Our dear friend, Jabbar, asked me to post this on his behalf.

Stan, the closest friend whose sudden passing causes me painful sorrow! by Jabbar AL Shuwaili

I am honestly saddened by the painful piece of news my older son communicated to me. For me, it is hard to find the words to describe the character of a person like Stan, my close friend who suddenly passed away. In all the meaning of the word, he is a noble person with unparalleled morals. He loves people of all kinds; there is no difference to him between one person and the other; all of them deserve respect and appreciation from him. His big heart only seeks to love and help people when they ask for help. Ego does not exist in Stan's mind or spirit, as he is a man of boundless altruism.

I met Stan in late 2005 as a Media Relations Officer in the Public Affairs Office of the Corps of Engineers in Baghdad, Iraq where I, a local Iraqi worked with the U.S. military. At that time, Baghdad was the most dangerous place in the world. Everyone who worked with a foreign organization, especially the American one, was considered a target for terrorist and armed groups. Because of that, Stan felt that my life was in direct danger, and he was very concerned about my safety. Stan asked me every morning once I got to my desk if everything went well with me and if there was any threat.

When I decided to move to the United States, I had planned to go to Pennsylvania. However, when Stan learned of my intention to come to the United States and go to Pennsylvania, he emailed me saying that he had discussed hosting me in his Virginia home with his wife, Amie. They invited my family and me to stay in their home, in a location that would be good for them. I accepted the invitation, and my family and I traveled to the United States, where we entered via New York and then took another plane to Virginia. We were received by Stan and his wonderful wife, Amie. She has the same great features and characteristics Stan had.

Before I arrived in America, Stan had prepared a folder where he put all the information needed by a new visitor to the United States who had very little information about this immense country's culture and life system. He began contacting friends about finding a job for me. He was able to get promises to appoint me to one of the companies that won a work contract in Iraq. They needed someone like me with experience in Iraq, understands the country's culture, and has good relations with Iraqi journalists.

Indeed, after 28 days, I obtained permanent residency, and Stan took me to the company. After an interview with the company's director, I began work as the director of internal relations, all thanks to Stan's efforts. I had decided to return home if I did not get a job opportunity within the first month of obtaining residency.

Stan is a loyal friend who is gone, and I don't think I will find a friend with his sincerity and kindness.

Again, My deepest condolences to Amie, Jordan, Lauren, Stan's dad, mom, and the rest of his family.

1. I have known Stan for years  through the GI clinic at FBCH as his NP.    I will really miss his laugh, smile and kindness.  He insisted last year that he build a plant stand and kitchen island as a gift. Well I was touched and surprised.  He delivered it with Amie's help.  I will never forget Stan's gift and sharing his talents.