Lushka kudagi memories of Askar

I remember Askar Altayev as a caring and loving family man. He loved his parents. After his mother passed away, Askar daily made certain his father was taken care of. Askar loved his wife, Gauhar, whom he met while studying in Moscow. Together they raised three beautiful children, Asel, Sanzhar and Kamilya, clever children, and kind children, a credit to their supportive love. Askar had time to share his love with our grandchildren Amina, and Sakina. He knew Isaac from the photos.

Askar was intelligent. He immersed himself in writing history books, which I was told were about World War 2. Askar left too soon for me to ask him questions about his academic ideas, but the books he left behind can be read in Russian. One day there may well be an English translation. He loved Kazakhstan and its history. So during the years I lived in Almaty, he was eager for me to see the natural beauty and visit historically important places. He wanted to see the natural beauty of Australia, my country, but left too soon, to visit, and for me to return the hospitality and love he gave me and my family.

I met Askar because he is my daughter in law’s father. He and Gaughar took me, Amina, our granddaughter, my son, Iman, his wife Asel, from Almaty airport to their home. I, was a former hippie, was very impressed riding at the back of Askar’s Audi, looking at the orderly many high rise apartment built in the soviet times, the old stately buildings, a reminder of previous occupations, and liked to share not only food and wealth with his relatives and friends , but also his happiness. The laughter that he created from his funny jokes at the family and friends’ dinner tables is missed. Askar was a man driving the Audi, impressing his western visitors with Beatles CDs on his player. That was a nostalgia we enjoyed and Askar had it. He was authentic, made by his history.

Askar was a witty, funny man. It was a pleasure to him to make people laugh at the weekly family special dinners. When we sit together at this remembrance of him, we wait for another of his jokes.

May Allah give him kindness for the happy days he Askar gave us.