Sharif was born on a farm in Clarkabad, Pakistan in 1931.
His wife Babi predeceased him, and he leaves behind a large and loving family in Pakistan: Shafqat & Treeza (Rimsha & Sharoon), Shahid & Shabaona (Sahair, Mehek, Mousa), Shaziah & Yousef (Shalom & Shaleem), Rebecca, Alicia and Monica.
As a young man, he trained as an Anglican priest and after his training, he served in Lahore.
Although his family name is Ghulam, Sharif chose to add Masih on to his name to signify his faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah. Whether in Urdu or English, he treasured reading the Psalms of comfort from the Bible.
In 1995, Sharif came to Canada as a religious refugee. While it was very difficult to leave his family behind in Pakistan, Sharif did love being a Canadian citizen and it didn't take him very long to build up a large network of friendships and connections. He was a faithful member of First Christian Reformed Church, and nurtured many long-lasting friendships at Broadway Manor as well as in the Pakistani-Canadian community.
The last months of Sharif's life were difficult as he adjusted to a long stay in the hospital, followed by moving to Finnish Manor. He eventually was able to feel more settled there and acknowledged the care he received from the staff.
In light of current health-order restrictions, a small viewing and service will be held at Kearney Columbia-Bowell Chapel, New Westminster, followed by a Christian burial at Hazelmere Cemetery on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Many thanks to the staff of Finnish Manor who continued to care for Sharif and others in the midst of COVID-19, and nurse Christa who was with him for his last moments.
Those who would like to donate in Sharif's memory can contribute to help his family in Pakistan as they struggle to pay for medical bills in this COVID time.