'He was known and loved by so many': Tribute to popular Horsham trader

Tributes have been paid to a '˜kind hearted and selfless soul' who spent more than 20 years trading in Horsham.
Karim 'Googie' NoormohamedKarim 'Googie' Noormohamed
Karim 'Googie' Noormohamed

Karim Noormohamed, know as Googie, ran popular family businesses Mabu Leather in the town centre for more than two decades.

He died at his home in Eastbourne last week at the age of 57.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Paying tribute his family said: “We are saddened and shocked by the sudden death of 57-year-old Googie. He was known and loved by so many.

“Googie was truly a kind hearted and selfless soul, he only ever thought of others and put his family before himself on every occasion.

“He never married and had no children as he dedicated his life to the business and setting up a future for his brother’s children.

“He was at everyone’s beck and call and never said no to anyone in need.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Googie founded Mabu Leather with his brothers, Mehboob and Azim.

The trio started trading at markets in Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Crawley, Eastbourne, Brighton, Worthing, Blackbush, East Grinstead, Redhill and Horsham before opening a store in Swan Walk.

They were one of the first traders in the shopping centre and spent more than 16 years in the building. They then moved to North Street for a few years before expanding the business to Crawley, Burgess Hill, Eastbourne and Kent.

“Googie was an integral part of getting Mabu Leathers to where it is today, and his brothers are eternally grateful,” the family said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Googie was an eccentric soul, and the family have many stories about his mannerisms and general persona.

“He was well remembered for that infamous walk, he often walked looking at the floor with his hands behind his back, and they would jest with him about how surprised they were that he hadn’t walked into anything, as how could he possibly see where he was going?!

“He wore his long hair with pride, always brushed and tied neatly in a pony tail at the base of his head even when there was very little left on the top.”

He leaves behind his mother, four brothers, two sisters, four nephews, seven nieces, three great nieces, two great nephews.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite the fact Googie never had any children of his own the family explained there was one member of staff who became ‘like a daughter to him’.

“Googie employed a Saturday girl to work for him in the early years of Swan Walk,” the family said. “He truly took her under his wing when he supported her with her school work and through her later education.

“He financially helped her through university and in return he was the guest of honour at her wedding last year. The family think upon her as his surrogate daughter, they have welcomed her into the family as their own.”

The family is inviting those who wish to celebrate Googie’s life to an open house today (Thursday May 4).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Those wishing to pay their respects can attend 46 Langley Drive, Langley Green, from 4pm.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: