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
Ann and Ron Hunt
Khalil Al-Zand
Ich traurig das mein alteste Bruder verstorben ist. Ich habe lhm viel zu verdanken. Werde ihm immer in Erinnerung behalten. Ich wünsche Euch viel Kraft in dieser Schwer Verlust. Ruhe in Frieden mein Bruder. Khalil
Del and Ernestine Hoffman
We are saddened by the passing of Osama. We wish the family well and are sorry for their loss. We met him through a video chat with Kathy and the children but it was obvious that we would have been friends as he was a nice person.
Rima Ghannam, Gilbert, and Rhea Bouzeid
We are truly saddened to hear of your father’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Although Gilbert and I did not have the opportunity to meet him, Rhea was fortunate to share a touching moment with him during her visit to Ottawa. We’ve also heard touching stories about his warmth, his strength, resilience, and warmth. His legacy lives on in the love and admiration of those around him. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Hanadi Al-Zand
God rest your soul in peace my dearest uncle, I will never forget the time that I spent with you talking about your memories in Baghdad with your lovely smile.
Nawal Al-Zand
My dearest brother, it’s a sorrow and pain to leave us my beloved brother, I have a lot of wonderful memories with you, may God rest your soul in peace. I wished to have more time with you but the long distance prevented me to stay with you longer. God bless your soul.
Andrea Cerutti
Osama welcomed me so warmly into his family from the very beginning. His smile was full of joy and kindness, and he would say my name with such genuine warmth. He always listened intently and engaged fully in conversation. His happiness when he saw me made me feel truly special. I will forever be grateful for his love, his light, and his unforgettable smile. Sending love and deepest condolences to his beautiful family.
Essam Al- Zand
Professor Osama Al-Zand, June 1959, high academic standing award, University of Baghdad. He was not only the first in his college but he was the youngest graduate in the whole Iraq and obtained a golden Swiss watch from President and a scholarship at the Minnesota University. His death is a major loss. Condolences to the family. Essam Al Zand and family
Howard and Carmen Walden Bender.
With sorrow we convey our deepest Condolences!
May he rest in peace.
Lubna Forzley
Our deepest condolences. May his memory live in you forever 🙏 lubna and family
Dear Kathy and family,
We are so sorry to read about Osama's passing. He sounds like a wonderful man.
Please accept our sincere condolences.