Guinness World Records are saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Faeek Hachem (UK), who held the record for the shortest bus driver.
It has been confirmed that he suffered a heart attack at home in the early hours of Wednesday 21 October.
He was rushed to hospital, but they were sadly unable to save him.
His funeral took place at Kingston Cemetery, Portsmouth on Friday 23 October.
Originally from Iraq, Frank moved to the UK over 20 years ago, and lived in Hampshire (UK) with his family.
He was 58 years old and had been a bus driver for Stagecoach South for three years after passing his bus driving test in 2017.
"Despite only being with us since 2017, Frank' s great personality earned him many good friends amongst his colleagues (myself included) and customers," said Steve Thorpe, the Marketing Officer for Stagecoach South.
An inspiration to us all, Frank was proud to serve Stagecoach and our communities right up to, what sadly turned out to be, his final day with us on Tuesday of this week."
"He was the most inspirational and friendliest man, showing that disability is no barrier, and one who was proud to serve the community."
Frank continued to work tirelessly throughout the Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdowns as a key worker.
In a previous interview with Guinness World Records, Frank said that throughout this period he was proud to "continue serving his community and help people to reach their destinations".
"The news has sent a shock wave through Portsmouth depot and Stagecoach South, as Frank was a very highly respected member of the team and became great friends with so many of his colleagues," - Colin Ashcroft, Operations Manager at Stagecoach South, Portsmouth depot
Frank measured in at 136.2 cm (4ft 5.6 inches), as verified on 5th February 2018.
Frank had achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, but never let his height hold him back.
In a previous interview, Frank said: "Being a short person, of course you've got difficulties... my advice to people with disabilities and people that face difficulties is to not to give up, keep going, and you'll achieve what you want to do."
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, said when he heard the news: "Frank was determined to prove that height should never be an obstacle, and he was proud to show off his Guinness World Records certificate as a symbol of what can be achieved if you put your mind to it."
His enthusiasm was inspirational, and his story will have already done much to motivate others towards pursuing their dreams, no matter what challenges they face in life."
"He'll be much missed, not just by those on his bus route but by everyone whose lives were brightened up by his positive outlook on life."
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