Celebrating a Life Well Lived
Rev. Chaman Sardar
February 9, 1944 – April 4, 2024
Yousaf and Amir’s dad, Chaman Sardar, passed away on April 4 quite unexpectedly in Lahore, Pakistan. Chaman started Bunyaad in the 1960s with a handful of families in the village of Darianwala. He saw people with great skill but who didn’t have an outlet for their rugs that paid a fair and living wage. Over the years, Bunyaad grew to include over 850 families in roughly 100 villages around Pakistan.
We are so thankful for Chaman’s life spent helping to alleviate poverty through fair trade and we are grateful for the passion he, with his wife Fazeelat, instilled in their family to work for justice and to create community in all that they do.
For a beautiful life fully lived, we give thanks.
We know that Chaman’s life touched many people near and far. Yousaf and Amir are currently in Pakistan and are greatly comforted by the kind words of many about how their father worked to make the world a better place. Please feel free to leave your messages of condolence and love below.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Chaman, I can say that he has influenced my life in a positive way. My husband and I like to support craftsmen and women. Through Chaman’s work we have been able to acquire several of your beautiful rugs, feeling confident that the makers have not been exploited. As someone who does fabric arts myself, I appreciate the care, thought, and talent that he manifested and that the good he did.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your father, Yousaf. What a wonderful example of a life well lived. So nice you could visit recently. Our thoughts are with you and your whole family as you grieve ????
My fondest memories are visiting in your family home when we traveled to Lahore in 1998. Wonderful meals prepared by your sister and mother, time around the table with your father and brothers. Listening to Chaman tell the story of (JAKCISS) Bunyaad. We also traveled to Darianwala to your visit your grandfather and your home village. We were up late dancing and enjoying the food and music. Of course we met many rug artisans and learned the details of crafting the beautiful carpets. Your father, your mother and all of you were so generous. I grieve with you and wish you God’s love and comfort.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the family of Chaman Sardar…. He sounds like a wonderful person… father, grandfather… May his memory be a blessing..
Your father, Rev. Chaman Sardar, sounds like he was a generous and loving man who touched many lives.
I send hugs and my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
My deepest condolences. May the Lord grant your family peace as your father is now rejoicing in the presence of His maker.
Yousaf and family, our most sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your dad. We think and pray for you in this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Mick, Paula and Cormac Nyland, Dublin, Ireland
Norma & I recall with pleasant memories visiting with Yousaf’s & Amir’s parents when they visited North America a number of years ago. In fact I recall someone taking a photo of your father & I visiting together while sitting on a stack of rugs at Bunyaad in Ephrata, Pa. We pass on our warmest condolences to the extended family.
I was privileged to be with Chaman and his wife Fazeelat on several occasions. Top of the list is my approximately three week stay in their home in Lahore. We were working on a project in the warehouse/office and then visiting artisans in several villages. He along with Fazeelat and family members were in our home in Ephrata. They even attended our 50th wedding anniversary celebration, what a gift.
Jo and I extend heartfelt sympathy to all of the family. He certainly will be missed by all of us.
Blessings
Having met Yousaf’s father twice , I saw his honour and love of his family and his work . He left a deep imprint on many peoples lives. I know his absence will be felt by his family as well as people who worked with him . Many thanks for the work he started and that it continues today. Condolences to Yousaf and the entire family .
Having been a long-time volunteer at Dix Mille Villages in Pointe-Claire and still flipping Bunyaad rugs, I never knew that Bunyaad was started by Yousef’s father. What a legacy he created! Deepest condolences to all of Chaman’s family.
My condolences to Yousaf and Amir and their families on the passing of Chaman. You must have happy memories of your family’s recent visit. What a wonderful example of selfless living that will have an impact for so many people for years to come. “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
Yousaf: So sorry for your loss. May the God of Peace wrap you and your family in His arms of love and comfort at this time of loss.
Dear Jenni and Yousef
I am sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your father. Paul and I experienced him as a very gracious host when we traveled to Pakistan on the first rug buying trip. We enjoyed the hospitality of your family him the ride to the village where the rugs were woven.
Chaman will be greatly Miss in his church and his community.
Becci
Being a volunteer at 10,000 Villages for 15 years, Bunyaad rugs have been a regular occurrence in my life over that time. I have always felt privileged when having them in our store.
A wonderful legacy to remember your Father by. My deepest condolences.
Deep sympathy to the family. I am sure his life will be an inspiration to many.
I am volunteer with Ten Thousand Villages in Cobourg, Ontario and I always enjoy seeing the beautiful rugs each year.
Deep sympathy to the family. I am sure his well lived life will be an inspiration to many.
I am a volunteer with Ten Thousand Villages in Cobourg, Ontario and I always admire so many beautiful rugs which really are works of art.
What a wonderful legacy to have left, Bunyaad Rugs and all the people involved and a wonderful loving dedicated family! Love to you all.
My deepest sympathy to you both and to your families. Your father was an exceptional man who touched many lives. Although I never had the pleasure of knowing your father, reading about his life and his achievements is amazing. His work will continue to thrive thanks to his family.
I am a volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada and have had an opportunity over the past three years to be involved with the rug events. Seeing these beautiful works of art is a privilege.
Honoured to have met Yousaf’s father when on a Learning Tour in Pakistan in 2005.
He shared his home, his church the village where Bunyaad began and more.
It was a gift I won’t ever forget.
He taught much to so many. His definitely was a life well lived.
Godspeed Chaman.