FAREWELL TO THE MASTER PRINTER: BURJOR FRAMROZE POONAWALA

The mention of Burjor Framroze Poonawala’s name among veteran Rotarians invariably invoked responses of “a great sense of humour” and “he was so witty”, to describe him.

The ‘Master Printer’ bid a final goodbye to family and friends on October 3, 2018. He was born on May14, 1934. He and his company, Commercial Art Engravers, received many awards for excellence in printing from various oganisations including the All India Printer’s Association. An eminent and celebrated member of the Bombay Master Printers Association, he had joined the Rotary Club of Bombay in 1964.

He always spoke admiringly of Rotary’s fourway test and the impact that it had on his life. Another aspect of being a Rotarian that was dear to him was the discipline that was enjoined and followed.

Poonawala’s life traversed the journey of India in the pre-Independence and post- Independence phases. The experiences over the decades in the work that he so passionately loved and the life and people he observed with a humorous but gentle twinkle in his eye lent a rich and varied perspective to his conversation. He was also an avid traveller.

His beloved wife Arnavaz’s passing away earlier this year affected him deeply. He leaves behind daughter Shernaz, son Khurshed, daughter-inlaw Meher, and grandchildren Lyla and Rishad. May his soul rest in peace.