO COME. YOU’VE MOST CERTAINLY SET THE BAR EXTREMELY HIGH. THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL TIMES THAT ARE NOW DEAR AND BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES THAT WE WILL TREASURE FOREVER. I THANK GOD THAT OUR PATHS CROSSED. WE’D LIKE TO ONCE AGAIN EXTEND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO JENNY MAMIE, ROHAN AND SHEAHAN. MAY YOUR MOST PRECIOUS SOUL ATTAIN MOKSHA. LOTS OF LOVE AND HUGS: DILAN, DIYA, KIRATI & NITHYA
Thank you Pops for welcoming me into your life. For raising a son that makes me glad he had you as a father everyday,. For being so patient with me, for making me laugh and sharing your courageous life journey with me in quiet chats that educated me to both the cruelty and the beauty of people and the world. You were an exceptional man who I admired greatly, and I will forever feel at a loss for not having had more time with you. Go well on your next journey. Kim x
Funeral service held at Central Park Chapel, Davis Funerals

A simple way to share tributes, receive service reminders, and send flowers or support.
Join the Waitlist