FAMILY and friends of a Keighley father of three who died during a routine operation have spoken of their grief.

Jhangir Hussain, 46, from Cliffe Street, Highfield, (pictured) died last Thursday (Feb 14) while having a heart bypass operation at Leeds General Infirmary.

Javaid Akhtar, an uncle of Mr Hussain, said: “We’re all totally devastated and shocked at his sudden passing.

“He was a great human being who had time for everyone and was a very popular member of the community.”

Another uncle, Pervez Naik, said his nephew had suffered from ill health but his death had been completely unexpected.

“His family are lost for words and inconsolable,” he added. “It’s had a huge impact on everyone.

“He was such a lovely, friendly character and there was never a dull moment with him. The mosque was packed out for his funeral. He was a tremendously popular guy."

Mr Naik is boss of Oxford Taxis Private Hire, where Mr Hussain had worked for about 10 years. Shortly after his death, the firm released a statement expressing sorrow at the news.

The statement added: “’Jangy’, a father of three and all-round jolly bloke was in good spirits before going into theatre, with nothing particularly worrisome about the operation.

“Please bear with us during this period of bereavement. Rest in peace.”

Mr Hussain was born in Mirpur, in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and came to England in 1993 when he was 21. Shortly before moving to England he had married Nasreen Akhtar.

He was initially employed in local factories before becoming a taxi driver. He previously worked at Crown Private Hire and his last job before his death was for Ilkley Taxis.

He was keen on volleyball and snooker and also attended poetry performances.

His funeral service was at Keighley’s Markazi Jamia Mosque on February 16. The following day his body was taken to Pakistan, where his parents still live, for a further funeral service then burial yesterday. (Feb 18)

Mr Akhtar, who is a Keighley town councillor and former mayor, said: “Twenty-six members of Jhangir’s family accompanied his body to Azad Kashmir for burial.

“Both funerals were attended by thousands of people. On behalf of our family I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us, and sent their sympathies or messages of condolence.”

As well as his wife, Mr Hussain leaves behind two sons – Mohsin, 25, Ismael, 15 and his 24-year-old daughter, Kiran.