His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him…..”Indeed. Rafique was a warm, engaging person, of many dimensions. Sharp of intellect and insight, he had a quiet -sometimes wicked- sense of humour. Keen on the good things of life, he wanted to enjoy them with others, and his instinctive generosity made sure he did so, often.I first met Rafique about 15 years ago, when he was going through a challenging period in his business life. He never complained, sorted out, and overcame, his difficulties honourably, and remained affable and good company throughout. We met since, often going out for dinner in small groups – his ‘gourmet’ aspect glowed, as he could not resist suggesting what you might prefer, instead of what you had actually ordered…..Conversation ranged broadly, from politics to the economy, to sport ( inevitably to football where he followed his favourite teams progress assiduously).The fact that he’d been harbouring an illness ever since I had first met him – and I learnt about it only after he’d passed away, illustrates his joy de vivre, his magnificience of spirit. I don’t believe he ever let any situation weigh on him. Clearly, he illustrated, in his existence, these lines from Horace:“Happy the man, and happy he alone,He who can call today his own;Who secure within, can safely say-Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today”. – Salim Raza, former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan
