|
From the members of BHS70’s
A Tribute to
Mr. Albert Kamel Abou Khalil
continued
I was very sad to hear of the death of Albert Kamel. He was a wonderful man. I remember him as Mr. Kamel,
the manager of the bookshop and sports and friend of my parents when I was a student at the school. At that time,
when I was just a teenager, I remember his beautiful glamorous wife and little children who were friends of my
younger sister. I remember his strict friendliness, fantastic sense of humour and his energy, strength and sportiness.
Even at that age, I could appreciate what a family man he was.
When I was an adult and returned to teach at BHS he was a wonderful support to a young person just starting
out in professional life. He acted towards me as if he hadn't known me as a child, as if we had always been
equals.
Immediate memories of him are how open-minded and young he was, how he adored his lovely wife, Amal, who was
also very kind and friendly to me as an inexperienced young teacher - I counted them among my best friends at BHS.
I remember how he loved playing the piano and dancing, especially the tango. He had a huge heart and loved a party,
a joke and a good time, in addition to having a serious side, with high moral standards and a great commitment
to the school, the community and all about him. He understood the weaknesses and foibles of others, was amused
by them when harmless and saddened and angered by those who deliberately caused hurt or damage.
The last time I saw him was a few years back when I called on Albert, Amal and Jouhaina at their home while
back home on holiday in Lebanon. I took my young daughter to meet them and it was one of the highlights of
the visit for her. She still remembers their enthusiastic welcome. Though Albert was not so well at that time,
he was just as cheerful as ever. They were the same friendly happy people, generous, loving and open. We spent
a few hours together, chatting, laughing, reminiscing and putting the world to rights. I felt as if I had never
been away.
What a strong man Albert Kamel was and what a loss to everyone, especially his family. We will miss him.
I have forwarded the emails about Albert Kamel to my mother, Pat Hudson. She is doing voluntary work in Cameroon
at the moment but can get access to the internet when she travels to the nearest town from time to time.
I am not sure whether she will receive the message early enough to get anything to you. It may be that she will
just contact Amal to send her condolences, but she admired and respected Albert so much, she will grieve to hear
this news. What a sad time.
Frances Nehme-Pearson (nee Hudson)
Class of '72
My name is Mona Susu (now Dahdaleh) and I was at BHS in the golden years of 1971-1973. Mr Kamel was my House Master.
He was a very kind man who was dedicated to his family and to BHS. It was a privilege to have known him and Mrs. Kamel.
I was very saddened by his passing away and would like to offer my deep condolences to his family, and the Brummana
High School family. I hope that God will grant you all the patience to deal with this great loss.
May his soul rest in peace!
Mona Susu Dahdaleh
Class of '73
It was very sad to hear that Mr. Albert Kamel has passed away. He was an icon at BHS who I am sure will be fondly
remembered by generations of students. He was a caring man, devoted to his job and his students like no other.
Mr. Kamel was married to BHS and served in a way to make his friends and family forever proud. I will never forget
his love for athletics and his promotion of sportsmanship values; he cared deeply about sports and taught many of us
to care in a way that we did not know was possible. His presence will be sorely missed. There will never again be
another Mr. Kamel, but for those fortunate to have been at BHS during his time, it was our honor and privilege to
be around a man of his caliber. We send our deepest condolences to his family; he will be in our thoughts and
prayers.
Sincerely,
Aldo Ghobriel, MD
Class of '89
It is so sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Kamel.
I do remember him and the main thing that stayed in my mind was how nice he was and how strict he was with us.
I guess we needed someone like that those days. Discipline was important to him and he was right.
My deepest sympathies to all. He will be remembered.
Maha Massis
Class of '77
The passing away of Mr. Albert Kamel has really saddened me and I'm sure quite sure a lot of BHS old scholars,
those who knew him as a great fatherly leader in all sorts of school activities/life and especially in the field of sports.
Mr. Kamel's dedication, devotion, love and humanitarian treatment and time given to athletes and sportsmen at
BHS has made him a great figure and legend to all students who were lucky to be close to him and had the chance
to drive with him during school's sports events across Lebanon from Brummana to Sidon to Aley, Choifat, Juneih
and Beirut.
