Page created by: Bibi, Minoo, Ali

Issa Parviz Malek, son of Dr. Said Malek, Loghmanelmolk, and Banou Rais Malek, was born in Tehran in 1926. He was educated at Firouz Bahram High School and attended New York University and Indiana University, eaming degrees in Law and Political Science.

He enjoyed a 30-year career in foreign policy beginning in 1951 when he joined the Iranian delegation to the United Nations. He joined Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1954 and moved through succeeding ranks of seniority, including postings in Switzerland, secondment to the National Iranian Oil Company; Chief of Protocol and finally as Ambassador of Iran to Sweden, Finland and Iceland. In his senior protocol roles at both the Foreign Ministry and at the Royal Court, Issa Malek was an advisor to the Shah , the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Cabinet.

Issa met his future wife, Pari Ardalan, in New York in 1953. He is survived by Pari, his devoted wife of 67 years, his daughters, Bibi Niamir (Bahram), Minoo Saghri (Faraj) and his son Ali Malek (Oxana). His four grandchildren, Cyrus and Darien Niamir and Firouz and Kourosh Saghri surrounded and comforted him during his last few days. One of Issa's final comments was: "a grandson's touch is magnificent." Issa's surviving siblings include Saideh Rousta of Seattle, WA., Hamideh Fassa of Montreux, Switzerland and Dr. Reza Malek of Scottsdale, Arizona. He was predeceased by his beloved older sister, Pari Motamed.

Issa loved reading, playing bridge, backgammon, and traveling. He was keenly interested in politics and followed all developments related to Iran with special interest. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family. A family that he adored and adored him in return. He left the world having lived a life of extraordinary dignity and integrity and leaves a legacy filled with meaningful contributions to his country of birth.

Issa battled Parkinson's disease during the last years of his life. Even as he slowly lost the capacity to walk, he maintained the twinkle in his eye and his keen sense of humor. Issa was respected and deeply loved by his family, friends and colleagues. His dignity, modesty and leadership serve as a model for how to conduct one's life.

Nat King Cole’s ‘Unforgettable’ best describes our feelings:
“Unforgettable, that’s what you are; unforgettable tho’ near or far
Unforgettable in every way, forever more that’s how you’ll stay”.