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Wilson Basta Bishai

Wilson Bishai Obituary

On Friday August 1, 2008. Age 85 of Lutherville, Maryland. Wilson graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1959 with a Ph.D. in Oriental Studies. He was a Professor of Arabic at Harvard University from 1966 thru 1993. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Gutman) Bishai for 49 years. Devoted Father of William R. Bishai and his wife Martha; David M. Bishai and his wife Annie; Linda S. Bishai and her husband Andreas Behnke. Brother of Yousef B. Bishai. Grandfather of Jason, Annie, Emily, Graham, Jessica, Trevor, and the late Jasmine Bishai. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the family owned Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A. 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 (Tel. 410-252-8720) on Monday, August 4, 2008 from 12:00 P.M. until 12:30 P.M. with a funeral service beginning at 12:30 P.M. Interment to follow in the Highview Memorial Gardens in Fallston, Maryland.

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Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 2 to Aug. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilson Bishai

21 Entries

Yolanda Krisch

August 6, 2008

Dear Elisabeth,
My deepest sympathy to you, your sons, your daughter, and your 6 grandchildren. I remember well the bus trip to Annapolis when we had lunch and Wilson treated the Red Hat ladies at our table to appetizers. He was an interesting gentleman. The words "scholar and a gentleman" best describe him.

Ellen Lantz

August 5, 2008

When I was a child, "Uncle" Wilson was the father of the "giants," our older cousins who always had a height advantage. He was the first one in my family that I remember engaging others in debate on matters of theology, science, and many others. He stretched my comfort zone; but I revisited those discussions in my mind over and over again as I grew older and formed my own worldview. As an adult, I experienced and appreciated his great hospitality and my all-time favorite cup of coffee from his little stove.
We send our love and condolences to Elizabeth Ann and the rest of the family. You are in our prayers. He leaves behind a huge vacuum, but cherished memories.
Love, Ellen, Steve, Emma, Rodger, and Jeffrey Lantz

Donna Starling

August 5, 2008

Liz, just my condolences, knowing you from Academy and with 49 years of marriage, it must have been a good one, so my thoughts and prayers are with you...Donna Cummnings Starling

charlotte Leslie

August 4, 2008

Dear Elizabeth Anne,
Though I've not seen you in many years I send my condolences to you on the loss of your husband. I'm sure you will have many wonderful memories to cherish in the years ahead.
Charlotte Melcher Leslie

August 4, 2008

Dear Dr. Bishai,
We're sorry to hear about your dad's passing, please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
warm regards
Rashna, Raghu

Edith Jones

August 4, 2008

Dr. Bishai,

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Lori Yingling

August 4, 2008

What a great philospher, debater, friend, husband and father. He was a special man to me growing up in Massachusetts, I will always treasure my memories of him and your family.

Nancy Hannafin

August 4, 2008

Bill, Martha and family,
Our thoughts are with you.
The Hannafin family

Nancy Hannafin

August 4, 2008

Bill, Martha and family,,,
Our thoughts are with you.
The Hannafin's

Kay Melcher Stuligross

August 3, 2008

Dear Elizabeth Ann,

It is many years since we have met. Life takes us in many directions. No one can know the pain you feel - heart ache is just that. Know that you are supported in the minds and hearts of those who have known you recently and long ago.

Victoria Wright

August 3, 2008

A great man, with an uncanny ability to bring people from all walks of life together, to love, laugh, and enjoy the diversity of each other! A beacon on the gray seas of life, you always felt you had found your way once you were in his presence. With great, deep, vast, unending love, Jon, Victoria, Cameron, Aidan, Christian and Griffin (Msumba) Wright

yousef bishai

August 2, 2008

Wilson was legend of his time and a great help to many poeple and specially top me in my early years as his younger brother

Gilbert Whitney

August 2, 2008

Many Happy Memories, and a good husband, father, and grandfather.

ruth vinson

August 2, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kaye Whitney

August 2, 2008

Like the Apostle Paul, Wilson has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith . . . We loved him and we will miss him.

Jo Ann Williams Roth

August 2, 2008

Dear Liz,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Wilson. I can't imagine the pain of your loss. You are blessed to have a wonderful family to hold you up and support you at this time. I will be thinking of you my friend and classmate. God Bless Jo Ann Williams Roth

Steven Nelson

August 2, 2008

Wilson will always be remembered by us as a beacon of happiness. His smiles and laughter flowed freely. What a wonderful legacy to leave his friends and family.

Robert Romanelli

August 2, 2008

May our memories of this good family man and great scholar be treasured for many years to come. God bless Elizabeth and her remaining family.

Judy Powell

August 2, 2008

Wilson was my own special delight. We often entered into conversations about any and many subjects and he always won. He won my thoughts and he won my heart. I never won, but I kept coming back for more. Good-by for now sweet prince.

WILLIAM & LUCILLE VASILKO

August 2, 2008

WILSON'S LIFE IS CERTAINLY WORTH CELEBRATING. HE LEAVES AN OUTSTANDING LEGACY IN HIS FAMILY. THE LORD HAS WELCOMED HIM HOME.

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