All those contacted by Saudi Gazette on Wednesday following the death of Wahib Binzagr in Brazil, had one thing to say: He was a very humorous person, who made any situation light, putting people at ease and getting the best out of them. Even though the sad news spread all around the Kingdom in no time, a couple of them were unaware, and were so overwhelmed with memories and the sudden tragic happening that they could not speak and thus requested to be excused. Basil M. Al-Ghalayini, founder and CEO of BMG financial advisers, said that besides being a visionary business leader, Binzagr was a very cultured and humorous person. “When I invited him to attend one of the classic concerts that the BMG Foundation hosted in London last year, his response was ‘if you promise me to be the conductor then I will attend.' He saw and implemented innovative ideas before their time,” said Al-Ghalayini. “Binzagr was an old master who knew how to paint a world class business idea which would be a case study for future generations. He will be missed immensely,” he added. Hussein Shobokshi, businessman and economic consultant, said Binzagr had a very nice sense of humor, which made even the most serious moments light and “evaporate in thin air.” He also had a fine taste in life, which he led in an exemplary way. He always brought light and knowledge to the meetings that he attended or led. “He made an impact on many sectors and many people. His passing away is a great loss. He will be remembered for generations to come,” said Shobokshi. Dr. Basmah Mosleh Omair, executive director, Khadijah Bint Khuwailid Center for Businesswomen at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said that his death is an extremely sad news for all who knew him, and there were many. She said Binzagr was a great leader. He trusted others and inspired them to achieve their goals. “Binzagr had a friendly and beautiful nature. He was a father that we all had,” Omair said and added that he was very supportive of women's activities concerning their growth and progress in business and society. He was always smiling and joking, and made everybody around him feel safe and important. Madawi Abdullah Al-Hassoun, JCCI board member, who has been in business for more than two decades, said Binzagr, was one of the leading and pioneering figure in the economic sector, who did a lot for the Jeddah Chamber. She said that he was a man of vision and “advance thinking,” who had the welfare of the community at heart. He was dynamic, and pushed forward for the progress of the city and the country with wisdom and sincerity. Al-Hassoun said that Jeddah has lost one of its most precious sons. “He was very active in women's development. He took interest in their empowerment – collectively as well as individually – to put them in the right place,” she said. “He never turned down anyone who asked for help, especially the young businesswomen and men ‘moral-wise, money-wise' in all aspects, including awareness, empowerment, and sponsorship of business fora, ” she stressed, and added, “Personally speaking, he helped me take my first steps at the Chamber, and was the man behind all the good that has happened at the Chamber.” Samar Fatany, a veteran radio journalist, who has been active in women's activities, and been a member of several Saudi delegations abroad, said the community has lost a very prominent person, and leader of a House of Business that has contributed so much to the society. “There can hardly be a person in business who has not met him. All were impressed by his humanity, and kindheartedness,” Fatany said, and added, “Binzagr was a very humorous person. He always had funny things to say, which made the most grim and serious situation lighter.” He was full of leadership qualities. In any briefing that he conducted, Binzagr made everybody feel at ease, and made them cooperate enthusiastically. He inspired, and encouraged them to give their best to the program, project, or work at hand.
