Haji Dr Ali Agha Khaleeli

June  13th, 1946 December  28th, 2024
London
Haji Dr Ali Agha Khaleeli

He whose heart has been revived by love will never die,
Our eternity has been written in the record of the world.
― Hafiz

Obituary

Haji Dr Ali Agha Khaleeli was born in Madras, India. He was the the third of four surviving children of Mohammad Taqui Khaleeli and Shahtaj Namazie. His brothers were Khaleel Agha and Mansoor, and his sister Naheed.

When his family moved to the United Kingdom, he stayed behind in India with his beloved paternal grandmother until the age of five. He then joined the rest of the family in London and attended Mill Hill School. He studied medicine at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. He specialised in endocrinology and worked in a number of London hospitals including St Stephens, Charing Cross and UCL. He wrote his MD Thesis on Endocrine Myopathies.

In 1971 he married Noushafreen Hidayatullah (Cherie): they had three daughters: Zhaleh, Homa and Samia.

In 1977 he fulfilled his ambition of moving to his ancestral home of Shiraz with his family, where he practised medicine and lectured at Shiraz University. When the Iranian Revolution broke out in 1979 he stayed to support his colleagues until he was eventually forced to return to London. In 1985 he settled in Mere, Cheshire, having taken up the post of Consultant Endocrinologist at Halton General Hospital. He specialised in thyroid and parathyroid disorders and set up comprehensive diabetes services, along with his general medicine. He continued to publish his research despite a busy clinical job, and was known for supporting his juniors through their exams and beyond. After more than four decades as a doctor, he moved back to London and devoted himself to his seven grandchildren: Zayan, Mikail, Marjaan, Amara, Kasim, Jahan and Zafar.

Although medicine was his passion he loved travelling - taking his family on exciting trips to Syria, Romania, the Hunza valley and beyond. He always enjoyed a game of cricket - and, of course, engaging friends, relatives and strangers in political debates.

Throughout his life he never stopped learning, and began studying Farsi in his 70's so he could fully enjoy Persian poetry.


He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, but he lives on in our hearts.

Gallery

Memory wall

Please feel welcome to share your tributes and fondest memories of Dr Khaleeli, and upload any photos of him that you wish to share 


January 17, 2025
I know Professor Khalili when I went to London to spend. fellowship course about 16 months ago. He was very kind, hospitable, enthusiastic to his family, Iran and poetry. I felt deeply his sympathetic feeling to Palestinian people.
I sincerely express my deepest condolences to his esteemed family especially Dr Zhaleh on the passing of dear Dr. Ali. He was one of the most honorable man I have ever met in my life

May his soul rest in peace, and his memory remain alive. Mohammad reza khalili
Mohammad Reza Khalili
January 9, 2025
The few times that I had the good fortune of meeting Dr Ali were pleasant memorable events. A natural person, amiable and open minded. He will be missed and remembered, knowing that he is in a better place.
Ali Elahi
January 8, 2025
I started my life and work in UK / NHS at Halton hospital at around 2004 and it was Dr Khaleeli and other consultants in that hospital who helped me find my way after migration.
Dr Khaleeli was kind, supportive, thorough and caring and generous.
I did go on and in 2008 started my training in Diabetes and Endocrinology. I once met him in national Diabetes UK meeting in 2010; he was absolutely delighted that I had chosen Diabetes as my career. I was a research fellow at that time and he knew my supervisor. He insisted that he wanted to talk to my supervisor; he held my hand, walked me towards her and told her “this young chap is Iranian, and started at Halton with me, and you need to look after her” 😊 LOL 😊.
He will be remembered forever for his kind personality; care he gave to patients and all and juniors he trained.
And of course his smile.

