Sabih Kayan

Dr. Sabih Kayan was born July 2, 1939, in Izmir, Turkey, and his journey among us concluded on August 6, 2024, in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He was the elder of two children born to the late Mustafa and Meryem Kayan of Izmir, Turkey. He shared his childhood years with his sister, Semra. Dr. Kayan’s life was a remarkable tale of perseverance, optimism, and allegiance to helping others.

Dr. Kayan’s family was the cornerstone of his life. He was the devoted husband to Selma H. Kayan and the dedicated father to Bora, Sarp, and Nazli. Above all, he was a loving and committed grandfather to Yasemin, Selma, Corbin, and Annalena, and great-grandfather to Luna.

His thirst for knowledge led him to become a physician in Turkey before emigrating to the United States with his wife Selma, his toddler sons Bora and Sarp, and $20 in his pocket. He taught himself English while obtaining a Ph.D. in pharmacology and, ultimately, an M.D. (go Hawkeyes!) to fulfill his desire to return to patient-driven care as a psychiatrist in hospital settings, private practice, and with the Veterans Administration. After becoming a naturalized American citizen, he also served in the U.S. Navy Reserves to give back to the country that had provided his family with safety and hope after fleeing an oppressive government and civil unrest in Turkey.

In addition to his relentless work as a psychiatrist, Dr. Kayan was a storied sea captain, a world traveler, a talented cook, and could often be found reading history books and watching Jeopardy. Even through the grief of losing his wife Selma and his son Sarp, he was always quick to lend a listening ear and to offer kind words of encouragement to those around him. His legacy is a call to pursuing education, helping others, and living life to its fullest.

Dr. Kayan was predeceased by his parents, Mustafa and Meryem Kayan; his sister, Semra; his wife, Selma; his son, Sarp. He is survived by his elder son, Bora (Melissa); daughter, Nazli; daughter-in-law, Rashida; grandchildren Yasemin, Selma, Corbin, and Annalena; great-granddaughter, Luna; nephews and nieces; devoted friends Tom, Elaine, and Eileen; and many other friends and family.

A private service will be held Sunday, August 11, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in tribute to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the University of Iowa Together Hawkeyes campaign.

A graveside service for Sabih will be held Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759.