Alex Beidas
For those who couldn’t make Omar’s memorial I read out your tributes below and said the following:
Whatever I say won’t do justice to Omar - he was a wonderful son, brother, cousin and friend - or to his wonderful mother Samia.
Omar and I were cousins - born two months apart. I always felt his two months gave him a lot more wisdom than me - he was a very wise man.
Although we grew up in different countries - he in the US and I in the UK, I saw him in the summer holidays and have wonderful memories of spending time with him in London, New York and Beirut as do my brother and our cousins who will all miss him as much as I will- they’ve written lovely messages on the tribute wall.
Whenever he came over to London I would try and find somewhere cool and exciting to take him as he was living in New York and I was in awe of him. He was so kind though - and so sincere - he always said he just wanted to spend time with me- it didn’t matter where we went. He cared so much about family and friends. He loved getting to the heart of issues and having deep and meaningful conversations rather than superficial ones and would happily call us out if we did that!
We also had a lot of fun together. I will really miss his quick wit; beautiful smile; the sparkle in his eye when he knew he was being cheeky and his hearty laugh.
He was also a wonderful uncle. I will always treasure the soft toy he and his mother Samia brought to our eldest son Henry when he was born - wrinkles - I’ve been hugging it since I heard the news. And when my youngest son Frankie was having trouble at school he told him he could achieve anything he set his mind to and he was very proud of him. That meant a huge amount to him.
I wish like all of us that I could have one more conversation with Omar. But I have many memories and wise advice from him that I will treasure and try and impart to others to keep his legacy going - not least to be there for family; to support each other; and always to have meaningful conversations. Love you Omar.