Hamid Mani
Hamid Mani
January 8, 2025
I shall always remember Ali as the kindest and funniest man in our family. Smart, astute and a great conversationalist; he was interested in everything. And what a wonderful father he was. I shall miss that smiling face and those twinkling eyes. May G9d keep you in his arms.
Zarmine Sarfaraz
January 8, 2025
My thirty eight yrs of knowing my ALI JOON have been worth remembering . A thorough gentleman, always smiling , kind, caring and warm to the core. He found me always smiling n I think that was a common feature between the two of us.. HE loved me being the ONLY one in the family to Call him ALI JOON.. A great loving n caring husband and a doting father n a grand father. I have such fond memories of him Will MISS HIM and His SMILING FACE ALWAYS...
Siddiqah Hidayatullah
January 7, 2025
Some of the diabetes nurses, and Ali’s secretary in Halton Hospital from a few years ago. Ali was certainly a unique character who we will share fond memories of. My thoughts are with his family
Lesley Mills
January 7, 2025
Happy Halton days
A unique man who became a teacher, mentor and friend
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially Cheri and his girls. Xxx
Jane Stamper
January 7, 2025
I first met Ali in 1960 when my family had just come to Britain. He was 14 and I was 15 and it was so wonderful to meet someone my own age in a country where I felt very homesick and Ali was conscious of my feeling of insecurity in my new environment and invited me out a few times to help me in my world of insecurity and uncertainty. My family and Ali's often met and when we visited them in their home in Barnes I alway felt welcom and his father often advised my father on the way things were done in England, to which my father was - like me - a newcomer after retiring from the Persian army.

Ali's path and mine parted as we grew older; he went to medical school and I went to university and started employment. We met a few times after that; he always told me of his love of Iran and the Persian language. He told me that he had spent some time in Shiraz, where I had lived when my father was posted there in the 1950s. I recall with fondness my visits to Persepolis where I could feel conscious of my Persian heritage, as did Ali. Shiraz must have changed a great deal as I was there two decades before he visited Pars.

I met Ali now and agin; once in Cheshire to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary and a few times after that, when we were both retired. Being in his presence reminded me of the warmth with which his family treated us when we were newcomers to Britain.

