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BORN
1937
DIED
2021
Siddiq Arab Obituary
Siddiq Mohamed Arab
November 8, 1937 - February 8, 2021
Siddiq Mohamed Arab, 83, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away due to COVID on February 8th. He was born November 8, 1937, in Zanzibar, to Mohamed and Niamat Arab.
He received his medical degree from King Edwards Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan; he went on to practice in Dar es Salaam, worked as a ship surgeon sailing the eastern coast of Africa, and then moved to London to specialize in Pediatrics.
Naseem Arab left her parents' home in Pakistan to marry Siddiq on February 6, 1975. He loved to joke about how he was the guinea pig when they first married and she was learning to cook, but later in life would boast of her culinary skills. They settled in Waterloo to join a group of Pakistani friends who remain close family to them and their children.
One of Siddiq's biggest joys in life was being surrounded by children, in his practice as a pediatrician, and by his family. He always said being around children kept him young. Living with his grandson, Samuel, for the last 11 years truly brightened his life.
While spending time in his father's garage at a young age, he learned to reuse and fix things rather than replace them; he would never want anything to go to waste. When not at the clinic, you could often find him in his garage tinkering and carrying on that tradition.
He was known as a kind-hearted and giving soul, and his sincerity shone in sweet smiles and gentle words. He touched people's hearts wherever he was. His small gestures, so filled with love and life, lit up eyes and brightened the world around him. He would often strike a conversation with perfect strangers; people felt drawn to him, to his good-hearted humor.
He loved watching the beautiful colors in the sky; sunrises and sunsets brought him joy. He was inspired by quotes and passed on this message at the end of his life: Live and let live.
He is survived by his wife, Naseem Arab; daughters Neelam Thomas, Seema Arab-Wilson (Kevin), and Nadia Juneja; son Shakeel Arab; grandson Samuel Thomas; brother Yusuf Arab; sisters Khairoon Ibrahim, Jenabai Samma and Munira Yakub; and other loving extended family.
A memorial to celebrate Siddiq's life is being planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in his name at People's Clinic. The clinic serves low income patients and he worked there during parts of his career. Donations may be sent for the Dr Arab Memorial Fund to: 538 Midlothian Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701.
Memories and Condolences
for Siddiq Arab
Brenna Moore
March 8, 2023
Was just thinking of Dr. Arab and telling a coworker stories about him when he was mine and my little brother's pediatrician. He always made us feel at ease (as much as you could a couple of squirming toddlers) and made us laugh every time we saw him. So sad I didn't know of his passing at the time. He was always so kind.
Chantel McCollom
March 8, 2023
Dr Arab was my doctor when I was a little girl about 25 years ago. He was funny and caring and will be missed. My dad and I were just talking about him and we didn't know he passed I'm so sorry and the family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nargis
February 14, 2023
We miss you always May Allah grant you the highest rank in Jannah Ameen
From your Niece.
Nargis Kassam Arab
JaNan
February 27, 2021
Dr Arab was my oldest son´s pediatrician. At one of the check ups we had, I locked my keys in the car on a cold winter day. Dr Arab told to stay inside with my baby and he would get my car unlocked. And that is exactly what he did. He was a very kind and caring soul. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Melissa A Backen
February 27, 2021
Dr Arab was my twins doctor and was such a kind caring understanding doctor he will certainly be missed. My condolences to his family . Melissa Backen
Jamie Pierce
February 27, 2021
I am so sad to see of that Dr. Arab has passed . He was my pediatrician back when he was on Leland and I was blessed he would also get to care for my children. They loved him and he was such a kind man who always made them laugh and always at ease . What a blessing he was to us and so many , my sincere sympathy to his family . Sleep with the angels Dr. Arab .
Sally Cobb
February 25, 2021
Dr. Arab was wonderful with our children. He was their doctor from the time they were born until we left the area. What a caring person and physician.
Nargis Arab
February 25, 2021
My uncle ( Chacha)I remember the time you always come dar es salaam and visit your niece with memories laughf and jokes been few months was looking your number just wanted to hear your voice but sadly accepted sad news wish could see you Atleast 1 more time or hear your voice. but you in better place may Allah grant you the highest Rank in jannah May Allah give family Sabar.
