Students, faculty and the larger Windsor community gathered at the University of Windsor on Friday to remember five individuals described as bright, caring, genuine, innovative and dedicated.
Friends and colleagues mourned their loved ones as well as the bright futures they will no longer get to live out.
Zahra Naghibi, Mohammad Abbaspour, Pedram Jadidi, Samira Bashiri and Hamidreza Setarehkokab were all making their way back to Windsor when they were killed on Ukrainian Flight PS752 in Iran.
Naghibi was a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Engineering. Her research involved innovative work in renewable energy and food production. She was described as bright, brave and caring.
"She smiled from the bottom of her heart and our story of friendship began. She loved inviting everyone over, she opened the door of her home and her heart to everyone, Zahra was a beautiful soul," friend Neda Rezaei told the overflowing auditorium.
Abbaspour, who was Naghibi's husband, was also killed in the horrific plane crash. He was described as a dedicated friend with an amazing sense of humour.
"He believed with friends everything would be possible. He valued gathering together," said friend Mehran Eshaghi. "He knew how to explain the complexities of life with simplicity and a sense of humour."
The Faculty of Engineering also lost Jadidi, a Ph.D. student. His research involved artificial intelligence and cable-stayed bridges. His faculty advisor Dr. Shanhong Cheng said though he was only there a short time he was already making great strides.
"He demonstrated to be an exceptional and enthusiastic researcher. Outside of the workspace, Pedram was known by all of us as a supportive and approachable friend. He was a keen fan of music, movies, and sport and was a skilled graphic designer," said friend Naser Torabi.
Setarehkokab was a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering conducting innovative research in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
"There is a great emptiness left by your passing but I am certain that your soul is in peace now. I especially remember your gentle spirit and loving nature. You will always be remembered as an especially giving person full of energy," said Keyhan Borooshan, as he spoke directly to his friend, Setarehkokab, during the service.
Setarehkokab's wife, Bashiri, was also killed in the crash. She was a research assistant with Dr. Lisa Porter in the Faculty of Science. Porter said she was adored in the lab because of her dedication and motivation.
"We need people like Samira who embrace different cultures, who use creativity and happiness to show us that peace, freedom, equality and education are the way forward," said Porter. "We need people like Samira to truly make the world a better place."
In addition to the friends and colleagues who spoke at the memorial service University president Robert Gordon and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens offered remarks and condolences.
The entire memorial service held at the University of Windsor and live-streamed for family and friends around the world can be viewed here.
