Tributes

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم انا لله وانا اليه راجعون In the name of God, the merciful the compassionate. To God, we belong and to Him, we return. It is with submission to God's will, notwithstanding our sincere sorrow, We announce the passing of Issam Amine Alawar. Issam Alawar was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and a dear friend to many throughout the United States and Lebanon. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Issam was one of a kind - an exceptionally generous and compassionate man who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by everyone and shall always remain in our hearts. Issam loved growing up in the beautiful mountain village town of Qornayel, Lebanon, where he was born in 1954 to Amine Fares Alawar and Chafika Hatoum Alawar. He was a charismatic young boy, full of so much energy and life. His fondest memories of growing up in Qornayel included his many adventures with his friends and playing practical jokes - always making everyone laugh and smile. He lived in Saudi Arabia for 14 years, following his father and working in the aluminum manufacturing industry. Issam met the love of his life and wife of 43 years, Rola Aref Alawar, in the summer of 1979 while the two of them were vacationing in Lebanon. It was Rola’s first trip back to Lebanon after she and her family immigrated to the United States. Issam was in Lebanon to attend the wedding of his dear sister, Hoda. Issam’s face would always light up whenever he talked about the first time he met Rola - saying it was love at first sight. Excited to start their new life together, the two got married in 1980 and resided in North Carolina. Issam and Rola launched different business ventures including a convenience store and several restaurants. A few years into their marriage, they welcomed their daughter Jouhana into the family. Jouhana was the joy of his life - he adored being a father. Issam’s whole life revolved around his family; he was the rock of the family. He enjoyed being a band and soccer dad, always supporting and participating in his daughter’s school and extracurricular activities. He was so proud of Jouhana and her accomplishments. Later in life, Issam’s absolute favorite role was that of a grandparent. He treasured his time with his two precious grandchildren, Layla and Chadi, and loved being their sweet Jiddou. He and Rola moved to Ann Arbor in 2018 to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and their grandkids. We feel blessed to have so many beautiful memories with him. Everyone who knew Issam knew how much he loved life. He enjoyed the outdoors: swimming, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was a lifelong car and autosports enthusiast. Issam will always be remembered for his generosity, kindness, and loyalty. Anyone who has ever met Issam would agree that his zest for life was absolutely contagious. His house was the focal point of gathering for the extended family, creating wonderful and lasting memories filled with laughter, music, dancing, and fun. Issam was preceded in death by his father and mother and his two older siblings, sister Iqbal and brother Fouad. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, two grandchildren, two sisters, brother, nephews, nieces, and many others who claim him and his love. We couldn’t have asked for a better brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and dear friend and we will miss Issam every day. His spirit and memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 21, 2024 starting at 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service and prayers at 12:00 PM at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home 301 East Michigan Ave. Saline, MI 48176. Interment will take place on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM on the grounds of United Memorial Gardens 4800 Curtis Rd Plymouth, MI 48170. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting the funeral home’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@rbfhsaline The family will be accepting condolences by phone Wife Rola Alawar, Ann Arbor, MI (919) 273-5690 Daughter Jouhana and husband Walid Aldeeb, Ann Arbor, MI (734) 224-8844 Sister Hoda and husband Samah Alawar, Raleigh, NC (919) 760-3022 Brother Fadi Alawar, Raleigh, NC (919) 889-8007 Sister Fadia and husband Samir Alawar, Qornayel, Lebanon +961 71 107 609 Grandchildren Layla and Chadi Aldeeb, Ann Arbor, MI In lieu of flowers, you may donate to: American Druze Society - Michigan Chapter - 2075 W. Stadium Blvd, PO Box 1640, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

Tributes

Issam Alawar

June 16, 1954 - January 17, 2024