REMEMBERING THE 8 Soroush Mahmudi

“A quiet soul searching for stability, belonging, and peace.”

Among the eight men whose lives were taken between 2010 and 2017, Soroush Mahmudi represents the quiet heartbreak of a life interrupted a life shaped by displacement, perseverance, and the hope for a safer future. His story is one of gentleness, resilience, and the universal longing for a place to call home.

A Man of Quiet Strength

Born in Iran, Soroush came to Canada seeking a better, more stable life. Like many immigrants who arrive with hopes of rebuilding, he carried the weight of change, transition, and uncertainty. He was known by those close to him as a gentle, thoughtful man, soft-spoken yet deeply observant, with a kind disposition that left a lasting impression.

At the time of his disappearance in August 2015, Soroush was navigating challenges employment instability, personal pressures, and the everyday struggle of finding his footing in a new country. Yet through it all, he showed resilience and an enduring spirit.

He mattered. He belonged. And he deserved safety, recognition, and support.

A Life Marked by Transition and Hope

Soroush had worked various jobs and lived in different parts of the city as he tried to rebuild his stability. He had a partner, a life in flux, and a desire for something better — something many newcomers and vulnerable individuals fight for each day.

Those who knew him describe:

• A calm presence

• A polite and respectful nature

• A man who tried to stay optimistic despite the pressure of uncertainty

• Someone who simply wanted a chance to reset his life in peace

His story reflects the quiet, unseen battles many immigrants face battles with loneliness, integration, finances, and the constant search for belonging.

A Disappearance That Shocked a Community

On August 14–15, 2015, Soroush was last seen near his home. When he didn’t return, concern grew quickly. Unlike several other victims, Soroush’s disappearance was reported  a sign of his importance to those around him and the fear that something had gone terribly wrong.

For years, his family and partner searched for answers, hoping for closure, fearing the worst, and carrying the haunting uncertainty that families of missing persons know too well.

Soroush’s remains were later discovered at the Leaside property connected to Bruce McArthur a revelation that devastated loved ones but finally brought answers to a case long shrouded in mystery.

A Life That Deserved More

Soroush’s journey highlights the vulnerabilities faced by many:

• Immigrants struggling with limited support

• People under pressure from unstable housing and employment

• Individuals searching for acceptance and security

• Communities affected by trauma, fear, and loss

His life should never be reduced to the way it ended. He was more than a victim he was a man with potential, dreams, and a story worth telling.

What Soroush Represents

Soroush’s memory continues to inspire discussions on:

• The importance of supporting new immigrants

• The complexities of mental health in vulnerable populations

• The need for stronger community networks and social care

• The dangers faced by individuals navigating life on the margins

• The responsibility all of society shares in protecting those who feel unseen

His story is not just a cautionary tale it is a call for compassion and change.

Honouring Him Today

By remembering Soroush Mahmudi, we restore dignity to a life that endured hardship but also carried hope.

We honour:

• His peaceful nature

• His perseverance

• His desire to build something better

• His identity as a partner, community member, and human being

His name stands alongside the other seven victims not as a shadow, but as a reminder of the need for empathy, justice, and vigilance.

In Memory of

Soroush Mahmudi (1965 – 2015)

A gentle soul. A man seeking stability and belonging. A life cut short, but never forgotten.