I met Ali in his house in Finchley for the last time shortly before he passed away. While there, I noticed some literature from 'Medical Alid for Paletine' in his house and told him that MAP was also my charity of choice and to which I will be pleased to contribute in his memory.
Hadi Samsami
Hadi Samsami
January 6, 2025
I first met Dr Khaleeli in 2001 when he kindly accepted me for a clinical attachment post on his ward at Halton General Hospital. Few months later I became his PRHO & that was the start of my NHS journey which I owe to him. I learned a lot from him. He was kind, selfless & a caring person. He loved his job & was a passionate teacher.
It was with great sadness that I heard Dr Khaleeli passed away in December. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be remembered with lots of fond memories. May he rest in peace.
Bahar Arsalani
January 6, 2025
Ali was a man with a big heart and a wide intellect. He believed in the old family values. Despite living and working in England for the greater part of his life, he nutured a deep appreciation of his Iranian heritage and culture. The time and commitment he showed practising his profession in Iran and later his interest in learning Farsi was reflective of the love he bore for the land
of his forefathers.
Though Iran was close to his heart, Ali was British in his training, his humour and enjoyment of English poetry. He straddled both cultures with ease, taking the best from both.
In life there are ups and downs and suddenly life can throw a googly at you. For Ali's his indifferent health was that googly. His passion for his profession, which had run like a constant thread through his life, was compromised.
He left this world on a cold winter's day surrounded by the warmth and love of his close family and all the lives he touched. Few have the good fortune to be so genuinely loved and respected by so many. Ali was a worthy recipient.
May he meet his Maker knowing he has done his best in this world. May he rest in peace.
Farewell Haji Dr.Ali Khaleeli.
Maryam Khaleeli
January 6, 2025
It is only now, reading through all the lovely comments about Ali from his wider family, that I realise that, since the age of five, I have been calling everyone by the wrong name - for all these years, I have called members of the family 'Aunty' or 'Uncle' or other honorific titles, copied unwittingly from Zhaleh or Mina, often thereby awarding two family names to each family member, starting with Arbibee/Junie and Sugar. It was perhaps, therefore, in recognition of an inadvertent fait accompli that I was awarded the status of 'honoury cousin', a title, however I might have earned it, that I cherish to this day. And it is a reflection of the grace of the family that no one, in the past forty-five years, has pointed out to me my cuckoo status. Ali epitomised the warmth of his family. I think he has touched so many lives as he was so interested in everyone he met and so ready to include them within his family. Ali, although the politest of men, always wanted to get to the heart of the matter - how you really were, politics or poetry. I know that he will be sorely missed by everyone, but I am also sure that his legacy will endure to ensure that his family flourishes as a place of kindness to each other and to all those who, like me, treasure its warmth.
Louise May
January 6, 2025
Meeting Ali over the years as a friend of Samia's at college was always such a warm and uplifting encounter. He was always enthusiastic and genuinely curious about what was happening in my life and I looked forward to our small chats
One of the most memorable times with Ali was at Samia and Abbas' wedding where Ali was so joyfully enthusiastic about meeting my husband Giulio and celebrating the wedding together.
I have no doubt he has made a huge, on-going impact, in so many ways, on so many people's lives and will be hugely missed.
Claire Foster
January 5, 2025
Doi Ali always animated the room with his incredible energy and warmth - even when he was feeling tired in recent years. He had such a breadth of knowledge - giving comfort and advice and confidence when things went well - and when they were tough - when my mum was unwell his kindness made a huge difference and later when I wasn’t well it was such a great help being able to talk things through - he gave people around him confidence. He had a passion for life and reminded whoever was lucky enough to be in his company of the beauty and fascination of the world - of human history, geography, scientific endeavour, poetry in many languages, roses, gardens, Shiraz, and his enormous love for his family. He was such a vital presence - he always pinched my ‘rosy cheeks’ when I was little (sometimes hard!) and I remember his laughter, his complex salads with carrots and apples among many other things, his wit and the extraordinarily long scenes from Shakespeare he quoted from memory! He will be missed by many and remembered with love.
Mina Gorji
January 5, 2025
Dr. Ali contributions and impact on his field and the lives he touched will not be forgotten. His dedication to his work and the warmth left a lasting impact on those who new him.
For me the most memorable story is from the 70's when between exams we used to play squash at Charing Cross Hospital sport center in Hammersmith. Both of us were young and keen to win, and we always ended up pushing each other to our limits in order to win. This kind of memory reminds us of the vibrancy of life and the friendship we cherish. It is sad for me that later in life I did not have the opportunity to spend time with a such a wonderful person.
Our thoughts are with Cherie, Jaleh, Homa, Samia during this difficult time.
Ali, Golnaz - Montreal Canada 5th of Jan 2025
Ali Reza Khalili
January 5, 2025
Ali was a Warm hearted, humble and a caring person. He was always cheerful and made others laugh bringing happiness
It has been a pleasure and an asset to have such a friend and we are grateful to him in taking us into his family as friends
Waheed
mohammad Abdul waheed
January 5, 2025
I first met Ali at our first day at the London Hospital Medical College. Sharing our experiences with family meetings etc for our small student firm . Even shared student flats where Peter Rhind taught him basic cooking and my brother annoyed him by having the Blue Danube waltz as his wake up call. As House officers in Bath and then as trainees around London & elsewhere always in touch and meeting his wider family who embraced us all as family. More latterly in Cheshire many visits to his home for special occasions and family events as children grew into adults and parents.
A very caring humane and thoughtful friend ever one to be relied upon. A sad loss. And much missed.
Andrew Montgomery
January 5, 2025
Ali, with his generosity of spirit and willingness to help was our go-to person for medical advice on all issues, no matter how big or small. My mother Zeenat, always had a soft spot for him ever since he provided great support for her when I had to undergo an operation for suspected cancer in 1973. He arranged everything for us, from providing names of surgeons to advising on the best hospitals and procedures.

On the other hand I remember him as a young husband in 1974 when, as a student on my own in England, I spent many happy hours with at Cherie and Ali at their home in Barnes, often spending the night. This was before any of their children were born and I suspect they were practising parenthood on me.

