Hushidar Hugh Motlagh

Prolific author, noted lecturer, beloved community and family member, Professor Hushidar Motlagh, affectionately known as Hugh, ascended to the spiritual world on April 17 at his home in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan at the age of 88.

Author of more than 50 books, all typed and formatted by his wife Pary, Dr. Motlagh traveled throughout the country giving lectures on spiritual themes. His books focus on the knowledge of God, the fulfillment of prophecies and on the connections between the Bahá'í, Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Faiths. Until the week of his passing Hugh was working on a book for atheists. His public talks explored the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith, exercise, health and nutrition. A favored theme was life after death.

Born in Arak, Iran on 2 May 1934, Hugh immigrated to the United States in the 1950s.  Arriving with no money and few possessions, Hugh worked his way through school earning his EdD from the University of Tennessee. Hugh married Parirokh (Pary) Katirai in 1963. He taught courses in psychology of human development, educational psychology, mental health, and creativity for 33 years at SUNY Fredonia and Central Michigan University until age 63.  After Hugh's retirement, his passion for research and writing blossomed.

As a thoughtful, intelligent, steadfast, devoted believer in the Bahá'í Faith, Dr. Motlagh touched the lives of countless souls.  He will long be remembered for his dedication to his Faith and family, and his passionate persistence in sharing his spiritual insights with the world through tongue and pen. Hugh was a genuine friend and mentor to many.

Friends describe Hugh as generous, determined, tireless, a relentless thinker, astute, mindful, confident, focused, deliberate, intentional, perceptive, dream interpreter, health-conscious, nutrition advocate, strategic, stubborn, sincere, and friendly. According to the Bahá'í Teachings, Hugh will carry all the spiritual qualities acquired in this world into the next. Upon his death, Hugh's soul entered a world of light, conversed with the Prophets and wise sages of the past, and met his All-Loving, All-Merciful Creator.

The son of Mohammad and Habibeh Motlagh and brother of Mahmoud, Ahmad, and Parviz (predeceased), Hugh is survived by his wife Pary, and his children May (Jimmy Murphy) and Navid.

A funeral service will be held Thursday April 20, 2023, 12 p.m. at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home (livestreamed via Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home facebook) with a luncheon to follow.  Hugh will be buried at Riverside Cemetery according to Bahá'í customs, with a ring on his finger bearing the inscription "I came forth from God, and return unto Him, detached from all save Him, holding fast to His Name, the Merciful, the Compassionate".  A specific Bahá'í prayer for the dead will be recited. In lieu of flowers, live at peace with all.

To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.