She said her grandfather knew success and pain. He'd survived three brain tumours and one son's suicide. And he prized his grandchildren, their achievements and education above all, she said. Hassanali and Shah-Sultan Remtulla never missed a grandchild's graduation. Here they stand proudly with Aryana Remtulla.(Submitted by Remtulla family) For the past 11 years, the couple split time between Vancouver and Toronto to be with their sons' families. "They were always present in our lives," Remtulla said. Typically at this time of year, they'd be celebrating, exchanging gifts and enjoying her rich cakes made with dates and nuts. The five grandchildren often laughed about their grandmother's habit of writing them "old school" letters full of prayers and affirmations.