Farhad Bolourchi is our symbol of selflessness, family value, positive and pious view of life, and unique characteristics that were funny, wise, and purposeful. Born in Tehran on May 17th, 1961 to Aghdas and Asghar Bolourchi, he is a brother for Masoud, Said and Fariba, husband to Shadi and father to Sean. He got his PhD from UC Davis, then became a key control engineer for Hughes Aerospace, instrumental in the design of the EPS, then moved to Detroit to develop digital control of drive mechanism for automobiles.

Farhad's name translates to "happiness" and "helper", both befitting him all his life. His love for horses won him a horse jumping championship award in high school from the Persian prince; "Darius" was the last stallion with whom he would have a special bond. As a soccer player he was a lifetime fan of Manchester United soccer team.

He was a true promoter of the Persian culture, teaching Farsi classes, initiated the "Chahar shanbeh soori" pre-Persian New year event, organized 'freedom run", would buy the 1650 medical encyclopedia "Book of Healing" by Ebn Sina for a niece's graduation from medical school and would send the children emails on Persian poetry and Erfan (spirituality). He would buy bread and sandwiches to give to the homeless.

His caring for family and friends won the hearts of whoever got to know him. With a special connection to each of the children in the family he would unite them. He had a special equation of gift prices for Persian New Year for each of the nieces and nephews involving their age and marital status!

When he was diagnosed with stage IV renal cell carcinoma in 2013 just before our traditional family gathering for Thanksgiving, he was the one who calmed us all by being optimistic with a strong belief that God will look after him. And He did – for ten years he was able to be with us, vacationed in France, motivated his work colleagues to win a large design project, recited the wedding ceremony event of his niece, visited elderly family across the US and Europe (which was his special wish at his 60th birthday) and hosted "pilgrimage to Michigan" Thanksgiving in 2017.

In his email on "the man who may be saving my life" he wrote about his "emotional, fantastic, and unforgettable" call with noble price winner Dr. Allison, the man who discovered immunotherapy and nicknamed "Ipy and Nivy". Even in pain, he showed gratitude and would be mindful of hospital roommate.

A jewel of family, condolences to all friends and family – blessed be his soul.

The family prefers that, instead of flowers, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or https:// www.mdanderson.org/gifts In Memory of Farhad Bolourchi.


Interment will be at United Memorial Gardens in Superior Township, Michigan.