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Died: Sammy Bhiwandiwalla, 80, chairman of the UK headquartered World Zoroastrian  Organisation (WZO); on December 27, 2020 in England following sudden organ failure.
Until the fourth week of December, he was busy with his responsibilities as WZO chairman, sending communiqués, coordinating with members and even Parsiana following the demise of WZO president Shahpur Captain. In fact, the last message he circulated on Christmas eve to members and well-wishers alluded to the saoshyant (savior) that many Zoroastrians await to rekindle the religion, little realizing that by being more kind and considerate towards others, each one of us can serve as a saoshyant and contribute to the progress of the community.
"His life which he shared with WZO, was of total commitment as he truly believed everyone had the right to think for themselves, whether it was religion or otherwise. He held many portfolios in the managing committee over the years. Initially in 1988 when invited to join the board he served as community relations officer in the UK, thereafter as honorary secretary, honorary treasurer, president and chairman,” recalled Toxy Cowasjee who had worked with him on the WZO committee for nearly three decades and served as editor for the WZO quarterly, Hamazor.
"The last three years of his life he worked tirelessly to see that the World Zoroastrian House in Feltham, Middlesex, a dream of many, came into fruition finally; and thankfully both Shahpur and Sammy were there to witness the results of their hard work,” added Cowasjee.
"Sammy was instrumental in helping to raise thousands of English pounds for the new WZO premises. Once the property was bought, Sammy was at Bridge House every spare moment of his life overseeing the building renovation work taking place. He dedicated his life to WZO. Were it not for Sammy, WZO House would not be what it is today!” stated Tehmi Patel who was social secretary for a number of years and had known him and his wife Ursula well over 40 years.
Repeatedly described as being "kind, loving, generous and helpful,” Sammy was "particularly interested in ensuring equality of rights and treatment for all Zoroastrians, recognizing that non-Zoroastrian spouses and their offspring were an integral part of our community and should be treated as equals. Sammy along with Shahpur and the small band of committee members and volunteers in the UK and across the world strived towards the uplift and betterment of Zoroastrians,” noted a message shared by WZO honorary secretary Benafsha Engineer-Mulla.
Since 2002 the Bhiwandiwallas continued the practice initiated by Toxy’s father Noshirwan Cowasjee of organizing Fravardian prayers annually where non-Zoroastrian family members were welcome at the Zoroastrian Cemetery in Brookwood on the first Sunday of September. Patel referred to Sammy and Ursula ferrying in their car the afarganiu, other utensils and sandalwood needed for the prayers, as also a trestle table, flasks for tea and coffee, with paper cups and plates for finger food brought by volunteers and shared by all after the midday prayers. The contributions collected on the occasion would be donated to the WZO Medical Benevolent Fund.
"The right of worship is the fundamental and inherent prerogative of everyone. Nothing has and nothing should deter anyone in joining our United Farvardegan Prayer (UFP). All those who attend this UFP set an example to our future generation and lead them to the right of worship in the true Zoroastrian tradition,” Sammy had noted in his invite (see "Prayers for progress,” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, August 21, 2013).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The WZO’s annual balls, barbeques and other events held to raise funds were "a hands-on affair by the team, as it should be, each playing their part with their spouses. Sammy was always the designated photographer… If it hadn’t been for Sammy, Hamazor would never have been able to share this visual record with its readers,” acknowledged Toxy.
Born in Bombay as the youngest of five children, after his schooling in Poona and graduation from St Xavier’s College in Bombay, Sammy left for the UK in the late 1950s. He met Ursula at a ballet class in London when they were both 21 and they got married the following year. Together they launched a company in 1970 trading in chemical products for the foundry and model making industry. After 35 years they retired to devote more time to their family and the community. Sammy was also a trustee of the World Zarathushtrian Trust, The Kutar Trust and Sadri Foundation.
Passionate about classical music, art and gardening, he was well informed in these subjects. Elegant hosts who enjoyed good company, the Bhiwandiwallas would not only invite friends to their home but also religious scholars and lecturers who spoke under the auspices of WZO each year, and the youth who would be offered affection and hospitality.
The large-hearted leader is survived by his wife Ursula, daughter Nicola, son Cyrus and brother Dorab.