Rifat Nawas

Rifat Mustafa Nawas, M.D.

Rifat Mustafa Nawas, M.D., was born in Alkhyria, Palestine on January 27, 1940 and passed away on November 30, 2013. Visitation will begin at 4:00 P.M. followed by a memorial service at 5:00 P.M., Monday, December 2, 2013 in the chapel of Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Monroe, LA.

Rifat was one of eight children born to Mustafa and Zainab Nawas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Munera, and two brothers, Izat and Akram. He is survived by his loving wife of forty-six years, Soheir, as well as his daughter Naz, son-in-law, Jay Butcher, and their children: Jacqueline; Camille; and Junah; along with his son, Dr. Wally Nawas, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and their children: Caroline and her husband Joel; Jake; and Zach. He is also survived by his siblings Salwa, Zaher, Baheya, and Talat Nawas, and numerous nieces and nephews including Moe Natour and Abd Isa.

Rifat met the love of his life, Soheir Atef, while they were both attending Cairo Medical School, and they were married on February 21, 1968. They have two children together, Naz and Wally. In 1974, Rifat and Soheir (Sue), along with Wally and Naz, moved to the United States to New Orleans, Louisiana and began their medical careers at Ochsner Medical Center.

In 1979, Rifat joined the Orthopedic Clinic of Monroe and served as a physician and surgeon there for the next 27 years. Rifat and the late Dr. Jim Wolff co-founded the Surgery Center, which was later re-named the P & S Surgery Center and has become one of the largest surgery centers in the state of Louisiana. Rifat served on the board of directors at both St. Francis Hospital and the P& S Surgery Center for many years and served as president of the Orthopedic Clinic. Rifat received many awards and honors throughout his career too numerous to name; however, his greatest reward professionally was the many relationships he made with his patients over the years. Because of his intense passion and deep concern, he was very much loved and respected by his colleagues and patients alike. Rifat was the team doctor for Wally's high school football team, the River Oaks Mustangs, and also served on the board of directors for River Oaks High School where Naz and Wally both graduated.

The most important aspect of Rifat's life was spending time with his family and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being with those he loved. He lived a full life and impacted so many others with his wit, charm, wisdom, and compassion. He will be joyfully remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends, as well as the thousands of patients he took care of for so many years.

As per Rifat's wishes, interment will take place at Kilpatrick's Serenity Gardens, West Monroe, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, North Louisiana Chapter, 910 Pierremont Road, Suite 410, Shreveport, LA 71106.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

Monroe, LA