Zia Shamsy's Obituary
We will celebrate Zia’s life at a memorial service on Saturday, June 18th, at 3:00 PM at the Plano Baha’i Center, 4200 Hedgcoxe Rd Plano, TX 75024. At 86 years, and with a real zeal for life and the energy of an 8 year old, Zia Shamsy was a super hero who defied his age. Like an eternal flame, the childlike twinkle of mischief in his eyes burned bright, and hinted at the ageless soul of the man within. Educated and degreed in Germany, he was an exacting engineer with a limitless curiosity. He seemed to know how to fix anything, and wasn’t afraid to try. Growing up in Qazvin, an ancient center of the Persian empire and the modern capital of Iranian calligraphy, he was molded by the muses of science, art and wanderlust. His birthplace was lofty, too, surrounded by mountains and over a mile high. As he grew, his character became as solid as the snow covered peaks and his dreams as high as the majestic ranges rolling to the Caspian Sea. He saw Soviet tanks thunder into Tehran during World War II and decades later he would make his own mark on international peace efforts. He led Friendship Force groups into the heart of Soviet Russia to establish the first Sister City alliance between a Texas town (Plano) and its counterpart (Ivanovo). Citizen diplomacy became his life’s work, driven by the Bahá’i belief that “the Earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.” His dedication to his community was birthed in Qazvin as well, his emerging engineering prowess helping to bring electricity to his hometown 93 miles northwest of Tehran many years ago. One of his greatest accomplishments was his work in helping create the Plano Bahá’i center, which has become a spiritual haven for the Bahá’i friends and the wider community and where he spent his final minutes. To our entire family, he was a devoted husband, father and friend who committed his life to building bridges for peace and friendship. He was a globe-trekking world citizen — visiting every continent several times in a list of countries too numerous to document. And, never stopping. He lead a tour group just last month all over China. His planning and passion for travel, leading to his ultimate journey he is now on – to the next world. To his daughter Gigi – “He was my superhero and my example.” To his son Bejan – “He was the sun and we were the planets; he continuously shined his radiance, warmth and love on all of us.” To his daughter-in-law Kim – “He was a great storyteller who always had a gleam in his eyes and a zest for life that knew no boundaries.” To his son-in-law Mike – “He was the Energizer Bunny and the personification of devotion to his family and his faith.” To his grandson Aaron – “He was my example of good character and how to serve others.” To his grandson Will – “He was my inspiration to seek out new adventures.” To his granddaughter Bree – “He was the one who gave my family and I the opportunity to seek our own adventure and path in America.” To his granddaughter Lily – “He was one of the most influential people in my life. He taught me the true meaning of success and happiness, and he was always there to support and love me every day.” To the Bahá’i community in Plano and around the world – he was a pillar, a supporting beam and a load-bearing wall. To his fellow man – he was a tireless advocate and a selfless servant. To God – he was a gift on loan to the world to teach us how to live life without regret, to not rest for a single moment and live life to the fullest, savoring today because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Rest in peace, Baba. We were all enriched by you. Your legacy is a standard we all pray we can approach. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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