As is inevitable when around Ali, much time was spent on lively political discussion and debate, especially as I too was not shy about expressing my opinion. But Ali always responded in a spirit of
good naturedness and kindness, never reproachful or hostile at the impertinence of a much younger interlocutor.

He was good manners personified. I will always remember him as gentle and good humoured even while engaging in intense argument. His infinite capacity to come to everyones aid whenever called upon is a rare quality and his love for his family is shining through for all to see in the pictures posted in the gallery.
Syra
January 4, 2025
My condolences to Auntie Cherie, Zhaleh, Homa, Samia as well as their families on the passing of Uncle Ali.
May his soul rest in peace.
____________________
I recall 2 conversations however I will focus on the main one.

I was at Ameh Azeezeh and Uncle Khaleels place one day and we were all in the living room. Uncle Ali asked me which one of your parents are you more like?
I responded diplomatically like my mother and said that I was a mix of both my parents.

That question lingered through the years.

Uncle Ali as I reflect as an adult on your question... I'm probably 60% Manucher, 20% sprinkles of Soraya and 20% Uniquely Marjan.
Marjan Khaleeli
January 4, 2025
It was with great sadness that we heard that Ali had passed away a week ago.

In March 1985 three newly appointed physicians met together for the first time ( Zoom meetings had not been invented yet ) to discuss what work they had to complete before the newly built Halton Hospital, Runcorn was opened in May. The new Consultants were Ramesh Mallya ( Rheumatologist) , Ali (Diabetes and Endocrinology) and myself (Respiratory). We met in Ramesh’s house and began to get to know each other over a lovely lunch. Thus started a lifelong professional and social fellowship which I treasure.

The Hospital had previously consisted of inpatient beds for the Geriatric service and Outpatient Clinics served by visiting consultants from the teaching hospitals . Ali was an persuasive advocate for his specialities, especially diabetes, and was able to establish an excellent team over the years thereby improving the standard of diabetic care for those in the catchment area. He was also enthusiastic supporter of medical education and took on the relevant responsibilities for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. He never lost his interest in medicine nor those that worked with him.

He had many interests outside medicine. The main diabetic clinic took place on Friday morning following which the whole diabetic team went for lunch in the canteen. Many subjects were discussed there ranging from the history of the Middle East , poetry, British politics etc. He was well read and his opinions were worth listening to. Injustice was anathema to him. It always amused me however that during this lunch Ali , the man who encouraged people to eat properly, would succumb to the famous Halton Hospital Rhubarb Crumble now and again !

I had the responsibility of arranging the Halton Consultants’ first eleven cricket team. Ali loved the game . The most important game of the year was the match against the General Practioners. Ali fielded in the slips, batted in the middle order and was an off spinner but after any game he would complain that he had suffered some medical complication, more often a dodgy shoulder. While his strokeplay was attractive his long discussion about whether to take a close run or not did result in a few run outs !

Ali was a family man who was very proud of his daughters and adored his grandchildren. He was blessed to have Cherie by his side through thick and thin and we pray for all the family. There will be many people outside his family circle that will join them in their grief.
JOHN AND BERYL WILLIAMS
January 4, 2025
Haji Dr Ali Agha Khaleeli, one of the best men we've had the privilege of growing up with. A kind, thoughtful, and loving person who took an active interest in everyone and was interested in everything. You had a warmth and friendhips that extended beyond the family so much so that on two occasions; a return flight from Egypt and 2024's Design Centre exhibition, I met random strangers who turned out to be your old friends who also had a spurious connection with me too!!! Aside from the treasured memories you have given us over the decades, you will be remembered by all who loved you until we become a memory too!! May Allah grant you Maghfirath X
Sana Namazie
January 4, 2025
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَیْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

جناب آقای دکتر علی آقا  خلیلی انسانی وارسته و مهربان بود که حضورش آرامش‌بخش بود ولی فقدانش اندوهی عمیق به همراه دارد. یاد او همواره در دل‌ها زنده خواهد ماند و نام نیکش در خاطره‌ها جاری خواهد بود.

