Ali Rahgozar

My father was a straightforward man who demanded little from those around him, and who expected only the best for his family and friends. Provided he heard regularly from us all – and saw us whenever possible – he was content. He was the kind of man that positively affected everyone around him with little to no effort. He inherently made you smile and wanted nothing more than to spend every second ensuring those around him were well and taken care of.

To me, my dad’s finest quality was his patience: an inherent ability to listen, to absorb and to offer a point of view based on quiet, measured wisdom. I also admire him because of the kind of father he was to me and Sara. Yes, he loved us, very much, but he also instilled in us a core value system that defined who he was. And that was a man who kept promises, honored commitment, and maintained a high level of integrity. With a mild-mannered demeanor and a humble attitude, he devoted himself to his family.

It’s difficult to imagine him not being around, and I’m not sure how we will all cope. It’s strange to think that we can’t just give him a call, or stop by to see how he is doing. My dad lived a happy life, and wanted nothing more than to be a reassuring presence for anyone he came into contact with. As we remember and commemorate his life, let’s bid him farewell as we mourn the loss of a lively, dignified soul. A soul that brought joy and fulfillment to many, and whose legacy will live within us all forever. He will be missed always, and never forgotten.

~Nima Rahgozar