Richard Ishmail remembered

By Odette Ishmail
18 January 2007

Slain former Big Issue boss and former owner of Off Morocco, Richard Ishmail had his life commemorated at a Memorial Service held last night in the Ashley Kriel Hall at Community House in Salt River.

The service was preluded by quiet music played by musicians who previously performed at Off Morocco. It is obvious that Ishmail meant a lot to many people, who during the course of the evening read out poems to honour to him.

"I’m very glad to have been here… in this very special celebration of Richard’s life, that in itself is very healing and very positive. I think the way he died was very premature and tragic, it shows us that much more has to be done to combat crime in our country." said Big Issue’s Do Machin.

ANC provincial chairman James Ngculu also praised Ishmail and saluted him last night, as he spoke about how Ishmail contributed to South Africa during its oppression.

Relatives and friends listened to many stories told about Richard, but the evening service was emphasized as a celebration by all who were present.

Richard Ishmail passed away in hospital on January 10 after he was stabbed in his home in Woodstock. No arrests have been made yet, but his family is appealing to the community to come forward and help the police with any information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.