From Mark Pan
Amin was the most seriously-whimsical person I’ve ever met. His polite, well-spoken demeanor lived hand in hand with his hilarious sense of humor. I doubt any other person could be so polished and refined as to make a lasting good impression with everyone he met, and also cause such chaotic laughter among his friends with the pranks he pulled and jokes he told. I will never forget how frustrating it was to argue with Amin, or how wonderful it was to see him arguing with someone else. He had a sharp mind and confident intellect that made him a great debater. He was constantly smiling and laughing, and making those around him laugh as well. He made me laugh so often, and when I think about some of the things he used to say or do, he still does. That is what I’ll miss most about him.
From Preston Martin
It was fall 2004 and I had just moved to Seattle from South Florida. I was a long way from my home, my family, and my friends, and the reality of this separation was just starting to sink in. At the time I was in a relationship with someone from Bellevue who had gone to school at Interlake HS. One night we headed out to reconnect with her friends at a small party. It would be my first introduction to the group. As we walked up I could hear singular voices punctuated by group laughter. I suddenly got the impression that this was a tightly knit group, and I was going to be the outsider.
That was the night I first met Amin. He greeted me with a sincere and welcoming smile that I will never forget. We chatted for a while, quickly getting beyond the typical small talk. Amin listened attentively and responded in a deliberate and thoughtful way. It was evident that he was sincerely interested in getting to know me. That conversation set the tone for the rest of the evening. I felt welcome and comfortable as I continued to meet new people.
From that first encounter I’ve always had admiration and respect for Amin. He carried himself with grace and maturity beyond his years, and he seemed to be mindful of his path forward when others (including myself) were trying to figure out what to do in life. I always appreciated our conversations, which, I admit, were more polished than I might normally have. I would catch myself listening more closely and making attempts to cut back on “dude”,”bro”, and “sweet”. I suppose I was trying to show my best side, which I now recognize was just a reflection of my respect for Amin. I’ve come to realize that my
admiration and respect for him has certainly had an influence on actions and decisions in my life beyond what I can even comprehend, and will continue to do so.
Although Amin was a world away, I thought of him often. His passing has made me realize just how much of an impact he’s had on my life, and on the lives of our mutual friends. I feel blessed to have known Amin, and will undoubtedly think of him, and honor his memory, for the rest of my life.
From Jeannette La-Thompsen
I’ve only known Amin for a few years, but the stories that I hear about him make me feel like I’ve known him for much longer. I’ve been privy to in inside jokes between their group of friends and now I can’t go to Dairy Queen without thinking of Amin. While traveling to China with my parents and my husband (one of Amin’s oldest friends) I was lucky enough to spend some time with him.
Amin was such a gracious host and took us all around Bejing for fun sights and great food. Two of my most striking memories of him is once he found out there was a special art exhibit that I wanted to go to he led us straight to the art district and on a wild goose chase for a tiny, tucked away gallery. After speaking to many people we were able to find the small gallery, only to find out that it was currently closed for a private event. Dan, my husband, had told me many times of Amin’s gift of gab, so it was no surprise that he talked our way in to the gallery. Seeing that exhibition was a long time dream of mine and I’m so thankful that he went so far out of his way to do something like that for me.
Secondly, during this same trip, I told him that I needed to buy a stuffed panda hat. He took us all throughout the markets looking for this panda hat. He negotiated for me in Chinese and as we left, in the most dead pan voice, but with the biggest smile he said to the vendor “next time, don’t rip me off.” And she burst out in to laughter. I had heard so much about his dry humor and to see it in action still brings a smile to my face.
He was a wonderful friend to so many and I know that he will be missed by all.