As members of the Muslim community in Quebec City continue to mourn the six men who were shot and killed Sunday night at a mosque, one man is fondly remembering his friend whom some are describing as a hero.
Azzeddine Soufiane, 57, owned a grocery and butcher shop which served as a gathering spot for many in the community.
Mansoura Abdelizez said he was not surprised to hear from friends at the mosque about how Soufiane tried to protect others from the gunman.
"(What was) mentioned was that he pushed himself toward that guy and risked his life to protect the others so just to confirm he was a good person," said Abdelizez in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
"He was there for the others."
Abdelizez said his friend from their days at Université Laval was always ready to pitch in - whether helping out newcomers to the city or helping out at the mosque.
"Whether it was for buying (something) or starting a new mosque, if there is any celebration, he offered his help and his business," said Abdelizez.
Abdelizez said they saw each other at least once a week during prayer service but he hadn't seen Soufiane for a few weeks because the grocer had been away in his native Morocco. He said he will remember his friend as someone who was "good, nice, sweet, always smiling."
"He was not driven by material goods. He was a sweet person and we miss him. We will miss him a lot."