FOLLOWING the shocking news that Jennings Group managing director Nas Khan has died after suddenly falling ill, the industry has been awash with shock and grief.
Many prominent members of the automotive sector and those he worked with in his local community took to Twitter to share their sadness as well as positive memories and to send condolences to his family.
Photographer Ian McClelland said Khan had been a friend and colleague for a quarter of a century.
Im sad to report the sudden death of my colleague and friend of 25 years Dr Nas Khan OBE,former MD of Jennings Motor Group.He was a philanthropic businessman receiving many awards for his charity work both in the UK and his native Pakistan.He was a true gent and family man. RIP. pic.twitter.com/KlZdHFcggp
— ian mcclelland (@ianmacphotos) November 29, 2018
Former Mitsubishi Motors UK managing director Lance Bradley had also known Khan, who was 58 at the time of his passing.
So sad to hear of Nas Khan’s passing.
I had the pleasure of knowing him for over 25 years. He was unfailingly one of the good guys. https://t.co/HCy2DuFaWq
— Lance Bradley (@Lance_Bradley_) November 29, 2018
Daksh Gupta, chief executive of Marshall Motor Group, said that he always got on well with Khan.
Just catching up on news from the last 24 hours and read that Nas Khan has passed away. Met and spoken with Nas many times over the years. We always got on well given our backgrounds. An really nice guy who will be missed, my thoughts to the family. RIP
— Daksh Gupta (@MarshallMotorGp) November 30, 2018
In response to Gupta, Independent Motor Auctions boss Justin Lane spoke of his shock at Khan’s passing after only recently selling up at Jennings.
I’m going to his funeral today, worked with Naz in the 80s. Such a shock after only recently selling up.
— Justin Lane (@Ima_Group_MD) November 30, 2018
Teesside University, which presented Khan with an honorary degree, commended his achievements and his charity work.
We are sad to hear about the passing of our honorary graduate Nas Khan OBE. He was an inspirational figure in the North East who made a huge contribution through his business achievements and charity work. He will be missed by all who knew him at Teesside University. pic.twitter.com/svzXldk8Sr
— Teesside University (@TeessideUni) November 29, 2018
Khan, who was well known for his contributions to his community, was praised for his work by one of his beneficiaries, the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Mr Khan was heavily committed to supporting local charities and the community, and since 2016 raised more than £250,000 for our charity.
It was a pleasure to work with Mr Khan and our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/SIoXeJwdyF
— Great North Air Ambulance (@GNairambulance) November 29, 2018
Broadcaster John Foster tweeted a picture of Khan from an interview at BBC Tees.
Really sad to hear of the passing of Nas Khan today. A lovely man with a fantastic legacy. A #Teesside legend #Jennings pic.twitter.com/c4ihbtG7Oj
— John Foster (@johnfostervoice) November 29, 2018
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