Edib Amin Kirdar

Edib Amin Jamil Kirdar of Tempe, Arizona, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by family and close friends. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, godfather, friend, and community leader, Edib leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and dedication to family, friends, and community, inspiring us to be the best we can be.

Born on December 25, in Izmir, Turkey, Edib was the son of Amin and Nuzhet Kirdar. Though he was born in Turkey, his family's hometown was Kirkuk, Iraq, where the Kirdar family history stretches back more than 300 years. The family's deep ties to the region include the Haj Mustafa Kirdar Mosque, built in 1885 by his grandfather, a lasting spiritual and cultural landmark. Edib's education included Istanbul's Robert College, where he earned his civil engineering degree in 1955. He later pursued postgraduate studies at Arizona State University.

Edib arrived in Arizona in 1959 and embarked on a distinguished 32-year career at the Salt River Project (SRP). Rising to become Manager of the Office of International Affairs at SRP, he worked on water management projects across the globe. He was very proud of his work that took him to Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iran, Yemen, Pakistan, China, and Indonesia under the auspices of USAID, where he shared expertise in irrigation and water operations. After retiring from SRP in December 1990, Edib spent a decade as Associate Faculty at Arizona State University, teaching "Cultural Understandings." He also founded EK Associates, a consulting firm focused on international water training programs.

Edib's professional life was matched by his civic engagement. He served on the Phoenix Committee of Foreign Relations beginning in 1978, serving three terms on the board and later as an Emeritus Board Member. He was also a proud and active member of the Turkish-American Association of Arizona, Lions Club, and Toastmasters. A dedicated Mason, he participated in Chandler Thunderbird Lodge No. 15, F. & A.M. of AZ. A naturalized U.S. citizen since 1977, Edib cherished the opportunities this country gave him while staying deeply connected to his heritage.

In 1962, Edib married the love of his life, Lale Zeynep Keymen "Zeyna," and together they built their life in Arizona. Their marriage of 62 years was filled with devotion, compassion, and resilience. They raised two children, Leyla (married to James Haupert) and Murad (partner Matthew Simpson), and cherished their extended family of "fur-babies," including six grand-dogs and one grand-bird.

After retirement, Edib and Zeyna spent summers at their home in Istanbul, where he loved walking along the Bosphorus. As a Christmas baby, he delighted in celebrating holidays with his children, family, and friends in places including California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Edib valued faith, family, friends, and his country above all else. He took joy in community gatherings, travel, storytelling, and playing backgammon. His family and friends remember him as one of the kindest, most honorable, and generous people they had ever known. One of his longtime backgammon friends described him as "the epitome of a great American, someone who found their way here, worked hard, played by the rules, had a beautiful wife and family, and flourished."

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, and four of his five brothers. He is survived by his children and their partners, his brother Jamil, and the many relatives and friends who will forever remember his warmth, wisdom, and kindness. Edib told his children recently that he lived the best life imaginable and said, "Murad and Matt, along with Leyla and Jim, are my heroes, the pride and joy of my life. You all have made me the happiest father ever."

Edib believed in and supported his son Murad with his nonprofit charitable work helping animals and families and spent this past summer with him and Matt in Santa Fe, making lasting memories. Donations can be made in Edib's honor to Española Humane at https://www.espanolahumane.org/donate/ or mailed to:

Española Humane

Donation in Memory of Edib Kirdar

108 Hamm Parkway

Española, New Mexico 87532