Jamsheed "Jay Sheed" Samandari Dr.

1927 - 2016

Samandari, Dr. Jamsheed (Jay Sheed)
a resident of Mesa, AZ, was an admired physician, teacher and ardent promoter of the Baha'i Faith. Born March 23, 1927, in Qazvin, Iran, he trained in obstetrics and gynecology in Ohio and Indiana. Dr. Samandari provided outstanding medical care to his patients between 1961 and 1979 when he and his wife, Parivash, served in Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya. His fame was such that patients from the East African region sought his care; on many occasions he did not charge for his services, even providing medicines and financial assistance. He was presented with the key to the city of Indianapolis for his sterling obstetric service to an American visiting Kenya. Inspired by the teachings of Baha'u'llah, Dr. Samandari deeply felt the need for the unity of the human race and genuinely considered himself a citizen of the world. He served on various administrative institutions of the Baha'i communities of Tanzania, Kenya and the United States. He was a dedicated student of the sacred writings of the Baha'i Faith and the Bible. He published a well-regarded commentary on the "Tablet of the Holy Mariner," a mystical writing of Baha'u'llah. Dr. Samandari traveled across Africa, the United States as far as Alaska, Bulgaria and China to "spread the divine fragrances." He conveyed his spiritual insights and feelings through the graphic arts and poetry, both Persian and English. His admirers would call him from near and far and others enjoyed the hospitality he and his wife provided whilst benefiting from his knowledge of religion, philosophy and history. He cherished his four children, Taraz (Atlanta, GA), Raz (Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania), Andishe (London, Ontario) and Nafys (Paradise Valley, AZ) and was proud of their accomplishments. Dr. Samandari died at his home February 12, 2016, and is survived by his beloved wife, Parivash and their four children. He will be buried at the cemetery located at the Desert Rose Baha'i Institute in Eloy, AZ, on February 20, 2016.