Abdelwahed Zhiri

Abdelwahed “Del” Zhiri died October 03, 2013 at the age of 79 at his home in Lawrence, KS after an extended illness. Del was born on July 1, 1934 in Mechra Bel Ksiri, Morocco to parents Zoubida Challal and Ahmed Zhiri. He is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Nadia Zhiri and husband Jim Regan, Jalila Milne and husband Andrew Milne, and Karima Zhiri; grand-daughters Ava & Elsa Regan and Alexa Milne; three brothers, three sisters and forty -five nieces & nephews.
Del had a wonderful, full life that was a blend of Morocco and America. His family was his rock and main purpose. He was blessed with many life- long friends and colleagues that he acknowledged enriched his life. Family and friends will miss his sense of humor, his cooking, and his devotion to them. Del’s profession was in education. His degrees include a Certificat d’Aptitude Pedagogique (Teaching Diploma) from Moulay Youssef normal School in Rabat, Morocco, Rural Education Certificate from Ohio State, B. Sc. and M. Sc. in Education from Emporia State University and a PH.D in Education (Educational Administration) from the University of Wyoming.
Del spent the first twenty-six years of his professional career as teacher, educator and administrator such as the director general of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Morocco. He then spent twenty years as a senior project officer and consultant for the preparation and implementation of several World Bank education programs. During this time he was fortunate to travel extensively, having the opportunity to work with Departments of Education in many countries to improve their educational systems. In his retirement, he dedicated time to writing about the importance of education in the developing nations. He believed strongly that education was a fundamental solution to poverty in the world and the importance of it from a young age. There is a Moroccan proverb that says: “Teaching the young is like carving in stone”.
Prayer services were held at the Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City at 1:45 pm Sunday the 6th of October. He will be buried in Morocco. A gathering of remembrance for friends and family was held Monday October 7th from 5pm – 7pm at his home. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to UNESCO “Educations for ALL” or UNICEF’s Educational Programs.
Links are:
http://www.unesco.org/…/leading-the-international-agenda/education-for-all
http://www.unicefusa.org/work/education or (800)367-5437
The family would like to thank Douglas County Visiting Nurses for their amazing Hospice Care and also thank Professional Comfort Care for their diligent nursing services. The family also wants to especially thank Dr. Matthew Stein for his attentiveness and many years of expert care.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.