Bassam F. Khoury

Through the life of Bassam Khoury we are reminded that no day is a given, and that each moment is like a gift to be unwrapped and appreciated to the fullest. Due to experiences in his own life, he found a very rewarding career through which he helped others embrace and overcome the differences between cultures, languages, and diverse ways of life. Bassam was blessed to find the love of his life with whom he experienced so many of the best things that the world has to offer. An extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life, he will be dearly missed while his memory is forever cherished. The early 1940s were a time of great strife around the world as WWII engulfed much of Europe. Tensions were high among countless nations, and the people of Palestine were well aware of rising conflict. It was on the last day of the year, December 31, 1941, that a couple from Jenine, Palestine, were delighted to welcome a healthy baby boy into their hearts in nearby Nablus. Bassam was the oldest of five children born to his parents, Farhan and Nahil (Nasser) Khoury, and he was raised in the family home alongside his three brothers, Nabeel, Ghassan, and Peter, and his sister, Ebtisam. His father was employed as a government administrator who also owned a convenience store while his mother was a busy homemaker. All of Bassams formative years were spent in Palestine. He was raised with a traditional background when the eldest in the family was considered second in command after the father. Together the family attended a small Catholic church, and his Catholic faith remained a vital part of Bassams life throughout his entire journey. Bassam had a special place in his heart for animals including a deep love for his childhood dog, Max. His love for dogs also remained with him forever. As a very young boy Bassam found a baby bird with a damaged wing. He fashioned a splint for its wing, and after a time the bird was healed. The bird then followed Bassam everywhere including to school, out to play, or to his fathers store where he often went to help. As a young man Bassam came to the United States to attend college at San Diego State University on a full scholarship. He studied political science there and had plans of returning home. However, his plans were changed when the War of 1967 left him unable to return to his homeland. Bassam then remained in America for the rest of his life. This was not an easy transition at first as his English was less than fluent to say the least, but he eventually became bilingual. Adjusting to life in a completely different culture was not without its challenges. One of the first things his host family gave him for breakfast was individually wrapped shredded wheat. Since in Bassams culture it is not polite to question ones elders, he simply ate it - cellophane and all. He was certainly puzzled by it and thought it tasted a bit funny, but after providing a few laughs to his host family they showed him the proper way of taking it out of the wrapper before pouring milk on it and eating it. Again while living with his host family, but in a separate apartment, Bassam was alarmed when young people came to his door dressed in costume saying, Trick or treat. Having never heard of Halloween before, he slammed the door shut, and he did it again the next time he opened the door and saw the same thing. Bassam then found that his bicycle had been tricked the next morning so he was grateful when his landlady explained the whole custom to him. Through his experiences as an international student Bassam developed a passion to help others who were on a similar path. He spent his entire career working with international students, international scholars, and international staff as an educator and professor at various universities. In addition to working in international education with Central Michigan University, Bassam worked in Cincinnati, Ohio; Richmond, Virginia; and Orlando, Florida. Although his career was very rewarding, Bassam found his greatest joy in the relationships he shared with his loved ones. His life was forever changed when he met the woman of his dreams at an industry reception through Virginia Commonwealth University. Her name was Michelle Palmer, and after falling deeply in love Bassam married his sweetheart on September 12, 1998, in Richmond, Virginia. They were a great pair who loved being together. In 2002 Bassam and Michelle traveled to his college reunion in California together where he spent several days reminiscing and spending time with old friends. They also went to the Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo and visited Santa Barbara. Bassam also dearly loved his yorkie/schnauzer, Countess, and his best four-footed buddy, Curtis. Throughout his life Bassam was a man of many interests. He was very spiritual and regularly attended services at his church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Bassam was known to say, Insha'Allah, which means God willing. A student of life, he remained aware of world affairs, and he loved gaining culinary skills and tricks from some of the experts like Bobby Flay and Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, as he often watched Food Network. Bassam loved anything and everything James Bond, and he really enjoyed Sean Connerys portrayal of the character. Until his health limited him he regularly exercised, which was something that was hard for him to give up. Bassam was an avid gardener who was so dedicated to his plants and flowers that he even installed an artificial sunlight lamp to keep them alive during the winter months. He also had an impressive stamp collection. Even though Bassam Khoury could come across as stern, he really was a softy once you got to know him. He had a dry sense of humor and a quick wit that made him so much fun to be around. Bassam was hardworking and meticulous in everything he did with unwavering respect for his parents and his heritage. He will be missed for his unconditional compassion, his generous spirit, and his warm heart. Bassam Khoury of Mt. Pleasant died on Monday, February 4, 2013, at The Laurels of Mt. Pleasant. Bassams family includes his wife, Michelle; two brothers, Nabeel and Peter; sister, Ebtisam; and his four-footed buddy, Curtis. Bassam was preceded in death by his brother, Ghassan. Funeral Mass for Bassam will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski presiding. Following Mass his ashes will be buried in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. Friends may pay their respects at Lux Family Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Friday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please visit www.luxfamilyfuneralhome.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.