Ahmad R. Haffar *61

Ahmad died July 26, 2021, in Hyrum, Utah, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Ahmad was born in Tripoli, Lebanon, in 1927, and immigrated to Logan, Utah, in 1949. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah. In 1961 Ahmad attained what he called his “life’s dream,” a Ph.D. in politics from Princeton. 

For 30 years Ahmad taught at SUNY New Paltz. He was active in his field of political science and highly respected by his peers, participating in working groups pursuing peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. He was affiliated with Harvard, the United Nations, and the Woodrow Wilson School, as well as private-interest groups working in the Middle East.

Proudly self-sufficient, humble, and eager to learn, Ahmad had the disposition to build a stone wall and lay brick for a 23-foot chimney while teaching and writing. Curious but with strong opinions, his best lectures came if you accompanied him clamming at his summer home in New Brunswick, Canada. He will be missed by many, but not by the clams of New Brunswick.

Predeceased by his wife, Shirlee, Ahmad is survived by his children, Nadra, Richard, Derek, and Warren; and three granddaughters.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.