Syed Kifayat HussainKAZMIMr Syed Kifayat Hussein Kazmi April 2nd 1934- 21st November 2025 Mr Syed Kazmi arrived in the United Kingdom in 1961 to undertake postgraduate studies in education at Hull University, beginning teaching at Linslade Secondary School in 1964. Over the following 40 years, he made a major contribution both to his profession and to the local community in Derby, where he spent most of his working life. He worked in numerous schools such as Townsend Boys Secondary School and Merill School. It was his love of learning and joy of sharing it with others that carried him from the family farm in a small village near Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to the UK and that formed the essential part of the man he was. He was one of the first Asian teachers in the UK, carrying the additional responsibilities of providing a good representation of his community, culture, and faith, and trailblazing the path forward for future generations, alongside setting up his students for success. His endeavours did not stop within the school walls; he sat on various regional and national panels and committees throughout his career, determined to ensure the educational system brought out the very best in all students. He retired at 63, having reached the position of Deputy Director of Curriculum at Mackworth College. During his time as a teacher, he was admired by colleagues and students for his sharp mind and ability to simplify complex topics, helping hundreds of students attain their academic goals. Despite holding a full-time Job and raising four children (Amir, Majid, Asim & Farhat, all educated to university level), he dedicated considerable time to unpaid voluntary service, seeing it as his civic duty to contribute to the local community. An eloquent speaker, he played a critical role in raising the profile of ethnic minorities in Derby. It was through the selfless efforts of Mr Kazmi and others like him that the strong communal relationships we can access nowadays in Derby were fostered. Mr Kazmi served as president of the Pakistan Cultural Society for five years, totalling thirty years of involvement. Through their efforts, a better cross-cultural understanding between the local and diaspora populations was developed alongside consistent charitable fundraising. He led the planning and establishment of the 1st Pakistani Community Centre in Derby, a valuable resource for the diaspora that is still in use. Mr Kazmi also worked with the Racial Equality Council in Derby as a an executive committee member for 7 years and Vice Chairman for 3 years. Mr Kazmi recognised early on the importance of fostering dialogue and engagement to ensure mutual respect and a united effort towards community improvement. The legacy of this work was many years of Derby being a glowing beacon for racial tolerance and understanding. He was Governor of Broomfield Agricultural College and a representative on the Community Health Council from 1996 to 2003. During his time there, the CHC was vital in configuring the new structure of Derby Children's Hospital upon its relocation to better facilities, and he was elected vice-chair of the Mental Health working group and represented the CHC on the Orthodontic committee. Mr Kazmi was also the first Asian Magistrate in Derby and presided on the Bench for over 20 years with a stellar record. He retired as a member of the Bench Training and Development Committee, Member of the Youth Committee panel and an appraiser of potential Chairmen and new magistrates. He was also a member of the Derby and South Derbyshire Advisory Sub-Committee and the County Advisory Committee. While the above may seem an exhaustive list, it is just a fraction of the time, effort, and care Mr Kazmi dedicated to Derby and the UK, the country that he loved and gave him a second home, where he raised his family. He was eventually recognised by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with an MBE for his service in 2007. Mr Kazmi's legacy of positive impact on thousands across the UK showcases the benefits of multiculturalism and the contributions many immigrants bring to the UK. Mr Kazmi spent his retirement as a beloved grandfather and an integral member of the Vicarage Park Allotments for over 15 years, always presenting his freshest produce as gifts to his neighbours and encouraging a green thumb amongst the younger ones. His leadership for nearly a decade left a lasting impression on the community, and he will be greatly missed.
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