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Avaz Hajizadeh Obituary

Dr. Avaz Hajizadeh

Dr. Avaz Hajizadeh, 65, the loving father of two sons, a devoted husband and Emeritus Professor of Business Administration and Economics at MCLA, unexpectedly passed away on September 2nd 2013. Avaz was born and raised in Iran and moved to the United States in 1976 to pursue an academic career in economics. He received a BA from James Madison University and was awarded his PhD in Economics from RPI. Avaz moved to Williamstown, Massachusetts with his wife, Parvin where they raised two sons Sahand, 25, and Alvand, 22. He was a dedicated father, who devoted his life to the happiness and success of his sons. Those who knew him will fondly remember the fervor with which he cheered on the Williamstown high school athletic teams, in which his sons were members over the years. Dr. Hajizadeh recently celebrated his retirement from MCLA after 30 years of distinguished service to the Commonwealth, the College, his colleagues and the MCLA community. He cared deeply about his students and was passionate about the College. He was an integral member of the MCLA strategic planning task force and served as Faculty Marshal. Dr. Hajizadeh was appointed as a member of the MCLA Foundation Board of Directors, working to secure and steward a bright future for the students and the College. As a citizen, Avaz believed that the opportunity afforded by American civil society to engage in the political debate was not to be missed. He and his wife Parvin expressed this belief as energetic members of the Obama campaign, driven by the genuine passion of reaffirming the dream of the American immigrant. He was actively involved in a number of political campaigns both locally and nationally. Avaz was a pillar of support for many young people including the children of his older brother who chose to move to the United States for their studies. Always the voice of reason, Avaz would handle any crisis with levity and genuine positivity for resolution. He was a steadfast father figure for many people both within his immediate family and the broader community. Because of his kindness, gentle manner and professorial wisdom, many sought and received irreplaceable guidance from Avaz. We unwillingly mourn this incomprehensible and indescribable loss. We are, however, strengthened by his unshakeable motto of positivity and resolution for all of life's unexpected hurdles. The family will be gathering to receive friends on Friday September 6, 2013 at the Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home, WEST CHAPELS 521 East Main Street, North Adams, between 11am and 1pm. A graveside service will follow at the East Lawn Cemetery at 1:30pm. Contributions in memory of Avaz may be made to the Avaz Hajizadeh Scholarship Fund for Overall Excellence by mailing to the MCLA Foundation Inc., 375 Church Street, North Adams, 01247. Please make checks out to MCLA Foundation Inc.To send a message, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.



Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Sep. 5, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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My deepest condolences to the family of Avaz. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his unexpected passing. My connection to Avaz goes back to when he began teaching at MCLA. Because of my role as secretary to the VP for Academic Affairs I was fortunate to be associated with Avaz. He was so devoted to his students..a wonderful person to be acquainted with..a friend to so many. He will be missed but his legacy lives on through his family.

Janet Bordeaux

October 11, 2013

Parvin, Sahand, and Alvand - my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brenda Wilson

September 12, 2013

Dear Parvin,
I was so sad to hear your news from Patti.. It sounds like he had a very rich life and made an incredible impact on countless young people. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Gwin Krouse

September 12, 2013

Avaz, I always have carried you and your family in my heart, and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life. I love you all, and I am so sorry to everyone who feels this loss so strongly.

Gretchen Devine

September 9, 2013

We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Avaz's passing. We fondly remember talking to him at the soccer games while Sahand and Nick played. Avaz was a truly nice guy.

Our hearts go out to Parvin, Sahand and Alvand.

Marianne and Steve Nelson

September 9, 2013

To my sweet friend Parvin and her awesome sons Sahand and Alvand,
Those who haven't been there cannot truly understand your sorrow at this time....but please remember, some do understand and care deeply.
Warmest thoughts are with you.
Love, Theresa and Gordon

September 8, 2013

I had a couple of stats classes with Avaz in the mid-80s. He was an amazing professor, perhaps one of my favorites. A great teacher and person who definitely helped me become successful.

Jeffrey Brown

September 8, 2013

Truly enjoyed his classes and teaching style. He wrote my letters of recommendation for scholarships. I am deeply saddened by his loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was such a kind person.

Mig Girard

September 6, 2013

My sympathies to his family. He was a great teacher, dedicated to his students & education.

Christopher Campoli

September 6, 2013

He was a great man and a great teacher, and he will be missed by many. I will never forget during my time at the college (1991), I asked Avaz if I could bring my young school age child to his classroom. I assured him he would not be a problem, and explained it was to get my children to understand that college is fun and exciting. Avaz allowed me to do that and my children, now adults, have college and graduate degrees. I so appreciate his support and send our heartfelt condolence to his family and friends. He was a person who made a difference in someone else life but that's what he was about.
My thoughts and prays are with you!

Darleen Healy

September 6, 2013

Parvin, Sahand & Alvand: Know that our thoughts are with all of you at this unspeakably sad time.
-John, Beth, Leyla & Isabel Stomberg

September 6, 2013

One of the few extraordinary professors I had the privilege to learn from. I believe I had 3 classes with him over my time at NASC. I remember him fondly. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.

Sean Riley

September 6, 2013

I will never forget his support and kindness as my teacher and advisor at MCLA. My prayers go out to him and his loved ones.

Rebecca Haight

September 6, 2013

Dear Parvin, Alvand and Sahand, We are so sorry for your loss and share in your grief. We have many fond memories of side-line and post-game chatter at the Middlebury College soccer games with Avaz, and will always remember his warmth, good-naturedness and smile. I know he took great pride in Alvand's many achievements. It was such an honor to know Avaz. We are thinking of you all. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Alison and Barry Abdu-Glass

Alison & Barry Abdu-Glass

September 5, 2013

I met Parvin and her wonderful boys through a beloved friend, Cindy Nikitas. I send my heartfelt condolences to her and her boys during this time of unspeakable grief.

Cheryl Singleton

September 5, 2013

One of my favorite professors!! My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Melissa Prime

September 5, 2013

His benevolence, passion for social justice, vibrant optimism, and deeply rational approach to life--those will be our lasting memories of Avaz. We will miss him greatly. I wish I had had the chance to tell him that.
Tela Zasloff, Williamstown, MA

Tela and Joe Zasloff

September 5, 2013

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. Avaz was a wonderful teacher, scholar and great colleague who served his students and the college well.
Peter J. Markou, Catskill, NY

September 5, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family.
Always remember the great advice and guidance he offered me so many years ago.
So sad. - Pam- Class of 1988

September 5, 2013

Our deepest condolences to your family at this time. My husband and I would not be where we are today without the wisdom, guidance and knowledge taught to us from such a wonderful Professor. He was an exceptional man and teacher who has touched the lives of so many. He will be greatly missed.

Stephanie Hill-Manuel

September 5, 2013

Our community has lost an incredible teacher whose passion for teaching, excellence in the classroom, and dedication to really teach his students will surely be missed.

Chris Robare

September 5, 2013

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