TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘humble’ and ‘caring’ businessman who has died aged 67.

Mukhtar Ahmed Khan passed away after a short illness on Saturday October 31, his family said.

He had been to Pakistan for several months and returned to the UK in September. After self-isolating he returned to work at United Finance and Insurance.

Mr Khan came to the UK aged only seven in 1960 from Porawala Gujarat in Pakistan.

He went on to study at university which at the time was something few people from the Asian community managed to achieve.

He went on to work at the Abbey National which was based at premises in Whalley Range until it closed and was rebranded.

His son Aamar said: “We have had so many people contact us who are shocked to hear of his death. He remained active in recent years and hardly spent any time in hospital during his life.

“It seems he picked up Covid-19 at work and then his health took a turn for the worse. He was fit and healthy and people were always commenting at how well he looked for his age.”

Mr Khan was in ICU and then on a ventilator for a week before his death. The funeral took place on Sunday at Pleasington Cemetery under strict Covid-19 guidelines.

Mr Khan, of Crosshill Road, was well known for assisting people from all backgrounds from his premises in the heart of Whalley Range.

Aamar said: “People will remember him for being there whenever they needed him. He was a humble and a quiet character who never turned anyone away.

“Residents used to come in to have things translated or even had trouble contacting companies and he would ring them himself to assist.

“He was very traditional in that way as he felt it was his duty to help others. He never asked for anything in return.

“He also never missed a funeral prayer and always insisted on being there to pay his respects.

“I believe he was asked to stand a councillor a few times because so many people knew him but I don’t think he was one for the limelight.

“He will be missed by his family friends and the wider community and we are all still coming to terms with his death.”

Aamar said he wanted people to realise the dangers of Covid and take all possible precautions to stay well.

He said: “It has been a difficult period for everyone and I would urge everyone to ensure they take the proper health precautions during the pandemic.

"This could happen to anyone and dad was not someone who had any underlying health conditions.

“We would like to thank everyone who has sent their good wishes and prayers to the family at this tragic time.”

People are asked not to attend the house to pay their respects.

Mukhtar Ahmed Khan is survived by three sons, two daughters and five grandchildren.