A popular taxi boss has been remembered as a trusted friend and a "very caring man."
Tahir Farooq, who ran Dial a Ride Taxis in Bradford and Shipley, died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 60.
Mr Farooq dedicated more than three decades to the taxi trade and was widely known and respected across the Bradford district.
'Respected face in Bradford's taxi trade'
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from family, friends, colleagues, and customers, many of whom described him as a "hard-working guy" who built lasting relationships with those he served.
A tribute shared by the group Bradford Pakistanis described Mr Farooq as a "very familiar and respected face in Bradford's taxi trade."
The post said: "He was known as a friendly, caring and genuinely good-hearted person who helped so many people over the years.
From the left Eisah Farooq, Shamas Farooq, Tahir Farooq (Image: Shamas Farooq)
"He knew so many people, and so many people knew and respected him.
"He will be deeply missed, not only by those in the taxi trade, but by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him."
'His customers were like family to him'
Mr Farooq’s son, Shamas Farooq, said his father bought his first taxi business in 1989 and dedicated his life to serving the community.
Mr Farooq said: "He bought the firm in 1989.
"He's always been a taxi driver.
"We sold it in 2019 and then we opened up ExpressRide just last year in November.
"He's been picking people up since they were in the primary schools.
"He was a cheerful guy, he just got on with everyone.
"His customers were like family to him.
"It was a big shock to everyone.
"My dad was a very good man and a lot of people trusted him."
Son pays tribute
He said many customers would ask for his father by name because of the trust he had built over the years.
Mr Farooq said: "If they were stuck in Leeds they’d just tell the controller, 'Can you just send Car Zero?'
"They would only use us because of him.
"Especially on late-night calls, because they had that trust in him."
Tahir (second from the left) at a cricket World Cup party (Image: Shamas Farooq)
He added that while his father had always loved cars, it was the people around him who became most important in later years.
'He was like another father to us'
Mr Farooq’s nephew, Shaban Hussain, said his uncle’s death had left a huge void in the family.
Mr Hussain said: "It’s a big loss to the whole family.
"He was like another father to us.
"Anytime you needed him he was always there."
He said Mr Farooq treated colleagues like family.
Mr Hussain said: "He always treated them (colleagues) like his own kids.
"You can just remember his cheeky smile on his face, him grinning.
"Every time you’d come to his house, he’d always welcome you with open arms."
Community turns out in force for funeral
Mr Farooq’s funeral was held this past Wednesday.
His son said the family was overwhelmed by the turnout and support from the community.
Mr Farooq said: "I'm really shocked that so many people knew my dad.
"I think people remember him as a hard working and cheerful guy.
"He was dedicated in his job.
"I would like to tell everyone who's ever left any comments thank you for your support."
Past customers attend funeral
Mr Hussain said the turnout was a testament to the impact Mr Farooq had on people from all walks of life.
He said: "It wasn't just Muslims that turned up.
"He had so many of his customers that just randomly turned up, just to pay the respect.
"I think it must have been thousands at the funeral.
"The whole upstairs mosque floor was absolutely full."
Mr Hussain thanked everyone who attended and said the family will remember Mr Farooq for his kindness and positivity.
He said: "Even in his last moments, he was just smiling, that's what we can always remember him by.
"And to be honest, it's not only a huge loss for us, even for the community.
"It's just a tragedy that we've lost him at such a young age."