Samir was born on July 14, 1937 (or, as he would say, “Bastille Day!”) to Ali Swaify Gaad and Zienab Ali Hassan in Port Said, Egypt; but he always considered Alexandria his hometown. After graduating from the University of Alexandria with a BS in Soil Sciences, he came to America on an Egyptian government scholarship to attend the University of California, Davis. There he earned his Ph.D. in Soil and Water Sciences and met the love of his life, Charlene.
Following a year of postdoctoral work at UC Riverside, Samir received an offer he couldn’t refuse and moved to Hawaii to commence his prestigious, 40 year career at the University of Hawaii as a Professor; including time Chairing the Departments of Agronomy and Soil Science, and Natural Resources and Environmental Management. After retiring in December of 2005, Samir continued his service to the University as a Professor Emeritus in Soil and Water Conservation.
Among his numerous accolades, Samir spent a decade as Director and Principal Investigator of the “University of Hawaii - Iraq Higher Education Partnership and UH Iraq/Kurdistan Higher Education Partnership” from September of 2003 to April, 2013, a project that extended into his retirement. He found great satisfaction in helping to rebuild these university programs after the Gulf War. He also demonstrated his passion for community service as a 25-year member of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset (including two years as president), during which time he personally participated in many community support projects.
Although Samir loved his work and community, by far his greatest joy and treasure was his family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Charlene; three children and their spouses: Ayman and Jeri El-Swaify, Hala and Glenn Tompkins, and Salwa and Dennis Kasabian; nine grandchildren and their spouses: Gabriel and Dyanna El-Swaify, Micah and Marissa Tompkins, Victoria El-Swaify, Jared and Jamie Tompkins, Colin and Alexandria Tompkins, Nathan Tompkins, Iman and Gunnar Cox, Aram Kasabian and Aliya Kasabian; and six great-grandchildren: Abigail Tompkins, Madison Tompkins, Maia El-Swaify, Rebecca Tompkins, Levi Tompkins and Aleigha Tompkins. Samir was also faithful in maintaining contact with his extensive family in Egypt including his surviving siblings Salwa Swaify, Gamal Swaify and Yassar Swaify.
Through his expressed love, generosity, and respect for all persons, Samir left an indelible impression upon us all. Words cannot adequately express the deep sorrow we feel over losing our beloved husband, father, grandpa and gidu.
A graveside service was held at Hawaiian Memorial Park on May 2nd. A tribute to Samir’s life and legacy is scheduled as follows (times are Hawaii Standard time):
Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022
Livestream Time: 3:30-5:00 pm
Livestream Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/448131743432741/
In-Person Location: Borthwick Chapel, 1330 Maunakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
Visitation 2:30-3:30 pm, Tribute 3:30-5:00 pm, Dinner on the Lanai following
A tribute to Samir’s life and legacy was held on July 14th, 2022, which would have been Samir’s 85th birthday.
A recording of Samir’s Tribute can be viewed at the link https://www.facebook.com/events/448131743432741/
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17