Shiek Mohamed Osman Haniff, age 70, passed away on September 2, 2023, at Advent Health Orlando with his family and friends by his side. Osman Haniff was born January 5, 1953, in Georgetown, Guyana to Bhagwantie and Mohamed Haniff. Four sisters and one brother survive him. He was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His deceased son Zachary was the love of his life and meant the universe to him.
He was extremely passionate about playing tennis. From nine years old, he practiced diligently, and his talent led him to win the Junior and Senior National Championship at the same time and then the Doubles Championship in Guyana before the age of 18. His tennis career continued as he extensively toured the tennis circuit in the Caribbean. He played in the Davis Cup representing Guyana. He even played tennis with the famous actor, Sidney Poitier in the Bahamas.
When he made his way to the United States, he attended Northeast Missouri University where he earned a tennis scholarship, became the captain of the tennis team and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Business of Agriculture.
Throughout his life, he volunteered in youth programs to teach underprivileged kids how to play tennis. In Minneapolis and wherever he lived, he was a tennis instructor for tennis camps, high school teams, individual lessons and of course, gave free lessons to his family and friends. He was also a member of United States Tennis Association (USTA).
While he continued to play tennis and entered many tournaments, he attended Barry University in Miami where he earned his Master of Science in Computer Science. At the same time, he worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital for 29 years. Osman’s professional life exhibited integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He always supported his colleagues in their professional growth and development.
After he retired, he moved to Arcadia, Florida, where he was extremely proud to have built a home and started a farm with cows, goats, ducks, chickens, and a pond filled with fishes. All the while, he educated himself in trading stocks which he dabbled in along the way. This became his second fulltime career when he decided to reside in Orlando until his passing.
Osman’s greatest legacy is his genuine love for his family and friends. They were most important to him. He would attend every family event and he made everyone feel important. He touched many hearts with his kindness, compassion, and charisma. His family was the center of his life! He would always make everyone feel welcome and if someone was alone, he would say, “Come join us.” He was always happy and positive no matter what. His famous motto was “Life is Good.” He was always the life of every party, and he had a beautiful infectious smile that would light up the room. He was full of character and extremely unique.
He never judged anyone, and he forgave people easily.
He lived his life to the fullest: enjoying every celebration; camping; fishing; hanging at the beach; traveling the world; playing tennis; doing his stocks; and eating every kind of food, but curry and rice was his favorite. And most of all, spending time with his son Zachary was the most fulfilling.
Osman’s passing leaves an enormous void in our lives, but his spirit and our memories will live on in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 15, at 1 p.m. at Boyd Panciera Funeral Home, 1600 N. University Dr., Pembroke Pines, Fl. 33024. Following the reception will be held at Tropics Restaurant and Lounge, 7100 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Fl. 33024.
For those unable to attend the service, the family is offering LIVE streaming of the Service on Friday, September 15th beginning at 2:30 PM. The link to attend the LIVE SERVICE is on the Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care Facebook page at: Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
In lieu of flowers, family and friends may donate to: Habitat for Humanity, 505 W. Broward Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33112 or online at habitat.org.
When making your memorial donation, kindly ensure that Osman’s name is included. Additionally, please provide the following details for notifying Khamie of the memorial donation: Khamie Wingard, 16504 Diamond Head Drive, Weston, FL 33331.
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
© 2024 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Elvira and Gustavo Franqui
September 10, 2023, 2:42 am
Our most heartfelt condolences to the Haniff family. His absence will be felt for many years but he will never be forgotten. May God provide you all with strength and resignation and May his soul Rest In Peace for eternity. Our love to all.
John Johnson
September 10, 2023, 4:29 pm
Osman, you were a good friend and will truly be missed. Back in 2021 I was in my recovering stage for having my knee surgery and I just finished hitting on the ball machine at Sanlando. As I sat on the bench trying to make since out of why I went to use the ball machine here walked up a face I haven’t seen in years and it was you! Same smile, same Os! You will be missed. 🙏🎾
Nancy Correia
September 11, 2023, 11:41 pm
Osman was the happiest most positive person I know. we’ll miss you Tooth!! Sending love to his family.
