Friends pay tribute to Sapper Pat
9:39am Friday 13th March 2009 in Where I Live By Elizabeth Pears
Friends pay tribute to Sapper Pat
A community is in mourning following the news that a loveable young soldier was shot dead by terrorists in Northern Ireland on Saturday.
Sapper Patrick Azimkar, from Wood Green, was murdered oustide his army barracks in Antrim, when he was collecting pizza.
His MP, David Lammy, has condemned the ambush as an “act of evil”.
His family and friends are struggling to come to terms with the death of the “wonderful” 21-year-old — a talented footballer, a dedicated soldier, and the life and soul of any party.
The fun-loving young man had fulfilled one of his biggest dreams by joining the army.
One of his best friends, Daniel Sharp, 22, who first met Patrick when they attended Belmont Infant and Junior School, in Rusper Road, Tottenham, said just thinking about his best friend was difficult.
Mr Sharp said: “Just a few months ago we attended a fancy dress party when he returned from the army.
“He went as Superman, calling himself Super Pat. It didn’t matter that he was wearing a ridiculous costume, he just stormed in and was ready to get the party started.
“Patrick was Superman. There was nothing he wasn’t good at. I cannot remember ever being in a bad mood when he was around.
“He never wasted a single moment. If we had no plans, Patrick would suggest a kickabout or make us get up to go for a walk.
“When I first heard the news I could not accept it. I don’t know if I ever will accept that he is gone.”
Another lifelong friend, Memz Turkan, 21, from Tottenham, said: “I never wanted him to join the army but he was passionate about it. He loved it. Patrick didn’t deserve this. This wasn’t the way his story should have ended.
“Patrick had such a cheeky smile. He wasn’t always cracking jokes, but if someone said something to him, he was quick to make a smart comeback.
“He was the kind of person who you knew would always be there for you. He was like a hornet — harmless until you bothered him and he had the ability to sting you.”
The young soldier was one of two soldiers killed in the attack. Four others, two of whom were civilians, were also injured.
Tottenham MP David Lammy, who lives not far from Patrick’s family, said he was stunned by the news.
He said: “It was a callous act, committed by murderers whose sole aim was to take human life and disrupt the peace process.”
He added his thoughts were with Patrick’s family and friends, a sentiment echoed by Hornsey and Wood Green MP, Lynne Featherstone and Haringey mayor Alan Dobbie.
Patrick had joined the Royal Engineers in 2005 and got his first post with the 38 Engineer Regiment in 2007.
After his first deployment to Kenya, he moved to a permanent base in Northern Ireland and was due to be posted to Helmand Province, in Afghanistan, before his promising young life was cut short.
Lieutenant Colonel Roger Lewis, commanding officer, said: “Sapper ‘Pat’ Azimkar exemplified the characteristics of a highly motivated young soldier.
“He was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done he never ceased to amaze me with his cheerful approach regardless of the conditions.”
Patrick had been a talented footballer representing both his squadron and the regiment in tournaments. As a youth, he attended trials with Tottenham Hots-pur, the team he supported, and played for Gladstone Rangers, based in Enfield.
His friends are planning to play a memorial football match, which they say would be a fitting tribute.
The Real IRA has claimed responsibility for the murders which are under investigation by police in Northern Ireland.
