From Huzur Nigel Hamilton
A Tribute to Zamir Martin Roehrs
Zamir was a truly loyal, honest, and trusted friend. He had a funny mischievous side, blended with a loving compassion for people, particularly those who struggle. Participants and teachers who attended the Alps summer camp will certainly remember Zamir, his presence, holding everything together.
Zamir made a tremendous contribution to the growth and development of our Order, spanning a period of well over 40 years. He was much loved and respected as a teacher, leader, organizer, one who was not afraid of taking responsibility or of speaking out when others were silent. He gave his time generously in helping spread the Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan.
Zamir was initiated in 1973 at the Alps camp in Chamonix. He become a devoted follower of Pir Vilayat Khan and our Sufi path. After moving to the Abode community, he returned home to resume his involvement in the European Sufi Order, taking on different roles as Cherag, Centre leader and guide.
In 1988, he was asked by Pir Vilayat to take over the Alps camp as Director. Typically, he committed himself to this task, organizing, restructuring, and revitalizing everything. The camp began to attract several hundred people every year with programs involving speakers and presenters from our Sufi Order European and American centers and beyond the Sufi Order as it was known then. As personal secretary to Pir Vilayat and European Sufi Order secretary, he revitalized our communication and organization of events.
He was a tremendous support for Pir Vilayat helping him to explore the wonders of new technology – the Internet!
During this period Zamir was involved in easing the difficult relationship/situation that existed between the Sufi Order and the Sufi Movement (S.M) by establishing a good, open relationship with Professor Witteveen, then S.M head. This helped pave the way for negotiation towards a settlement.
During this period, Zamir and Alina took up residence at Fazl Manzil to help maintain it and oversee events there. He redesigned, renovated, and expanded the Khanqa which enabled many more people to attend the leaders’ trainings and other gatherings held there. He was made Vice-President of the Universel in 1991 and trustee of both the Inayat Stichting and the Nekbakt Foundation.
When Pir Vilayat’s cancer spread, Zamir and Alima helped to look after him right up to his death, supporting Mary in her last years.
Ever enterprising, Zamir founded Zenith on the Road, taking groups on pilgrimages to many Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries.
Zamir was also a trustee of the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education for 17 years, keeping and preparing our accounts. His advice was always sound, sober, and very clear.
In his last years, Zamir was a role model for many of us, facing his terminal illness with great courage and dignity.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Alima for looking after him through thick and thin.
He is survived by Alima, daughter Anna and his granddaughter Leah.
We shall miss him, and we wish him well on his journey home.