Lori Klepper
February 18, 2021
To hear the passing of Dr Arab saddens me he took care of my very very sick daughter from birth till she tuned 21 he really helped me get through some really bad times. He will be missed
Joy
February 17, 2021
Dr. Arab was my son's doctor. He was very easy to talk with. Immediately, we were comfortable with him. He listened and helped any way he could. Very nice and honest man.
Condolences to Dr. Arabs family and friends.
Gloria
February 16, 2021
Dr. Arab was my children's doctor since he had his office on Leland Street. He was an awesome and a very caring doctor. Always had a smile on his face and gave my kids nicknames. Last time I Saw him was at Walmart years ago and he was still just as kind and had that smile on his face. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and the rest of his family. Rest in Paradise Dr. Arab
Chas Mueller
February 16, 2021
Dr. Arab was a joy to work with. He would come into the nursery in the morning and sit in the rocking chair to hear updates on his babies he was caring for. He loved to share stories of Sam and also hear about my kids. I enjoyed seeing him and will miss him visiting the birth center. Thinking of you all with deepest sympathy.
Joyce
February 16, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to the family. What a wonderful man and Dr. - So personable, kind, and friendly - whether in the office treating our daughters or out and about in Waterloo. (And he always remembered their names!) So thankful for his skills and knowledge though the years. He will not be forgotten.
Kevan Cortright
February 16, 2021
To Naseem And family,
I´m sorry you must endure the loss of Siddiq. He was certainly one of the kindest guys I´ve ever known. Our friendship started a long time ago and I
so enjoyed the many conversations about many subjects. His facial expressions and sincere interest when
we had time to discuss things will be a lasting memory for me. Our last opportunity to share coffee will be my treasure to remember. I will miss him
and never forget him. Thank you for sharing him with me. I send you my heartfelt sympathy and prayers for support. God bless and give you strength.
Sincerely, Kevan Cortright
Kamilah Stevens
February 15, 2021
Dr. Arab was my doctor, as a child. The last time I saw him was at Dillard's a few years back. He was still very kind and he remembered me. I send my condolences to his family. RIP.
Lori Shockley
February 15, 2021
He will be so missed! I still miss asking him his medical opinion at the office. He had seen it all! He was so good hearted and clearly loved his job and family! He had so much wisdom to share!
Shelli Panicucci
February 15, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Arab´s family. He took great care of our three children. I remember one visit vividly. All three had strep throat and I was at the breaking point with exhaustion. He was so kind and compassionate telling me, "You´re doing a great job, mother." He gave me confidence at many key times in parenthood. Rest In Peace, dear Doctor.
Panicucci David
February 15, 2021
I called on Dr Arab as a Pharmaceutical Rep for many years. He was always open to seeing me and kind in our interactions. I trusted him to the care of my three small children from infancy. He was generous with his compassion. I pray for comfort for his family.
Andrea Bellows
February 15, 2021
Dr Arab was our Pediatrician for over 18 years and we Loved Dr Arab! He was so Kind and generous and had a huge heart! Would lighten a smile no matter how bad they felt.. my condolences to the Arab Family, what a wonderful and generous person and pediatrician he was
Diann Droste
February 15, 2021
Dr. Arab was our children's pediatrician for many years. We always found him to be kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable. His "ah, they do it on their own time" has stayed with me for many years. Long after my children were grown, I would run into Dr. Arab and we would always share delightful memories. I enjoyed the sparkle in his eyes as he told me about his own family. Our community was blessed with Dr. Arab! Sincere condolences to his family.
Jim Connell
February 15, 2021
I practiced radiology for many years at St. Francis, therefor I had many interactions with Dr Arab. He was a good doc and a gentlemen and respected by all in radiology.