هرگز نمیرد آنکه دلش زنده شد به عشق
ثبت است بر جریده‌ی عالم دوام ما

Dr. Ali Agha Khalili was a very dear and beloved friend to us. He was a remarkable kind person for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him as well. 

Dr. Ali Khalili will always be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to others. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his legacy will forever inspire those who knew him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him. We are sure that Dr. Khalili’s soul is at peace, resting in God’s eternal embrace.

Mohammed Reza Ghodsizadeh
Mahindokht Askari
Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Reza Ghodsizadeh
January 4, 2025
Seldom does one cross paths with the likes of person like Uncle Ali, a truly kind and gentle soul who brought joy to everyone he met. His infectious smile and warm spirit touched the lives of both young and old, while his open and welcome heart forged everlasting relationships that transcended both class and boundaries.

We are grateful for the beautiful memories he left behind and the love he shared so generously. Though he may be gone, his legacy will live on in the memories of all of us who hold him dear. Rest in peace, dear uncle; you will be deeply missed.
Zaigham Hidayatullah
January 4, 2025
Ali and Naheed at Sousan Gorji's wedding summer 2024
Sara Magson
January 4, 2025
I still have Ali's tuck box, A.A. Khaleeli. I remember watching rather enviously as Mum packed it full of goodies for him to take to school. I remember waiting impatiently for him to return on holidays and exeats.
I remember him waking up early to do the cricket scores.
We shared a love of theatre, literature and travel but underlying all his many interests was his undoubted love of family. This love, grew with him over the years turning him into a loving husband and the most wonderful of fathers.
His legacy are his three intelligent, articulate and loving daughters and their children.
May Allah grant him
Naheed Gorji
January 4, 2025
Dr Khalili will be missed sourly at Rustam School where he studied Persian literature for almost 3 years.
Dr Khalili was much loved and respected at Rustam. His enthusiasm for studying was an example to us all. So proud of his support. A wonderful human being.
So sorry that we did not manage to attend his memorial service. The notice was circulated too late due to school holidays.
Rest in peace dear Dr Khalili.


Shahla Taheri White
January 3, 2025
I met Ali, Khaleel Agha, Mansoor and Nahid in Murree on one of our summer holidays. Khanum Doi and Family were there too. It was such a fun time, meeting new cousins, but what stood out was Ali being the only one who played Bridge with the elders!!! Over the years,we grew to love him as someone who was so affectionate, always interested in what was going on in our lives, with such a charming personality. He loved Mom and every time we spoke he would tell me how special she was. She was very fond of him and Cherie and I am so glad I connected them with Mom on a couple of occasions whilst she was in the senior home. God rest his soul in peace. He will be missed ever so much. We were fortunate to have spent time with him in London in August.
Soraya Khaleeli
January 3, 2025
When I first met Ali, he was the youngest of 3 brothers who were all at Mill Hill. Over many years, both Jayne and I got to know him. We quickly realized that his most endearing and outstanding characteristic was his love of family. Ali always spoke with great love and affection of his parents, Cherie, his three daughters and his grandchildren. Just as impressive was the fact that prior to departing on any trip, he would find out which relatives he had living in the city he was visiting. Ali maintained many relationships not only with the Khaleelis, but also with the Hidayatallahs and the Haroons. The time Ali always took to keep his relationships close and strong was awe inspiring.

Ali was always welcoming of family in his home. Jayne will never forget that on every occasion we went to lunch at Ali's home, he prepared a special salad for her. Another characteristic that was totally Ali was he could discuss with a great deal of knowledge any subject affecting the world geopolitics.

