It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Osama Adham Al-Zand on April 24, 2025. Osama was born in Baghdad, Iraq on January 14, 1939, to Adham and Rafia Al-Zand. He graduated from the University of Baghdad, College of Economics, and served as Reserve Military Officer for two years. A scholarship for graduate study brought him to the United States in 1962, where he received a Ph. D. in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota. While there he met Kathy Hoffmann, and they were married in 1967. After a research post in Tunisia and work with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, Osama moved to Ottawa in 1973 where he worked for Agriculture Canada and as a faculty member at McGill University. He was a devoted and lovingly supportive husband, father and grandfather. He will always be remembered by his wife, Kathy, his sons Karim and Tarek, daughter Alia and grandchildren Faysal, Zara, Zayd, and Kaiya, and his daughters-in-law Dereth and Hanako and son-in-law Marwan. And by the many friends and acquaintances who were fortunate enough to know his warm smile, sincere curiosity and genuine goodness. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Doctors Without Borders.
Digital Guestbook
Shadi and Richard Nahas
Donna , Marc, Jordan and Chenise
Our sincere condolences to the Al-Zand family. My memories of your dad Alia is a kind and gentle man. Thinking of you all.
Jessica Carson
This is a beautiful tribute to Osama! We are so sorry for your loss. Osama was such a kind, friendly neighbour who always made time for a chat and to get caught up on how I was doing. I'll miss his smile and laugh. Sending love and hugs to you all.
Victor Forzley
My sincere condolences to the Al-Zand family, Marwan and Alia. May he rest in peace
Olivier Veyrac
My deepest condolences Alia, Zara and Kaia and Marwan.
Donna Rowlee
My sincere condolences to you, your extended family and those feeling the loss. May you all be comforted by memories and may Osama rest in peace.
Vanessa Wen
What a privilege to have grown up with Osama as one of the Sunset Blvd dads. He was always kind, had great stories, and had the best laugh and smile. A remarkable man and a remarkable life. We were lucky to have known him. All my love to the Al-Zands and everyone feeling this immense loss. We will miss him greatly.
David Carson
Osama was one of the warmest and funniest people I have ever known. It's no surprise to read that whenever I would return home to Sunset Blvd, he always took a genuine interest in what was happening in my life. His smile and laugh were infectious and I will carry my memories of him always. For those lucky enough to have known him, we are better off for having shared a laugh, a story, a hug, a drive, a meal, or even the briefest of interludes. My condolences to the Al-Zands. You are all in my thoughts.
Ziad Hachem
My deepest condolences to you and your family Alia. Twenty years after leaving Ottawa, I still remember my conversations with him, which he carried with both kindness and intelligence. May he rest in peace, and may you all find comfort in the kind and loving impression he left on those he met.
Marlen and Family Roswitha, Harald, Susann and Robert
I was heartbroken to hear about the passing of uncle Osama.
I learned so much about life during my time in Ottawa, and I still look back on those days. I especially remember the long conversations we had sitting on the steps in front of the house or the time together in Germany.
He was such a kind and warm person, and he left a lasting impression on me.
My thoughts are with the hole family. I wish you strength during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences. He was an amazing and intelligent man and it was a pleasure to have known a him and to have had so many wonderful conversations with him. We will remember him fondly forever. Our hearts grieve with you. Love , Shadi and Richard.