Wanda Birdsong
February 15, 2021
When I was pregnant with my first child, I asked friends for recommendations to select a pediatrician. Countless times their recommendations were Dr. Arab. He was highly respected for his gentleness and high level of care for his patients. Our family has always remembered him with great fondness and respect. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Sally
February 15, 2021
Our thoughts & prayers to the Arab family. He was the greatest, he was dedicated & caring. I worked with him in the NICU / Nursery, since 1979. He always took the time to listen and visit with a sense of humor. He cared for our two children thru their college years. He will be dearly missed.
PAULA COLE
February 15, 2021
I worked at/with St. Francis/Covenant/Dr. Greg Kazenelson in Waterloo for many years which gave me the privilege of knowing Dr. Arab. A great man who was loved by many.
Bob Roof
February 15, 2021
What a wonderful man! I started talking to Dr Arab on the phone about his patients when I started at Covenant in 2003. I loved my interactions with him. One day,, years later, I was on the elevator and a man approached me and said, "Hi Bob". I asked him how he knew me, and he said, "I'd recognize your voice anywhere". I had a nice chat with him as always, and walked away from the encounter understanding better what a gentle, kind man he was. I never saw him after that. The world could use more Dr Arabs.
Victoria v Runez, MD
February 14, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the family . I have lots of good memories working with Dr Arab at Covenant Clinic . He will be surely missed as a colleague and friend.
Mohammed Ashraf Sheikh
February 14, 2021
I first met Siddiq in 1957 at Government College, Lahore, Pakistan where we graduated in our pre-medical studies. He had come from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, I from Nairob, Kenya. We struck an immediate lifelong friendship. He was truly as sincere a friend as could be- a most well-balanced and even tempered person, with a characteristic spontaneous and hearty laughter which could brighten any situation. He was adventurous and loved the outdoors; we traveled widely in Pakistan, India and East Africa. Even after we specialized, he, a pediatrician and I an orthopedic surgeon, we often got together in London,England; New York City, Rhode Island and in Waterloo soon after his marriage to his wonderful wife, Naseem. . He´s gentle nature came in handy in his daily encounters with children his pediatrics practice; his humility, most comforting and humbling, was always in evidence with who-so-ever´s life he touched. comforting and humbling. There aren´t many friends around, one could actually write a book on. He will be dearly missed.
WICKEE
February 14, 2021
I worked with dr arab in peds and nicu and considered him a dear friend. he was the kindest gentlist man may he rest in love
Diane Thompson
February 14, 2021
Dr. Arab was my kids pediatrician. He was such a kind & caring man. Our condolences to his Family.
Craig and Lynette Wickham
February 14, 2021
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Ronald Roth
February 14, 2021
He was good man and I am honored to have known him.
Joan Lies
February 14, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the Arab Family. I personally worked with Dr.Arab for many years. He was a wonderful dedicated physician. He was so patient with me and I learned so much from him. His love for children was so evident in his practice. God's blessings and comfort to the family. May he rest in peace.
Abdur Rehman Andani
February 14, 2021
He was my brother in law as Naseem is my first cousin sister. Always found him down to earth, kind hearted and friendly with sincerity.
Lisa
February 14, 2021
My deepest condolences to Dr Arab´s family. He was my children´s pediatrician and that only changed because we relocated. I´ve always thought highly of him and trusted my children in his care. He was truly kind, compassionate and will be missed by so many. I´ll never forget how you helped me deal with all of the struggles of having a premie baby (she´s 35 now and you were right about everything). Bless you Dr Arab and may you rest in eternal peace.
Marisa Van Dorn
February 14, 2021
Your parents raised a lovely family, each of you is very special and those are things you learn from your parents. To your mother I offer my deepest sympathy and to each of you children know you will go on and raise your children with the values your father gave you. A gift to People´s Clinic will be made in your father´s name.
Kathy Carper
February 14, 2021
Dr Arab was my children´s pediatrician. This started 40 years ago. He was always so calming and supportive. I ran into him frequently, as I work at a hospital. He always asked about the kids; then we´d have a conversation that always lifted my spirits for the day. We are all genuinely saddened by the loss of our dear Dr and friend. Our sympathies to his family during this difficult time.
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