We shall miss you deeply Ali, but we will always remember your love, kindness and generosity as a husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. Now all we can pray for is that Cherie and the children have the strength to bear the pain of your loss. May Allah be with you always.
Micki and Jayne Hidayatallah
January 3, 2025
Some people are so inspiring that simply knowing their life story gives you the courage to live better. Mr. Khaleeli was one of those people. I was fortunate to meet Mr. Khaleeli a few times, and his love for learning Persian and understanding Persian poetry will always stay with me. I will remember him not only for his passion but also for his kind and welcoming nature.
In his memory, I share this poem by Hafez:

بود آیا که در میکده‌ها بگشایند
گره از کار فروبسته ما بگشایند
اگر از بهر دل زاهد خودبین بستند
دل قوی دار که از بهر خدا بگشایند

O heart it may be that the door of the wine-houses, they will open
The knot of difficulty of our entangled work they will open
If, for the sake of the Zahid's heart, self-seeing, they closed the door
Strong, keep the heart, for the sake of God, they will open

Rest in peace Mr Khaleeli, I wish nothing but peace and patience for your loved ones in your loss.
Adeleh Ghodsizadeh
January 3, 2025
Dear Cherie,

I sincerely extend my deepest condolences to you, your beloved daughters Zhaleh, Homa, and Samia, and your esteemed family on the passing of dear and cherished Dr. Ali. He was one of the most honorable and noble individuals I have ever known in my life. Both Khosrow and I deeply admired and loved him. I understand how incredibly difficult it is to lose someone so close to your heart.

May his soul rest in peace, and his memory remain alive in our hearts. May God grant you patience and peace during this difficult time. Please kindly convey our condolences to your entire family on our behalf.

With respect,
Zahra, Yasmin, and Mina Khalili

🖤🖤🖤
Zahra Khalili
January 3, 2025
The first time Arefeh introduced Dr. Khaleeli to me, she briefly shared a bit about his life, and I was so captivated by his love for Iran and the Persian language. Later, when I would take my son to Persian school, I would see him sitting quietly in a corner, engrossed in his studies. His dedication and perseverance were truly admirable to me. I wanted to talk to him several times, but I felt too shy. Now, I deeply regret not doing so.

Sometimes, it becomes too late all too soon.
گاهی چقدر زود دیر می شود

May his noble and vibrant soul rest in joy and peace.
Negar Tamari
January 3, 2025
My memories of uncle Ali are only fond and warm. There was a safety in his presence because we all knew how deeply intelligent and well versed he was on almost any topic. I wish that I had spent more time with him and that I had learned more from him.
He was kind and nurturing and he always seemed to know how to make people feel good.
I am sending so much love to all of you for I know how much Ali will be missed… ♥️
Yasmin Hidayatallah
January 3, 2025
Excellent Obituary...We'll deserved to Dr Ali, my friend and flatmate during the late sixties/ early seventies....during which time I came to know the loving, caring, the gentleman with a great sense of humour that he really was. Unfortunately we lost contact during all these gone years....Until June 2024 when I received a video message to wish me for my 80th birthday.
May Dr.Ali Rest in Peace..Amen
Thank You so much Hashem Jan for sending me this link..now I know what I never knew during all these past 50 odd years🤲🫶🙏🥰. From Hussain Mehdizadeh in Spain
Hussain Mehdizadeh
January 2, 2025
I could not and have not yet believed this terrible news. I still hope to drive past that turn and be assured that Dr. Khaleeli is there—just as he always was. I just need to knock, and there will be a person with whom I have so many things to discuss—Iran, politics, learning Farsi, and my studies.

Whenever we were around other people, he always praised our ability to speak Farsi. He valued it so much that it made us feel incredibly special. His interest was something very rare and unique, not a common experience for Iranians nowadays, and that meant so much to us. He was like a safe and comfortable presence nearby, and the idea of him not being around anymore keeps bringing tears to my eyes.

We have spent so many wonderful times with him—in Homa’s house, at his and Cherie’s place, in our place, or in the park, mosque for Eid prayers, and restaurants around Finchley. Every one of those moments has created memories that we will cherish forever.

Dr. Khaleeli was a rare soul—thoughtful, curious, and warm. He brought people together and left everyone he met feeling valued and inspired. I cannot even imagine the empty space this must leave for the family, and I wish you all Sabr in this incredibly difficult time.

