Edmond Boulos

Edmond Boulos1945 ~2004  Edmond Boulos, beloved husband and father of five, passed away in the early morning on December 28, 2004. He was born in Aleppo, Syria on January 25, 1945 to George Boulos and Mariana Awad Boulos. When just 22 he left his home to see the world, visiting Spain, France, Venezuela, Columbia and Brasil. In his life, he had seen the great pyramids of Egypt, the Roman aqueducts in Seville, the great Foz Do Iguacu of Brasil, and many more of the world's wonders. He was educated in Syria, graduating from the University of Aleppo as an engineer specializing in agronomy. He taught biology in high school and after the 1967 War emigrated to Caracas, Venezuela where he worked for the Ministry of Agriculture. With his five brothers, he owned a factory which manufactured and sold denim jeans. He was a political writer and activist writing for his own bilingual, Arabic/Spanish magazine. He spoke many languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic and Portuguese. His command of knowledge never failed him, and he passed this on to those he loved. His knowledge of the world was not limited to language: he was an excellent cook, and prepared excellent baklava and hummus for his friends and family. In New York City, he met and married his wife, Lynda Olson, daughter of Gilbert and Mary Olson, Scarsdale, New York. They went on a wonderful two year honeymoon to South America. They returned to the United States and settled in Salt Lake City where Edmond owned and operated, Dar Es Salaam, a middle eastern grocery store at 9th South and 10th East. He later worked as a realtor for Wardley, Better Homes and Gardens and for Abbot Critical Care where he was injured in an accident. Illness forced him to restrict his activities, but he always walked each day, greeting people and waving at his many friends as they drove by. He was the South Moor Sentinel, the man who waved with the white hair and beard. He is survived by his wife and children: Lynda, Solomon, George, Khalil, Maryana and Julia; by his brothers and sisters, Salim (Janette), Caracas, Venezuala; Michel (Vivian), Aleppo, Syria; Maleki, Aleppo, Syria; Abdullah (Hannan), Miami, Florida; John (Imelda), Staten Island, New York; Albert (Michelin), Aleppo, Syria; Margaret and Odette, Aleppo, Syria; and 21 nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all, but not forgotten. Services will be held on Friday, December 31 at 11:00 at the Big Cottonwood Stake Center (Cottonwood 12th Ward) at 1750 Spring Lane. Friends may call one hour prior to services and Thursday, December 30, 2004 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 3401 Highland Drive. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. The family expresses gratitude to photographer and artist, David Newman, who took the portrait which so captured the essence of this Syrian intellectual which will be on display at the services for Edmond. The family wishes to thank the doctors at the Heart and Lung Institute, Dr. Robert Sprung, Dr. Ali Ahmed and Dr. Sunny Pandita; the staff of Cottonwood Hospital and St. Mark's Hospital; the ambulance crew at Gold Cross; the paramedics from the County Fire Department, and all who so valiantly tried to save his life in these last six months. We also express our appreciation for the staff at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary for their loving care in our hour of need.  
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 12/30/2004.