Obituary of Thair Jafar Al-Himyary

July 27, 1959 – Baghdad, Iraq

November 12, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Thair Al-Himyary of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the age of 65 years.

Thair was born in Baghdad, Iraq. He lived with his family for most of his formative years in Kuwait enjoying sports, studying, and family time. After achieving high honours in high school, he was accepted at Imperial College, London, England, where he obtained his engineering degree. He then immigrated to Calgary as a student and attained his PhD in Engineering from the University of Calgary. 

He excelled in his long career in the oil and gas sector, specializing in rotating equipment. He was proudest of his involvement and accomplishments in work in foreign countries, including Italy, Spain, Japan, Germany, and the Middle East.

He was a member and President of the Calgary Ballroom Dance Club, volunteering his time and leadership skills for many years. Thair enjoyed travelling, driving his Mazda Miata, and the exhilaration of riding his motorcycles. He also had a fondness for sports such as tennis, squash, and scuba diving.

To colleagues, friends, and family members, he was always willing to extend a helping hand and will be remembered by many as “the rock” of their circle.

Thair is survived by his wife Dolores Ongaro (nee Ongaro), his mother Badria Al-Shamma, his brothers, Ali, Ahmad, and Ramsey Al-Himyary; his sister Nagham Al-Himyary, and their respective spouses and partners, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A brief Muslim Prayer Service will be held at Alkawthar Community Centre (5204 -16 Ave S.E., Calgary) on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service will follow at Queen's Park Cemetery (3219-4 St. N.W., Calgary, AB). A luncheon will follow in the Hospitality Centre of McInnis & Holloway (Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery). 

*Women attending the prayer service are kindly requested to wear a scarf or head covering.*

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Thair’s family here.

In living memory of Thair Al-Himyary, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.