His leadership and attention given to every and all sports in BHS has made a great mark in BHS history and
successfully capped by BHS football team winning the Lebanese high school soccer trophy during the 1973/74 year.
Off the field Mr. Kamel was a genuine and fatherly advisor and adorable figure to all BHS community and as much
I felt so sad by the news that he passed away. I still and will always feel very lucky and proud that I had the
chance to be around him and be directed and advised by this great BHS figure in all school matters and especially
in the field of sports and athletics.
I am sure I am representing and sharing the thoughts and ideas of many, many old scholars who were lucky enough
to have known this great figure of Brummana High school. Our deepest condolences to all his beautiful family members.
Our thoughts and minds are with you.
Albert Kamel you will always be in our minds and souls.
Ali Zabarah
Class of '76
My Deepest Condolences. He will be remembered.
Aly Killidar
Class of '80
My memories of Mr. Albert Kamel were of a presence that maintained order and commanded respect on and off school
grounds, even during the very difficult days of war. He was a trusted fatherly figure to all students over the
decades.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Dimitri Saad
Class of '83
Washington, DC
It is really very bad news to hear that Mr. Albert Kamel passed away on the 1st of March. A person and a teacher
whom many generations in B.H.S graduated while he was there... guiding us... teaching us... planting inside each
one of us the highest values and good behavior all the way.
I had unforgettable memories with Mr. Albert Kamel... he always advised me to be a good athlete and he always told
me that I am going to be a good goal keeper if I go on training with coach Mahmood Shatilla at that time. One day
we had a football game against Alshweifat High School and we were leading 1-0... Mr. Kamel stood behind the bars
encouraging me and with every save I made he said to me: "I will cancel all the detentions you had through the week
just keep on." Kamel, with the final whistle, came towards me and shook my hands warmly and said to me a statement
I still recall: "You are going to be the goal-keeper of Iraq one day if you keep on training."
One day he caught me smoking and he said to me again a statement I still remember: "Jafar you are destroying yourself
and you are no more a good athlete." He was right because from that day smoking prevented me from being a good
athlete... and when I quit smoking 5 years ago I remembered at that time the words of Mr. Kamel and how he cared
for all the students of B.H.S.
Lastly, I also remember he used to call me sometimes Jafar Fe... because my family name Hadid means iron in
English and its symbol is Fe.
My deep condolences to his family, may his soul rest in peace.
Jafar A-K Hadid
Class of '77
Mosul-Iraq
We will miss his presence as a reminder of what the 70's were. He will be fondly remembered by all who
knew him as the strict but kind guardian of our time in school.
Tewfik Al Far
Class of '76
To the Kamel family:
On behalf of my family here in Los Angeles California, we pay our condolences to a great teacher and friend, Mr. Kamel.
As a student (graduated in 1980), I learned many valuable lifetime lessons from Mr. Kamel. I learned about honesty,
and integrity just to name a few. I know also that Mr. Kamel was a believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus said
in John 14:1-4 'Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are
many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am,
there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know".
We also read in 2 Corinthians 5:8"...to be absent from the body is to be present with Lord".
Mr. Kamel was my favorite teacher. He always encouraged me. He was a good family friend.
I always asked my parents about him. Mr. Kamel and his family have a special place in our hearts.
My Church will be praying that God will strengthen his wonderful wife and children.
Pastor Cyril Azar and family
Class of '80
My condolences to Mr. Kamel's family. I was so sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Nada Abufadel
Class of '80
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Albert's family. I remember Albert Kamel as a kind man who was
firm with us as students when necessary, yet we knew that he had our interest and wellbeing at heart.
Salem Sousou
Class of '75
A man that was worthy of his role as custodian of multi-national
students, and one who took us under his wings during good times
and tough times, God bless his soul.
Sami Midani
Class of '84
Tribute to Mr. Alber:
Sitting quietly in my private office, eight thousand miles away from the slopes of BHS, I read the eulogy of dear
Mr. Alber, truly a mentor to us old scholars. Back in the sixties, my parents were proud to see my name in the
Lebanese newspaper as a track and field winner in the Metn Tournament. As a boarder, whether it was in track
and field or in ping pong, it was to seek Mr. Alber's approval that we strived to give an impressive
performance. You see, BHS was Mr. Alber's first home and for nine years BHS was my first home too.
