Abdolghani Akhbari

Ghani was born on June 22, 1946, in Masjed Soleiman, Iran, the son of Amin Akhbari and Khorshid Eslah. He was the youngest of 10 children.

Ghani was a lifelong learner, and excelled in the study of languages. He completed his undergraduate studies at Pars College in Tehran, Iran. He also trained as a draftsman, and began his career as a structural designer. Ghani moved to the United States in 1974 and earned a Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Nebraska. After graduating and moving to Texas, Ghani (very proudly) became a US citizen in 1983. He relocated to the Pacific Northwest, and continued working as a structural designer with a few different engineering firms in Washington and Oregon. Beyond his countless projects for these firms, his loved ones remember his fine drafting lettering and sketching abilities – his all-caps handwriting was impeccable.

Ghani took great joy in the opportunity to engage his favorite languages (Farsi and English) in a notable second career as a linguist, which began in Portland, Oregon, and later took him to Sacramento, California. He worked passionately in this field for many years, until his retirement at the end of 2023. He was known for his technical expertise and diligent work ethic, and made many lasting friendships throughout his professional life.

Ghani loved poetry, music, and dancing, and enjoyed staying active, playing tennis and riding his bike. Always quick with a pun or “dad joke,” Ghani had a positive attitude, a bright smile, and winsome humor that charmed everyone he encountered, even as his health declined in recent years.

Above all else, Ghani loved and cherished his family. He was happiest spending time with his children, siblings, and extended family across the country (and around the world). He will be deeply missed by many. Those left to cherish Ghani’s memory include his three children, daughter Nadia Clevenger (John) of Winston-Salem, NC, Keyan Akhbari (Jessie) of Baytown, TX, and Ariana Akhbari of Orangevale, CA; and three grandchildren, Vera, Ford, and Atlas. He also leaves behind his dear siblings, Masood, Behjat, Ezat, Jamshid, and Mahmoud, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Showkat, Mansoor, Freydoon, and Eshrat.

Ghani’s children would like to express their gratitude to the staff of GoldStar Living of Baytown, TX, and Rai Angels of Roseville, CA, for the love and attention they gave to Ghani while he was in their care during his final months and days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ghani’s honor to UNICEF at https://www.unicefusa.org