
Baqui Zai
Date Of Birth:	July 19, 1923
Date Of Death:	August 16, 2010
Service Date:	August 18, 2010

BAQUI YOUSEF ZAI passed away peacefully at 7:45 p.m. on Monday. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan on July 19, 1923, he received his early education at Kabul University and his Masters’ Degree in Economics and a PhD in Philosophy of Education at Indiana University. He was a fellow of the International Monetary Fund.

Baqui served as a Director of Planning in the Afghanistan Ministry of Planning and later as a governor of the Maidan and Baghlan provinces. He returned to the United States in 1969 with his family and spent his remaining active years managing a family business in Bloomington. He was a member of the Rotary Club North where he received a Paul Harris Award, and of the Toasters’ Club of Bloomington. He was an enthusiastic member of the Monroe County Family YMCA for more than 25 years.

Baqui is survived by his wife Olga, his sons David, Sulaiman and Alexander, daughter Zora and 11 grandchildren. He has three surviving sisters with their families in the United States and some distant relations in Afghanistan.

The burial is on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at Little Union Cemetery, in Unionville, IN.

A separate memorial service will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S. Old St. Rd. 37 in Bloomington.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Middle Way House at MWH PO Box 95, Bloomington, IN 47402. To read about the organization you can visit their website at www.middlewayhouse.org. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

From: Ann & Mike Smith
Location:Bloomington
The Smith family wishes to send our sincere condolences to the entire Zai family. We met Baqui and Olga many years ago as Sulai's parents. We enjoyed several gatherings at their beautiful home on Kerr Creek. When I went to the Y, which is infrequent, I think I saw Baqui there every time! Best wishes to all of you. Ann & Mike Smith and family

From: Michelle Atencio
Location:Denver, Co
So sorry for your loss Alex, May the Lord heal your heart, your mind and your soul. May you and your family have peace and joy within your hearts and the lasting memories you will always have with your Father...Amen. May God be with you and yours always, Michelle Atencio

From: AIM II Program
Location:Centreville VA
The AIM II family sends our condolences and wish of peace to your family at this difficult time. Zora, so sorry for your loss.

From: Michael Chiappetta
Location:Bloomington, IN
Dear Olga, My sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Baqui. Please let us get together in the near future to share fond memories. Michael Chiappetta

From: Ellen McCarthy
Location:Fairfax, VA
Zora: All of us with the Nontraditional School Programs are sorrowful at your father's passing. From what I read in his obituary, I can tell that he was truly one of a kind. While he achieved much in his life, I'm certain he would be most proud of his children and their accomplishments. I'm certain he was proud of his only daughter. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ellen

From: Rosalynn Moore
Location:Fairfax,VA
Dear Zora and Family, Your father seem to have so many generous traits. We see all of those in you. Your generous contributions to our school population are certainly a tribute to his memory. My prayers join with so many others during this challenging time.

From: ESOL Alternative Schools Team
Location:Alexandria, Virginia
Zora, The ESOL Alternative Team sends its sincerest condolences upon hearing the news of your father's passing. We hope you find solace and peace in your fond memories of him.

From: Carl & Darlene Hoffman
Location:Redbud Hills Retirement
To the family and friends of Baqui Zai. It was our pleasure to not only meet and get to know Baqui but to serve him here at Redbud Hills Retirement for the short time he lived with us. We so enjoyed his generous spirit, his smile, and interesting life. We are priviledged to have know him. The residents here at Redbud Hills, as well as staff and managers will miss him and always remember him. On behalf of Redbud Hills Retirement, and mangers, Our condolences, Carl and Darlene Hoffman Managers

From: Darlene Hoffman
Location:Redbud Hills Retirement, Bloomington
We were so pleased to have known Baqui for the short time he lived at Redbud Hills. The residents as well as the staff and management send our deepest sympathy to the entire family. carl and I will cherish the times we got to chat and share experiences together with Baqi. Know that you, Olga and the entire family are in our prayers. On behalf of Carl,residents and staff at Redbud Hills Retirement please know Baqui will be missed. Sincerely, Darlene Hoffman Manager at Redbud Hills Retirement

From: Mary Ann Smerk
Location:Bloomington
Olga, it was with sadness that I read of Baqui's passing. You and your family will be in my prayers. Sincerely, Mary Ann Smerk

From: Chuck & Molly Argus
Location:Stockotn, CA
Alex, and all of your family, We know no words can heal the fresh wound of someone close to you passing away. Still, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. We have both lost a beloved father in the time we've been with Pak Mail, and we know that it is a very difficult time. Wishing all of you peace, Chuck & Molly Argus

From: Donna Burkhardt
Dear, sweet Olga - I am so sorry to hear of the news. He is at peace now and so are you. From your friend and sister in heart, Donna

From: Michael Wenzler
Location:Bloomington
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Though it has been years since I've seen some of you, your family is still often on my mind. I have treasured memories of the warmth of your home and family. I can still feel the calm love that pervaded the house when I was there. I hope all in your far flung family are doing well and wish only the very best for all of you. I would also like to send a special greeting and condolence to David and Zora

From: Ulrich and Marianne Mai
Location:Dillenburg, Germany
Dear Olga, we deeply regret your loss. When we were over in 1984, we got to know Baqui as an ever-friendly, charming and hospitable man. We happened to find out about your loss, after Dagnija Berzins had mentioned Baqui's illness to us in a recent letter and we checked the internet. Our love to you and your family. Marianne & Uli

From: Sayed Noori
Location:New York
Dear Olga: Perhaps you don't remember me, but I had the pleasure to work with you and Dr. Zai in IRC Public Administration in 1983, in Pakistan. I spoke with Dr. Zai a few times after I arrived in the U.S. I just came across the news that Dr. Zai passed away a few years ago. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May God rest his soul in peace. Sincerely, Dr. Sayed J. Noori