He never overwhelmed me with praise when I won. He was never condescending to me either when I disappointed him.
With Mr. Alber, discipline was accomplished quietly, with caring and with respect. To us students, Mr. Alber
was both the corner stone and at the helm of BHS excellence in sports, for decades. We regarded him with deep
respect and love.
May his memory be eternal! I offer my condolences to the entire BHS community.
Nicola Malik
Class of '67
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Albert. He was young then, but very friendly
and helpful. I don't remember any specific incidents, other than helping me out with the
'mouldy' home-made sweets I had stored in a room. He tried one piece and pronounced them
'bad but edible'.
Sorry you're gone Albert; may your soul rest in peace.
Nizar Hanafi
Class of '45
Vancouver, Canada
I received with great sadness the news of the passing away of Mr. Albert Kamel, as I'm sure to many, many others
also.
Mr. Kamel was always very friendly and most importantly, a very caring, warm and sincere human being who cared
for the health and well being of others.
I would like to take a moment to express my sympathy and utmost respect concerning the passing of Mr. Kamel,
mentor in the field of exercise science.
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to his family at this sad time.
God bless, and rest in peace.
Yours sincerely,
Hamzah Behbehani
Class of '78
A Tribute to Mr. Albert Kamel Abu Khalil
Mr. Albert Kamel Abu Khalil was more than a man. He was a role model, an institution. To my contemporaries
and me and to generations on either side of ours, Mr. Kamel was the tough guy, the coach, the unflappable
presence who exemplified fitness, discipline and the competitive spirit. He did not preach-he set an example.
We wanted to be strong and fast and to win not just because Mr. Kamel asked that of us, but because we wanted
to be like him.
As the years came and went, I had the good fortune of staying in touch with the Abu Khalils. And it was only
then that I came to see Mr. Kamel, the man. Especially in his last years, as he stubbornly fought his illness,
I finally saw the essence of this exceptional individual. Mr. Kamel was able to give so much of himself,
to remain upright and principled and strong, because he had come from a tradition of strength. Mr. Kamel,
his brother Jimmy, his sister Mrs. Baz and her late husband Mr. Najib Baz-all cut from the same cloth,
all people of character and dedication.
And he was surrounded with love at home. Mrs. Kamel and his daughters were by his side throughout his final years,
always caring and always hopeful. Even though this proud mountain man weakened, he remained strong through them.
He lived with dignity and died with dignity.
A tribute to Mr. Kamel is also a tribute to Mrs. Kamel and their daughters, and to the family that made such
a man possible.
With Love,
Rifat Kamal Haffar
(BHS 1965-1972)
The Real Friend We Lost.
How can I summarize a friendship of forty five years in a single page? We have been good friends since 1961.
Albert and Amal were the good friends of Nada and Salam even before we got married. I will try to put down
the few thoughts that came to my mind when I heard of the passing away of our dear friend Albert Kamel.
In 1971, during the Christmas Vacation, I had a case of nose bleed that started by sunset. At 1.00 after midnight,
Dr. Suleiman Mufarrej told Nada that the bleed had gone for long and I should be taken to hospital. Nada phoned
Albert Kamel; he came over and drove us to the American University Hospital, and stayed with us until I was admitted
in the early hours of the morning. I am not repeating the story to mention Albert's kindness and concern for others,
I am mentioning it to state the degree of confidence his friends and others had in him as a reliable person;
he was a rock to be relied on.
We went together through many experiences, happy and otherwise. We served the school together as House Masters,
and on many committees. We had our companionship and happy days during the Peaceful days of the beautiful Lebanon,
and we had worked together during the ugly war to supply the needs and guarantee the safety of hundreds of students
in our care. We lived together to protect our multi national and multi ethnical students during the Civil Disturbances
in the country. Of course, being in a Quaker School, no guns were brought into the school. All through the disturbances,
BHS remained a haven of peace. Now I wonder how that was accomplished. Albert Kamel must have had good faith in
Friendly Persuasion.
