obituaries Remembering
obituaries Remembering Salim Zia Abbo Sept. 1, 1922 – Sept. 26, 2019 Our grandfather, Salim Zia Abbo, was the epitome of a wise man seeking to live a peaceful and holy life. To honor him, we would like to give our community a background of the man who was a role model to us all. He was a humble man, who never felt the impetus to boast about himself but rather let his actions speak for his ideals. Among his accomplishments: he was a son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Son of the late Zia and Khamie Abbo, husband of Margaret Kouza Abbo, father to Suidad (Najib) Samona, Ghalib (Ghada) Abbo, Louay (Maysoon) Abbo,Nabil Abbo, Kusay (Rita) Abbo, Raika (Salwan) Jabro, Maan (Salvana) Abbo. Loving grandfather to 20 grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. Loving brother to the late Dr. Yousif Abbo, Edward Abbo, George Abbo, The Late Wadani Mansour, Hayat Daboul, The Late Nazhat Garmo, Mariam Acho, Julia Najor. With great fondness and appreciation, we remember him as the ultimate patriarch of the family and a manifestation of humility and grace. He passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind the memory of many impressive landmarks achieved in his lifetime. Salim’s story includes a fascinating series of opportunities that altered the trajectory of his life and offered the ability to grow and influence others across generations. He was born in Tel Kaif, Iraq. He was the son of a merchant father and a homemaker mother, neither of whom knew how to read or write. At that time in Iraq, Christians rarely had opportunities to pursue a professional career. However, one day would change his life forever. Three Iraqi officials were traveling in Tel Kaif and were searching for a place to rest. His mother, Khamie Abbo, opened her home to the men and gladly served them. Out of appreciation for her hospitality, the men insisted on repaying her for the kindness shown toward them. Knowing that her son desired educational advances, she requested that they help her son become a pharmacist. One of the three officials was an educator and pledged to help him achieve this aspiration. That official fulfilled his promise and Salim spent five years attending pharmacy school at the University of Baghdad in Baghdad, Iraq to become the first Chaldean pharmacist. With his degree, he found work in a pharmacy in Mosul. While working in the pharmacy, Salim encountered another surprise opportunity. On one day that appeared typical, Mr. Hana Toubia walked into the business and struck up a conversation with Salim. He told Salim that he came to Mosul to find a candidate for principal and educator of the new first high school for young men under construction in Tel Kaif. He had been searching for a month in Baghdad to no avail. Knowing that Salim was an educated man and being unable to find an individual competent enough to fill the position, he propositioned Salim for the job. Mr. Toubia and his associates, Peter Chuchua, and Ibrahim Yaldo Kanona urged him to take the position, and after discussion with his parents, he accepted. He spent five years as principal of this school, and he regards this time as one of his greatest joys in life. Beloved by his students, he taught them some of the wisdoms that he later shared with his children and grandchildren to grow with the ideals of faith, knowledge, diligence, compassion, empathy and kindness. Salim met his wife, Margaret, at a Clockwise from top of page: Family photo with spouse, children and grandchildren. Salim Abbo at King Cellar, his first business he opened in the United States. Salim Abbo at his pharmacy in Baghdad, Iraq. Salim Abbo and Grandson, Joseph Abbo wedding that both of them attended in Tel Kaif, Iraq. Salim and Margaret married on Sept. 14, 1953. After his time as principal, he went on to open his own pharmacy in Baghdad. He operated this establishment for 20 years. Ultimately, he made the difficult decision for the best of his family to leave Iraq at the peak of his career to join them in America. After he immigrated to the United States, he obtained his equivalent pharmacy degree alongside his daughter, Suidad Samona, who followed in her father’s footsteps and became a pharmacist too. Salim went into business with his children thereafter. In the United States, he felt a calling from God to serve in the Chaldean Catholic Church. Always a devout and spiritual man, he felt that service was paramount. That led him to perhaps his most treasured accomplishment of becoming a deacon. He had a zeal for God, and the Church. It is without any surprise, that at the age of 65, he was ordained a deacon. He served 15 years at Mother of God Church and 15 years at Saint Thomas Church. Sometimes, he would partake in as many as three masses on Sunday. His diligence allowed him to learn French and during Pentecost he would do a reading in French at St. Thomas. His deacon work allowed him to reach many people, who experienced and learned from his maturity, generosity, courage, wisdom and faith. His enthusiasm for his faith and love for God was a source of admiration for all those who knew him, especially his family. Relishing the company of his grandchildren, he was a master raconteur with anecdotes and stories that narrated the story of his upbringing. A true advocate for a healthy lifestyle, he often discussed his vigilance regarding exercising and abstaining from unhealthy habits. As a lover of reading, he was proud to show and display his extensive book collection, now dispersed to his grandchildren, who are his legacy. Opening one of his books is a tactile experience; many include hand-written notes and reflections inside, allowing one to continue to hear his voice, thoughts, and words eternally to the next generation. 22 CHALDEAN NEWS APRIL 2020
Bashar Kallabat, International Hairstylist, Chaldean Trailblazer, Dies Too Soon at 56 If you met Bashar Kallabat or had just one stimulating conversation with him, you left with a new outlook on life. He empowered you to see new possibilities for yourself that you knew were there, yet needed reassurance to fully believe they were possible. Bashar had that effect on everyone from his family, friends, clients, coworkers, staff, all the way down to the mailman. Bashar would always say, “You’re more beautiful and capable than you think you are.” He was a true leader with a passion for touching people’s lives in a positive and unforgettable way. Born in Tel Kaif, Iraq, Bashar immigrated to the United States with his family in 1964 at the age of 2. Always a fast study, Bashar took extra courses in high school to ensure he graduated early at 16. Bashar was gifted, and knew he wanted to make people feel and look beautiful as early as 11 years old when he started cutting his siblings hair at home. His love of beauty helped him become one of the youngest salon owners in Michigan, launching Salon Kennice Bashar in 1989 at only 25 years old. The salon became an immediate success in West Bloomfield and within the Chaldean Community. Bashar went on to launch several other successful salons in Birmingham and Somerset Mall. He believed beauty came from within, and his innate gift was seeing the beauty in everyone, and helping others to embrace this beauty and let it shine brightly. Bashar also believed beauty encompassed hair, skin, fashion and positivity, which is why he launched his Vitamin brand Nutriments in 2000. Bashar will always be remembered for his inspiring energy and charisma. His family and career were his true passions, which led to all of his success. He watched his only child Skyler graduate from U of M Dearborn, and assisted him in launching two simultaneous careers as a DJ/music producer and Digital Marketing Expert. Throughout his life, Bashar creatively influenced the fashion and art scene in Detroit, Miami, New York and worldwide. Bashar touched many with his magnetic energy and powerful presence! Above: Bashar is on the right and his only child Skyler on left. Bashar loved to experience and learn about different people and cultures. He travelled often, and would immerse himself wherever he visited. Whether it was in the States, Europe, or the Middle East, Bashar was not a superficial traveler, and would seek to ingrain himself into the genuine fabric of each locale. It was also important to Bashar to contribute back to his community, as he supported many different charities and movements. Bashar Kallabat passed away Feb. 12, 2020, a long-time resident of Bloomfield Hills, MI. He will always be remembered as a loving father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was predeceased by his parents, Salim and Albertine. He was the devoted father of Skyler. He was the dear Brother of Ricky (Claudia), Yvonne Yasso (Mike), and the late Bushra Kashat and the late George. Former spouse and life partner of Kennice Kallabat. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Bashar’s essence continues to inspire the countless people around the world whom he impacted. APRIL 2020 CHALDEAN NEWS 23
