Obituary

Samer was the type of person who could walk into a room full of strangers and end up with a room full of friends within minutes. Samer’s swagger and light hearted humor made him someone everyone wanted to be around. He was full of love and loved by so many.

As a child, his parents would describe him as courageous and cunning. Samer never backed down from a challenge. At a young age he discovered his love for both soccer and drumming. In high school, Samer was known for bringing people together at regular bonfires in Oxford, NC.

In 2010 he met the love of his life, Kirsten, and they began building a life together. Going on hikes, jumping off waterfalls, seeing live music, and eventually moving to beautiful Colorado. Samer then became a teacher and put his whole heart and soul into children, especially those with hard upbringings. He quickly became “the cool teacher,” as well as a confidant for kids who needed someone to talk to.

When Samer was diagnosed with cancer in February 2019, he didn’t slow down. Backpacking in Moab, teaching virtually from the 30-day hospital stay during a stem cell transplant, proposing and marrying his wife, seeing over 30 concerts, and continuing to live life to the fullest. He consistently beat doctors predictions and he didn’t let cancer hold him back. In his last days, Samer said, “I don’t really have a bucket list because my bucket is already full. My life feels fulfilled.”

Samer passed away at home on November 8, 2022. Samer is survived by his wife, Kirsten; his parents, Deby and Bahaa; his siblings, Nabil, Malik and Bliss; his step-mother, Rana Harb and step brother, Ryan Khankarli; his nephews, Indy, Nikodem, Florian, and Rami; his grandmother (Teta), Hafsa Abiad; and his dog, Jibboo. As well as his in-laws, Ken, Beth, Chris, Emily, Jon, Katie, Kayla, Mila, Harry, Tyler, and Evelyn Lubkert. He will be greatly missed, but he will always be remembered.