People will remember Albert Kamel for his friendliness and his sports organization; how efficiently he organized
the Sports Day and how he trained our teams to compete honourably against other schools. I also remember Albert's
sense of humour. We were joined for one year by a teacher at BHS who got on everybody's wrong side by trying to
interfere in everybody's work. One day in the Staff Room, he was talking loud how he wanted to personally import
the best stationery and to organize the Bookshop; this was at a time when Albert Kamel was in charge of the Bookshop
besides his many other duties. After taking most of the morning break for his ideas, he asked whom he should see
for this. He was directed to Albert who was trying to enjoy his morning cup of coffee with his colleagues. So,
he looked at Albert and said: "Are you the Stationery man?" Albert pretended he heard "Stationary" and said,
"No, I am the moving man" and bolted out of the door leaving all the teachers in a frenzy of laughter.
Salam & Nada Saidi
BHS (1961-1976)
The glint in his eye was calmly assured; his default expression a knowing smile. For a budding generation of
pre-teens and adolescents he was coach, mentor, gentle disciplinarian and, ultimately, friend. Lofty academic
standards notwithstanding, an appreciable measure of the BHS education transpired outside the classroom,
where no one presided more iconic than Albert Kamel.
Tarif Abboushi
Class of '74
It was with great sadness and a heavy heart that I heard about Mr. Kamel's passing. I met Mr. Kamel in 1979
when I moved to the BHS Boarding school with my brother - I was eleven, away from my family for the first
time and more than a little nervous. Mr. Kamel was a great mentor to me - teaching us right from wrong and keeping
us on the right track. He truly cared about each and every one of his students and every single student at BHS was
his student. He served BHS his entire life. You just don't find too many great men like Mr. Kamel.
He will be sorely missed. My condolences to and prayers with Mrs. Kamel and his daughters at this very difficult
time.
May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Shawki Yousef Khoury
BHS 1979 to 1986
I cannot find the true words to express the loss of a great man with a heart of gold. He made sure at one time,
and all the years later, that the girls participate in all the sports events. With his arms around us he gave
me motivation, determination and love. Great Men are HEROES AND YOU ARE MY HERO. MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE.
Nayla Abu Fadel
Class of '76
The passing of Mr. Kamel is the end of an era for me. An era characterized by common decency and clear moral
direction. I knew Mr. Kamel before I met him at school. He was the son of "Jiddo Abou-Georges and Teta Imm Georges"
whom I considered as if they were my own grandparents as a child, for their kindness and good natured care.
He inherited the same kindness and good-nature and displayed them often as Dean of Students.
My fondest memory was when I, a person who was often bullied for lack of an aggressive streak,
slapped a much stronger classmate on the face in response to provocation; then ran to hide. Mr. Kamel, was very
mused by the fact that Alexi Dragatsi actually slapped someone on the face, and hid me in his office while he
reasoned with the offended party. On that day, I felt that Mr. Kamel saved me from a true disaster.
I also remember Mr. Kamel's fondness for sports. He often encouraged students to learn the principles of
sportsmanship including fair play and perseverance. Also, his well-known love for Tennis will always be coupled
in all BHS students' minds with his memory.
On behalf of the Dragatsis (Eva, Lina, John and myself), we extend to our friends, the Abou-Khalil and Baz families
our deepest condolences. May Albert Kamel's memory be eternal.
Alexi Dragatsi
Class of '79
I should like to record my family's feelings of sadness on hearing of the passing of Mr. Albert Kamel. We spent
happy years at BHS from 1965-71, and my father, particularly, remembers with appreciation the friendship and support
of colleagues like Albert Kamel.
Please pass on our sincere condolences to Albert's family at this sad time.
Sue Harrisson (Hall)
Class of '71
For Roland, Pam and Judith Hall ('76)
Mr. Kamel, a true gentleman of such kind nature who dedicated his life to helping students in their pursuit of
education. He rejoiced in their success and offered a helping hand when they were down. I was saddened by his
passing away. When I think of BHS, I think of Mr. Kamel first.
He will surely be missed.
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Mrs. Kamel and all the family members.
Gaby Bayouk
Class of '79
My brother Safwan and I were admitted to the elementary Dorm in BHS in Fall 1967, after the fall of Jerusalem.
I was 11 and he was 10, and we were confused kids away for the first time from our parents. I will always remember
Mr. and Mrs. Kamel, our housemasters, for their genuine kindness and concern for our safety and well being.
