Omar A. Barrani's Obituary
Omar Abdulgader El Barrani, the Patriarch of El Barrani family, transitioned to the next life May 9, 2025 peacefully at his daughter’s home. Omar was born January 1, 1940 in Benghazi, Libya to Abdulgader El Barrani and Khadija BenShatwan. His childhood in Libya was filled with love and generosity by his family and those around him which shaped his character for all of his life. Omar has always been a man of unwavering faith and diplomacy bringing peace to relationships around him. His heart is full of non judgmental charity toward all and was always heard saying “God bless you/them” and “Thanks to God”. He has a very generous heart and would not sit down to eat without offering a portion of his food first to those in his company and even in his last months it was crucial for him to have homemade baked goods available at all times to offer his nurses and those visiting.
His entrepreneur spirit began when he was young financing projects from watermelon and tomatoes farms to a deli at his high school. After high school in 1958, Omar was awarded a rare scholarship to come to America and attend a university of choice. He attended the University of America in Washington D.C. where he learned English and chose to attend the University of Utah for a degree in Fuel Engineering. At the University he met his wife and eternal love, Carolyn Fairbanks Williams at an Arabic calligraphy exhibit. On November 9, 1963 they were married and soon after his graduation they returned to Libya to run his father’s import/export business, Barrani Trade Agency, after his father’s unexpected death. Carolyn worked alongside him while raising their first two children, Maha and Kadri. They entertained international diplomats and delegates and Omar traveled the world finding adventure and new products to trade.
In 1970 Carolyn returned to the United States with their children to have their third child, Rheim, and began a needlework business. Omar continued his travel and trade agency until he settled back in Salt Lake City with his family assisting Carolyn with her business and opening the Arabic Language Institute where he continued to travel the world teaching Middle Eastern studies and Arabic.
Omar and Carolyn created a family life and experience filled with rich culture, faith in God, art, charity and kindness to all, strong loyalty to family, and an uncritical eye of those around them. It was always “Omar and Carolyn” and when Carolyn passed on July 24, 2020, it became “Omar” who longed to be with his beautiful wife again. Now, “Omar and Carolyn” continue on into the eternities together again.
Omar leaves behind his beloved family in Benghazi, Libya and around the world. His love for all of his siblings and extended family is deeply rooted in who he is and his heart never left them. His three children, Maha Barrani (Mark Rex), Kadri Barrani and Rheim Barrani Penman (Jon), all chose to live very close to their parents and are grateful to be able to care for him, especially the last months in hospice. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren, Tyler, Kadin, Mia, Duncan (Emma), Jason and Jonny and a new great grandchild, Marcus. The precious time with him, his personality that has given so much character to the family culture, his faith in God, and his example will always be with us in his legacy.
A graveside service will be held at 2 PM Friday May 16th, 2025 at the Salt Lake Cemetery.
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