May Allah grant him Jannah and bring peace and strength to his loved ones.
Arefeh Ghodsizadeh
January 2, 2025
I met Ali over 30 years ago, when Zhaleh and I became best friends at school. Ali was my favourite of all my friends’ Dads. So warm, kind and funny. He was always so interested in my life and family.

I have very much enjoyed seeing him over the years at different family occasions.

My Dad was also very fond of Ali. They were both members at Mere Golf and Country Club. Dad always looked forward to his chats with Ali.

Ali will be deeply missed by his family and friends ❤️.
Lucy Ridgway
January 2, 2025
I owe my medical practice in UK to Ali, I needed clinical attachment to a hospital, Ali introduced me to Mr Keith, orthopaedic surgeon at St Stephen hospital, as his cousin. After 6 weeks of clinical attachment I was offered a full-time job.
Ali had time for every one, irrespective of who you are or what your back ground is,

he had a clean heart, he would genuinely be happy with your success. Envy , jealousy or hatred was never in his vocabulary, after all he was our Ali. May Allah grant him the highest position in heaven which he very much deserves. May his pious soul rest in peace.
Ali I shall never forget you, you will always be in my prayers.
Hashem Shariat
January 2, 2025
I'm so, so sorry to hear about Dr Khaleeli's passing. He was such a unforgettably warm-hearted, empathic man and a wonderful wit to boot. He was ever curious about every facet of your life; I loved his sit downs, any time we met, where he'd dig in to all the details of what was going on with you. And he would remember those details, even when we'd meet again a year or two later in the garden of Homa's house. He will be missed deeply.
Shiv Malik
January 2, 2025
From the moment I joined the family, Uncle Ali gave me respect, kindness and love in a way that I will never forget. He showed the same love to my parents and my siblings, all of whom were touched by how genuine and affectionate he was.

I cherish many fond memories of him, whether it be quoting poetry, debating the important issues of the day, conversations about medicine or life in general. He loved practising medicine with a passion and enthusiasm that is rarely seen and was an inspiration to myself and many others. He was a wonderful grandfather to my children.

I couldn't have asked for a better father in law. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. May Allah bless his soul.
Imran Anwar
January 1, 2025
Uncle Ali always found time, in his very full life, for each of us.
He loved unconditionally and was loved that way in return.
His untimely departure from our world has left a void.
He is greatly missed.and I very much hope we all continue to celebrate his life and remember him for all the things he loved, his family and friends, poetry, gardens, good Irani food and so much more.
We exchanged Wordle scores and my first choice of word is always uncle Alis tip, it contains 3 vowels and 2 very frequently used consonants. My scores have improved thanks to him!

It's very difficult to process that he is no longer there.
Masume Hidayatullah
January 1, 2025
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Ali. I remember his vibrant personality and his ability to capture the attention of all those around him. I was often in awe of his passion for knowledge and his powerful intellect. As a child, I remember thinking he knew everything that was going on everywhere in the world. He was brilliant.
Most importantly, he was overwhelmingly dedicated to his family - and not just his immediate family. I remember seeing him at the weddings of two of his daughters. I was not amazed that he knew everyone in the room, I was amazed that he made everyone in the room feel welcomed and at home in the most genuine manner. And, of course, he also loved to have a good time! I have attached a photo of Uncle Ali dancing with my younger sister, Nadia.
Uncle Ali was a kind and loving uncle and I will miss him dearly.
Uncle Ali - I love you! Love, Alya
Alya Hidayatallah
January 1, 2025
I am glad he was my cousin with his never ending infectious enthusiasm and affection. He had a wonderful life and was blessed- something that not many have. We are sad because we miss him. Rest in peace
Azadeh Khalili
January 1, 2025
Happy memories at Sousan’s wedding (Sept 2024) and Azeezeh’s 80th birthday (Sept 2023).
RIP dear Ali Umoo. x
Nazy Khaleeli

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In honour of Ali Khaleeli, we invite you to make a contribution in his name (sadaqah) to Medical Aid for Palestinians, a cause that was near and dear to his heart.

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