To Liz, Jade and the Birjandi Family,
My brothers introduced me to Reza as he was one of their dearest friends; he was always apart of their Westlake Village days and great times.  Rez was one of a kind, and I’ll remember his smile and upbeat personality. He was always friendly and kind.

May the love and support from those who knew and loved Reza give you comfort in these sad times.

Our family is keeping Reza and you all in our thoughts and prayers during your time of profound loss. 

Hugs and love, Carolyn (Underwood) Marshall
Paul, Andrew & Matthew Marshall

I was one of, if not the first, student pilot Reza taught in Torrance.  He ignited a passion that changed my life.  I completed my private pilot, then instrument, commercial, and continue to obtain more ratings to be a better pilot.  His emphasis on safety, knowledge, and community formed my aviation foundation.  I retired from my "day" job and am now an instructor.  Reza was so happy for me when I told him that news!  He was always a friend and someone I could rely upon. I'll think of him each time I fly and will miss him.  He rarely took pictures during our training flights, but we did a few "extra flights" and he took this one.   Blue side up Reza!

Reza has been in my life for half of my life - a part of my everyday until he wasn't anymore. It has been overwhelming for me to mourn losing Reza a second time, first time when we divorced and now.  

It doesn't surprise me the words we keep hearing over and over describing Reza because he fit so perfectly into every role:  Father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, good time friend, pilot, business owner.  He was extremely intelligent and astute in syncing with the human condition - he was like a chameleon or octopus - blending in and studying his environment, making everyone around him feel at ease.  Reza had a charm that was unique of his own, you all know what I am talking about, and a carefree, thoughtful disposition.  

The ever effervescent spirit of Reza took us in separate directions and we entered a new chapter of co-existence that we were just settling into after our 2020 separation.  Through it all, there was Jade and she weathered all that uncertainty with bravery, love, trust - just as she is doing again today.  I remind her she is the creation of the best parts of Reza and me and that makes her extremely special.  

Reza was forging a new path for himself, on his own terms and I'm truly happy he found a new friendship and love with Cornell and her daughter, Finley. 

Rest in everlasting peace now Reza - free from worry, free from appearances, free from expectations - be free to be your true self. 
 
- Liz
Ex-Wife, Mother to Jade

I met Reza when I started looking for flight schools and I really enjoyed the time he spent with. A decade later I received my training through PSA and it was Reza who encouraged me to enter the world of aviation ownership.  He was true friend, mentor and instructor.  Reza will be missed.  To the family, I send you my condolences and wishes.

Trishul Shah

Celebrating the life of an amazing and kind man and mourning with you at his passing.
Reza was a a great neighbor and friend and we are so thankful to have been a small part of his life.  We will treasure our memories of this gentle man.
Praying God’s peace and comfort as you navigate through this most difficult time.  God Bless all of the family as we share in this sorrow.

With Love,
Chris and Laura Spero

I only knew Reza through flying, and although he didn’t know it, I would refer to him as boss to my friends. Not because he was bossy, but because that’s the respect I gave to him naturally through what I saw from him. He was someone who led, through trust, respect, safety, and care. I flew with him a couple times; my first time going to Catalina as a practice diversion and on my final stage check into Hawthorne airport. Both times he initiated emergency scenarios with either my instrument panel being covered or a diversion. Although they were novel experiences, he instilled courage and faith in me that I didn’t know I had. He trusted that I knew how to fly the plane just be feel. This was the leader and type of person I will remember in Reza. I will carry him with me on my flights from now on, knowing that I have his trust and faith to lift me up. Blue skies and tailwinds boss. You will be missed.

Reza is the reason I stayed in aviation.  He was a great mentor and friend. Three words that describe his philosophy are: Safe, Simple, Fun. Safety was always first for him. He embodied what good risk management should look like when he flew. If ever there was an incident he'd first ask if the people were okay, because the rest could be dealt with if the people involved were alright. 
"Keep it simple" was a common phrase he used talking to instructors and instructor candidates. He truly believed anyone can learn to fly, and thanks to him, I believe that too. Because of him, I learned how to teach people about aviation of all ages and backgrounds. 
If you weren't having fun you were doing something wrong. Flying was always fun with Reza, no matter how many times you were repeating the same maneuver. Reza loved to watch his students succeed and enjoy the skies. It was easy to see that watching his daughter, Jade, grow and succeed was the only thing he loved more than flying. 
Reza, I will keep my flying safe, simple, and fun.

In 2020 it was my privilege to meet Reza at Pacific Skies Aviation.
Reza’s wisdom, passion and kindness to others was impressive.  I am thankful that my journey through life provided the opportunity to cross paths with Reza.  My heartfelt condolences to Reza’s family and the many friends he had he has made.

My sincere condolences to the Birjandi family.

It was obvious to me that Reza came from good people; that he had a solid foundation to build his life upon. The graces Reza showed to all throughout his life, grew from the love he received from the Birjandi family.

Reza and I met many life times ago at White Oak elementary school through a mutual friend. We both came in and out of each other’s lives through and after our school days. Anytime we came together in our lives, it always felt like we just saw each other yesterday. Reza always brought a positive energy to the room and always gave his time, caring enough to listen.

Reza, my friend and brother in life, thanks for being a part of my life, those moments in time will be missed; the memories will always be kept alive when your brothers in life come together.

I know you are being guided through God’s garden in your current journey,  and will rest in the peace and graces of God in heaven. My spirit bows in honor of your spirit; you are forever in my prayers brother.

Salām

My heartfelt condolences to Reza's family.  He was my flight instructor for my instrument rating and he was one of the best out there.   His legacy will remain for all of us who knew him in the flying community and the skills he engrained in all of us.

Reza, you broke the mold, my brother. We had so many plans cut short including seeing each other's faces more and involving music and art of course. So many great memories with you. You were so fun and funny and smart, but most of all just an overall GREAT person - a man very passionate about his friends, his family, his girlfriend, and especially his daughter. You are missed so hard already. I hope all went peacefully. We'll all have to figure it out from here, buddy. Thanks for all the laughs. I'm happy to have known you. Cheers!

I met Reza in the second grade in 1981 at White Oak Elementary School. We literally grew up together; more like brothers than friends. Over 43 years we spent a lot of time together, had great adventures, and shared many great times, conversations, and memories together.

Reza was a special person. His zest for life, laughter, and love for his family, daughter, and friends cannot be overstated. Reza had an infectious smile and always made people around him feel included and taken care of.  I will miss him greatly.

My sincerest condolences to the Birjandi family and all that knew and loved Rez. 

Love you brother,
Jim Underwood

Reza was an incredible pilot and will be missed in the flying community. Sending our best wishes to his family during this difficult time. Blue skies my friend!

I met Reza around 1985.  He was a friend of my brother Jim underwood who is five years my junior.  We developed a friendship thru the years playing golf, poker, going to concerts.  I will always remember when we were in our early twenties  talking about what we were going to do with our lives. I mentioned to him I was thinking of becoming a pilot.  I looked into a few schools but never pulled the trigger. Two years later he had enrolled in American flyers and encouraged me to check it out.  I did and had a great experience.  He was always encouraging others  to do better.  He never was envious or jealous. I always enjoyed talking with him and found him to be very interesting and intelligent.  Ambitious, creative,  humorous,and unbridled in his outlook of life.  He lived life to the fullest and never let anything impede his dreams.  A very unique person.   Although I was his senior he taught me a lot and will carry that thru my life. 

Deepest condolences to his family


Thomas Underwood.    P.S    I usually go by Tom but he always called me Thomas.

OBITUARY

Reza G. Birjandi

November 12, 1974 – September 26, 2025

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

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