It is with a very heavy heart that I bid farewell to a remarkable man who was like a member of the family–my Texas A & M-Commerce professor, academic advisor, doctoral dissertation chair, and friend, Dr. Amir Abbassi. After my time at the university, it became customary for me to call Dr. Abbassi from time-to-time, particularly on holidays. I did just that on September 2, leaving him a voicemail and sending him a text as well wishing him a happy Labor/Retirement Day, but this time, I did not receive his usual reply. Exactly one week later, I received the sad news of his passing.

Dr. Abbassi was exceptionally selfless in supporting his students. His office was always open and welcoming. I remember when I would be submitting my chapters for review and feedback, Dr. Abbassi was always willing to adjust his schedule to accommodate me. His words of encouragement and support, motivation, and compassion epitomized a great coach who possessed the passion and commitment to help and serve others. He will be dearly missed.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Reuben Ndomahina

 I have known Dr. Abbassi for around 25 years, ever since I was a child. After my parents got separated, my mom, brother and I moved to DFW from California. Shortly afterward, my mom met Dr. Abbassi through the Persian community and brought me and my brother to see him to help make these transitions easier for us. Over the years, Dr. Abbassi became a role model for me and was the closest person I had as a father figure in my life. He was always kind and caring to us and I felt like I could tell him anything. Dr. Abbassi also inspired me to pursue higher education and study psychology. Some of my fondest memories with Dr. Abbassi was when I would go visit him in his office to catch up and discuss what I had been learning about psychology at the time. I will always remember him for his warmth and kindness, and the impact he made on my life.

Sherwin Nourani

When I first moved to Texas, I really began to feel the pressures of being a single mom with two young boys. I worried how my divorce had impacted my children and wondered if I would be able to guide them in the right direction as they got older. But in the middle of all these worries, I was given the greatest gift when I met Dr. Abbassi at a presentation he gave once at Bonyade Toheed. I brought my children to him when they were still very young and he would continue to see us until they grew into full adults. He truly helped us at every stage of our life, even seeing us for free when I lost my job for an extended period of time. So, over the decades, he became so much more than a therapist for me and my children. Not only was he someone who helped guide our whole family through some of our most difficult times, but more importantly, he became such a dear friend and someone we loved as our own family.

We just saw Dr. Abbassi and his family not too long ago; it is still really hard for us to believe that he is gone. Even in the last moments we saw him, he still showed so much grace, good spirits, and kindness. We all miss you, Dr. Abbassi. May your soul rest in peace.

We are keeping your family and other loved ones in our prayers during this difficult time. We hope you can accept our deepest condolences over the loss of such a great and kind man. His memory will live on in all those who had the honor of knowing him.

Mitra Ebrahimi

Sherwin & Armin Nourani

We were so sad to hear of Dr. Abbassi's recent passing.  He was such a kind and wise professor, and later my husband and I were fortunate to work with him in various capacities with New Horizons. 

The thing he told us in class that has stayed with me all these years later is this:  "If you listen,  they'll tell you what is wrong. If you listen long enough,  they'll tell you how to fix it. "  

If that isn't the truth! May we all seek to be a little more like Dr. Abbassi, kind and compassionate listeners, supporting one another as we seek to heal, change and grow.    

- Joe and Emily Shipman

Please except our deepest condolences to Farah Jan & her sweet family, we really loved him so much & he will be missed in our hearts.

Soheila, Masoud & Seena Farhadi

Dr. Abbassi, 

Thank you so much for sharing your kindness with me throughout our student-professor journey to our employer-employee journey. I greatly thank God for allowing such a precious individual to come in my life with such a positive outlook. You are a big part of why I have a love for counseling today. You always made a point to make everyone feel special at New Horizons, and I will never forget that you and Mrs. Abbassi decorated my office after I defended my doctorate and you were soooo proud of me! You always warmed my heart. Thank you so much for being you: my mentor, professor, boss, friend and now my guardian angel. Rest peacefully 🩷

Humble and Blessed, 

Dr. Christian Henry 

Dr Abbassi was my awesome mentor through classes at Commerce, both my LMFT and LPC internships, and continued supporting me through my PhD. I loved him and appreciate all his support. He is greatly missed.

Kim

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Avid and Omid Khorram