Saleh H. Dirir

 
SALEH H. FARAH DIRIR  
Saleh H. Farah Dirir, of Alexandria, VA passed away on October 13, 2011 of a heart attack. He was 74 years old.He received his Masters, in Physical Science from Kansas State Teachers College in 1969. He went on to teach at University of Somalia, Lafoole, Somalia and National Teacher Training Center, Afgoi. Eventually becoming the Dean of the college (1974-77). Six months later he crossed the border to the newly independent Republic of Djibouti, and was appointed as the first Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States of America and Permanent Representative to the UN. He left the United States in 1987 and went on to represent the Republic of Djibouti in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Kenya and Uganda. After which period he retired and settled with his beloved family of eight in Alexandria, VA. While in retirement he was a substitute teacher at the local high school his children attended, T.C. Williams., and other various public schools in the surrounding area. In his spare time he was a writer and poet, with four yet to be published books.He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Fatoum Assowe; his four daughters, Marian Farah-Beck and husband Ed Beck, Obah Farah Walker and husband Zachary Walker, Ayan Farah and husband Sherif Ismail, and Saada Farah; one son, Ali Farah; and two adoring grandchildren, Laila and Aden Walker. He was preceded in death by his eldest son Farah S. Farah. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many students. Services are private.