Love
nancy
Nadia Ghanny
September 12, 2023, 8:57 pm
Dear Haniff family, friends
My sincere condolences for your loss
I will always remember him with that amazing smile that lit up any room he walked in
RIP uncle
Love 💕 Nadia Ghanny and Peter Pallotta
Nikita Ghanny
September 13, 2023, 12:38 am
Uncle Ozzie, you will be truly missed. Remembering when you & Zack would come over when we were younger. Always appreciated & loved your jokes & smile. XO
Mo Rinc
September 13, 2023, 12:53 pm
To the entire Haniff family: What a beautiful tribute to our dear Ozzie. When I heard the news, I prayed so hard for a miracle; but God needed another Angel. He was loving, kind and generous of spirit and of time. He loved his family dearly and we all will feel a tremendous void in our lives. May your darling Angel rest in peace, and may your many precious memories sustain you ALL during your difficult moments. With love and prayers of comfort! Mo & Roy 🙏💔🙏
PS: we sincerely regret not being able to attend his farewell in person.
Terry long
September 14, 2023, 2:06 pm
Terry Long,
To the Haniff family, I got to meet him through my dear friend Mo. I also worked at Jackson.
He was a very kind person, also very funny.
My sincerest condolences for you at this time. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. 🙏
Terry
Keith Hastings
September 14, 2023, 4:08 pm
I’m going to miss you, my dear friend.
Sean Yousuf
September 14, 2023, 10:20 pm
Our beloved uncle Osman, words can’t express how deeply saddened we are to say goodbye to you.
May your soul rest in peace.
Sean Yousuf and family. 🙏🏼
Anissa bone
September 15, 2023, 12:14 am
What a beautiful tribute to the life if one amazing man! Uncle Osman I am so lucky to have had you in my life. You should me what strength and love look like. I will always remember that you taught me how to eat with my hands when I was 8 years old. Thank you for sharing your love of tennis with my boys. It is your smile that I will miss the most! Fly free!
Sal Capozzi
September 15, 2023, 5:12 pm
Osman you’re so much more than we ever knew. We only knew how wonderful you were as a person and as a tennis player and we didn’t know about the rest. You were so quiet and modest about your achievements. All of us marveled at how you could serve, holding three tennis balls in your hand, and two of them would disappear, and we never knew where they went. I really miss having had the chance to learn how to be a better player from you. And Paulo has said he will start playing tennis again in your honor and in your memory. We will miss you at our tennis group and the world will miss you as a person.
Natasha Ghanny
September 15, 2023, 5:21 pm
To all whom loved uncle Ozzie, I send you compassion & love in this difficult time.
Uncle Ozzie, my childhood has cherished moments of your joyfulness & cool uncle vibez 😎! As a kiddo, I always enjoyed whenever you & Zack visited. I am grateful to have known you & I’m sure the lessons you left for all will continue in your honor. ✨💙💫
Janet Hastings
September 15, 2023, 6:11 pm
I only met Keith’s friend, Osman a few times, but I knew he was one of the “good ones”: full of kindness and joy of life.
My condolences to all those who loved Osman and will miss him so……
OSCAR MARQUEZ
September 15, 2023, 7:39 pm
RIP MY DEAR FRIEND I’M GOING TO MISS YOU
Khalil azeez
September 17, 2023, 5:45 pm
The world became less bright with your passing and heaven became brighter. I cherish the memories of us playing cricket in the school yard and tennis in Sonny’s yard. R.I.P. cousin
Khal & Holly
Paulo da Silva
September 22, 2023, 6:36 pm
I just had time now to write something about you, Osman. I still remember the first time I met you, and when I told you I was from Brazil you got excited and told me we were neighbors because you were from Guyana.
You offered yourself to teach me tennis without even charge me. I even got mad with you because I wanted to pay and you said to don’t worry about that.
I still remember the last time I saw you (a couple days before you pass). We talked for like one hour and you offered me a sprite. You talked about life, about stocks, about college.
I got a message from you a few days after we talk and you said we would go in a trip together in a future soon…I believe this trip is going to be in Heaven and you bet I’m gonna remember you about that.
Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for the amazing moments that I have with you, and thank you for always put a big smile when see me around or even when you offered me a beer or the famous “come join us”.
I will miss you a lot…and like you always used to end your messages to me:
“Take care my dear friend,
Best,
O”
Wherever you are, keep this beautiful smile in heaven.
Love you!