The club is sad to report the passing of longtime Buccaneer Tariq ‘Tari’ Raffi, after a long battle with cancer. Tari was a beloved Buccaneer brother and will be dearly missed. There will be a moment of silence before Thursday and Saturday’s games to honour his passing. For those Buccaneers new to the club, Tari played Buccaneers rugby for several years, and was an active alumni member – Tari was an amazing person to know, and anyone would be fortunate to be able to count him as a friend. The Buccaneers’ deepest sympathies go out to Tari’s family.

The following is from Tari’s brother:

It is with tremendous sadness and grief that I am writing to let you know that my brother, Tariq has died. Tariq passed peacefully under the sensitive care of St. Mike’s Palliative Care Unit. Leslie, his wife, was by his side when he passed as she has been every step of his journey.

Tariq fought an amazing fight against cancer and its complications: pushing his treatment options further then the doctors predicted he could, so that he could be with his family as long as possible.

Tariq was strong and courageous throughout so he could be present as a loving husband, devoted father, loving brother, brother in law, nephew, cousin and son in law and friend to so many. He remained concerned about others and was communicative almost to the end.

We are all grateful for the many well wishes, prayers and support you all have provided.

Arrangements are being made and we will be in touch with those details shortly.

Leslie, Sully, Saad and Sylvie