Wednesday should have been a day of celebration for Sydney security guard Faraz Tahir and his family.
Instead, loved ones spent what would have been his 31st birthday seeing his body for the first time.
Tahir was among the six people killed when Joel Cauchi hunted down shoppers at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13.
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The other victims were all women: Ashlee Good, 38; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; Yixuan Cheng, 27; and Pikria Darchia, 55.
Tahir was on his first shift as a security guard at the Westfield when Cauchi stormed the shopping centre.
The 31-year-old moved to Australia as a refugee just a year ago, fleeing persecution in his home country Pakistan.
His family arrived in Australia on Wednesday ahead of Tahir’s funeral on Friday.
“Faraz will be dearly missed by whole family and community,” older brother Muzafar Tahir said.
“Today is his 31st birthday and the family have seen his body for first time.
“We would like to thank the Australian public for showing love and compassion to a stranger, who became a hero.”
Friend Adnan Qadir earlier described Tahir as a man who put others ahead of himself and someone who was known for his volunteer work.
“He was a great guy — he keeps other people’s interests ahead of his own,” he told Sunrise.
“Had a lot of ambition for his future … just settling into his new country.
“He was looking forward to a stable career, to make a family up here.
“It is just sad how it all ended up.”
The security guard was a “cherished” member of the Muslim community since his move to Australia.
“He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness,” the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said.
“Faraz was not only a valued member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia but also actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.”
Tahir’s farewell comes after hundreds gathered to farewell and honour Jade Young, a mother and architect, at a memorial service on Tuesday.
Her mother said she wanted Australia “to listen” and remember her “glorious” and “hardworking” daughter, as she called for the government to address the gaps in mental health care.