In Loving Memory of our dear beloved Uncle Farid: Statement Delivered At the Church Service by Assaad George Abi-Aad, Kirk in the Hills, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Thursday November 11, 1999


In recent years, the great cedar tree of Ain Zhalta has been losing its branches. But on November 8, when Farid Fuleihan's heart stopped beating, that mighty cedar lost its root.

In less than 60 days the world closes the chapter on its second millennium, but for our family November 8 is when the door closed on a century that gave all of us Hana, Amin, George, Rida, Theodore, Inaam, Vida and Wadeeh. What a foundation! What a burden to carry the legacy!

When talking about Uncle Farid, it is difficult to ignore all of his accolades and high ranking decorations from the countries of Lebanon, Jordan and others. It is also difficult not to be in an awe of his career achievements in which he gained the utmost respect of heads of state and high ranking dignitaries. But that was not what Uncle Farid was all about.

You see, Uncle Farid was different. While people sought power through their positions to control others and win favors, Uncle Farid was mighty because he was in control of himself. In his case, it was his actions and integrity that gave credibility to his post and position. Farid Fuleihan talked with crowds and kept his virtue, he walked with kings and did not lose the common touch.

Farid Fuleihan most importantly set the standard not only at AUB, but wherever he went and whatever he did. Saint Augustine defined virtue as hitting the right mark, the true balance. Uncle Farid did. His wisdom was the mean between shrewdness and kindness. Reason and love were his tools. He asked questions to help others find the answers. His listening dominated the conversations. He understood when others did not make sense. He always cared when others failed to.

Uncle Farid  set the standard as a husband. He loved auntie Hana as she did love him, but what was unique for their generation is that they were in love. They shared in equality and manifested the true Biblical symbol of becoming one body. He set the standard as a father. He guided by example, the harmony between his external and internal life formed a fortified foundation for character building to all his children. His support and love as a husband, father, brother or friend were a lighthouse in a dark world.

Uncle Farid was a true citizen of the world, according to Gibran. He always acknowledged the other person's right before asserting his, but always was aware of his right.  He was a true citizen of the world, but his love for Lebanon was so powerful and pure. His physical being left Lebanon, but Lebanon never left his heart.

Uncle Farid symbolized every virtue a human can ever have. He lived his life with absolute integrity and kindness. With his high Christian ideals he genuinely was interested and cared about others. His actions matched his good intentions, his reputation was and will remain priceless.

Uncle Farid's departure will leave an immeasurable vacuum, but Uncle Farid the spirit, the character, the qualities is immortalized in us. One definition of immortality is to have the power to influence others after others can no longer influence you. Uncle Farid will always influence all of us.

As I look with a final glance at this mighty cedar tree, I see another evergreen majestic cedar from the same unique seed spreading its branches with Fuad, Samir, Nadim and Camille. And like my father before, who was always  proud to be Farid Fuleihan's brother in Law, I say to you today, I am proud to be your cousin.