Sami Talhouk

TALHOUK, Sami Jamil Feb. 27, 1927 - Sept. 2, 2008 Sami was born in Aley, Lebanon on February 27, 1927. His father, Jamil Talhouk, was a physician known for his charitable work. Sami's mother, Samia Talhouk, passed away in 2007. Sami attended primary school in Aley, Lebanon, and moved to Beirut when Sami attended preparatory school. Upon obtaining an undergraduate degree at the American University of Beirut, Sami taught at his former preparatory school. In 1952 Sami enrolled in a Masters program at Southern Methodist University. After obtaining his M.S. from SMU, Sami earned a PhD in physical chemistry from Ohio State, in Columbus, Ohio. After marrying Priscilla King, Sami and his newlywed lived briefly in New York State and then moved to Lebanon in the 1970's, where Sami taught at the Lebanese University's Faculty of Science in Haddeth, Lebanon. When the Lebanese Civil War forced the closure of the University, Sami returned to the United States. He taught at Penn State University and was on the faculty at UCLA. His last teaching position was in the Department of Chemistry at Cal State Northridge. Sami is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla; daughters, Nadia Foster and Suzanne Sheikh; and grandson, Ashan Jamil Sheikh. Sami was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Afif. Sami devoted his life to teaching, touched countless lives and will be remembered fondly for his helpfulness, pleasant manner and ready smile. Sami was a loving husband and father. He will be greatly missed by friends and his family, including numerous cousins and loved ones in Lebanon, United States and other parts of the world. Services will be held Sunday September 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Pierce Brothers Valhalla, 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606.