Ali Shirkhoda

Ali was a giant among us who left an unparalleled legacy – one we will remember for lifetimes. Ali was committed to being a caring husband, loving father, genuine friend, and exemplary doctor. He impacted so many by helping them however he could. His home was always open to anyone, and he was willing to drop anything to lend a hand with his gentle and calm but powerful demeanor that made moving mountains look easy. Countless people around the globe can tie back their education, career, health, or immigration to this generous man.

Ali met his phenomenal wife, Shahrzad, in the 1980s. The two went on to be a team for 41 incredible years. From that beautiful union, Ali was a wonderful father and "baba joon" who unconditionally loved his two children, Layla and Roxana, and his two sons-in-law, Adam and Phillip. He was happily a grandfather to his beautiful new grandson Yara Alton. Ali will continue to be part of these five individuals every day that they live through everything they do.

For over 50 years, Ali had a successful career as a radiologist. Ali was educated in medicine at Isfahan University and moved to the United States in the 1970s, where he continued his medical education. He received a postgraduate degree in radiology from George Washington University. He practiced in North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, and California. He cherished being a mentor and educator, publishing over 100 scientific articles, writing multiple radiology textbooks and his memoir (Unfolding Destiny), and had given over 300 national and international scientific lectures. He was honored with the Recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award, the Iranian Society of Radiology gold medal, and the Society of Abdominal Radiology Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ali loved the outdoors, especially taking long hikes with his dogs, Sasha and Lynx, learning and educating others on history, and visiting his homeland, Yazd, Iran. He enjoyed new adventures and was ever curious to see and learn about the world, always ready to be exposed to new people and their cultures.

Ali will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, loving soul, and encouraging confidence. There are not enough words to describe his knowledge, the courage he imparted, or Ali's love and integrity for his family, friends, and the medical community. He will be missed indescribably.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Shahrzad, daughters Layla (Adam) and Roxana (Philip), grandson Yara Alton, sister Azizah, brother Abbas, and multiple nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, sisters Fatema and Ezzat, and brother Mohamad.

In lieu of flowers, the Shirkhoda family is asking for donations to be made towards charitable efforts that Ali was passionate about serving. Please visit www.gofundme.com/f/ali-shirkhoda-fund to learn more and support this campaign – thank you.

We are holding a memorial service in celebration of Ali’s life on Sunday April 2nd, 2pm PST at the Crown Valley Community Center (29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel CA 92677). Family, friends, and colleagues are welcome to join us