Khalid S. Bahjat's Obituary
Khalid S. Bahjat, 79, of Fredericksburg passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2010 after a valiant battle against myelodisplastic syndrome.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Clarita W. and his two cherished sons, Randall Bahjat and his loving companion, Fernanda Melo and Andrew Bahjat and his financee, Anjanette Knappenberger.
He was born in Baghdad, Iraq on August 8, 1930 and is preceded in death by his parents, Kerima and Said Bahjat.
He received his B.S. degree from the Royal College of Chemistry and Pharmacy. He came to the United States on a full scholarship from his government and in 1955 took his M.S. degree from the University of Maryland and did further doctoral study at Stanford University and George Washington University in D.C.
While at the University of Maryland he met his wife, Clarita and married in 1955. He worked for Xerox Corp. in Webster, New York for 33 years until he retired.
He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1965, a time of much celebration. He enjoyed playing golf for nearly 50 years, but his greatest love was for family.
His wife, two sons, his brothers, Dhari in Oklahoma and Talib in Baghdad plus his two sisters, Khalida and Amal who preceded him in death were all greatly loved.
In the United States he is treasured by his brother-in-law, Lincoln Watkins and family, and many friends, all over this country and in Iraq.
Khalid was an intelligent, rational man, filled with kindness, humor and care. He will be sorely missed. Memorial plans are uncertain at this time.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, in the name of Khalid S. Bahjat. Gifts can be made online at www.aamds.org/donatenow or sent to AA+MDSIF, 100 Park Avenue, Suite 108, Rockville, MD 20850. Our family will be notified of your thoughtful tribute.
Online condolences may be expressed to Khalid’s family at foundandsons.com.
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