We were not unique, for they cared about all the other kids, regardless of their race, nationality, and wealth.
Mr. Kamel was a man of the highest moral fiber and he taught us a lot by example.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Mrs. Kamel and their four daughters.
Abdulkader M. Afifi
Class of '75
I am truly saddened by the news of Mr. Kamel's passing away.
The name Albert Kamel is synonymous with Brummana High School and all the fond memories I have of my time at BHS.
I remember him as a tough, but fair man and that is exactly what any kid needs when they are growing up
(mainly when you are in a boarding school). He was a major influence on all who knew him and he will be missed.
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Kamel and her family.
Imad Al-Naqib
Class of '76
I am Jumana Saabagh, a BHS Alumnus and sister of Salameh Azar. I was a student of BHS in the late seventies,
during which late Mr. Kamel was still dynamic and deeply involved in student affairs. It is only our duty to pay
tribute to this gigantic and unforgettable figure. Late Mr. Kamel was one of the smiliest faces at the school.
A tutor who was willing to listen to problems of students and to try to find solutions for them. I still recall
that my brother Cyril Sabbagh was one of the naughtiest and most unbearable students of BHS. Despite all of his
weirdo behavior including dressing up like Khumeini and entering in a big convoy into BHS and despite peeing
on the director's personal bureau, Mr. Kamel was able to get him back to his mind through his passionate and
patient rhetoric. Yes, it is our duty to pay tribute to such a great tutor whom we will never forget.
Jumana Saabagh
Class of '79
I was very saddened to hear that Mr. Albert Kamel passed away on the first of March. Brummana High School and
the Kamels for us are one.
I visited Mr. and Mrs. Kamel, when I came back to Lebanon in 2004, for the first time since the early seventies,
and I witnessed the patience, love and tenderness with which he was cared for. My thoughts, sincere sympathy and
condolences go to Mrs. Kamel and her daughters. We pay tribute to a rich life that touched so many, and say goodbye
to a great, strong but kind man, a father to many.
Lina Nashef
Class of '75
Dear Mrs. Kamel, Juhaina, Samar, Nahia and Sana,
Mr. Kamel's passing on is a big loss to us all. During our years at BHS, Mr. Kamel seemed to be everywhere.
In the volleyball court, the tennis courts, the basketball court, the football field and especially, the BHS DRIVE.
Mr. Kamel was as strong as a rock. I felt safe knowing that he was around. Mr. Kamel was a family man. He shared his
fatherly compassion with us. Mr. Kamel was a good man. He made BHS feel like home to many of us. I am glad to have
known him. He will be missed.
My condolences to all of you. May you have the strength to endure his loss.
May he rest in peace.
Fabienne Saadé
(BHS 1969-1983)
Montreal, Canada
Mr. Kamel taught me how to love sports. He was the heart of the BHS School in sports. Everybody liked him.
He was always encouraging us to play and taught me how to play from the heart. I'll never forget him as long
as I do sports or even watch it. A real sportsman who left an effect in all students that he taught or even
talked to. It is really sad to lose someone who is very inspiring and thoughtful. I send my condolences to his
family and to all his relatives and friends.
Arpiar Dzadourian
I share your feelings of sadness about Mr. Albert Kamel's demise: his struggle with his illness and finally
his passing away. Somehow, BHS will not be the same without this once vibrant man who was like a "one man band"
with respect to handling all the sports/physical education activities of BHS (both internal and external). On top
of this he did all that, with such humility, such kindness... assets that are characteristic of his personality.
Mr. Kamel will certainly be missed by many. His loving, giving nature earned him the popularity and respect that
he was genuinely deserving of during his life and, now, upon his death in paying tribute to his memory.
Our Mathia family, was involved with Mr. Kamel for many years, and helped him manage many aspects of the school's
physical education programs and summer swimming activities and international tennis tournaments held on school campus,
as well as tennis training on school courts.
He will be a great loss, not only to his own family, but to the greater extended family of students (both present
and old scholars) and to the teachers and staff at BHS who would all have special memories of the "Special Man"
that Albert Kamel was.
Although Mr. Kamel departed BHS, yet I feel that he left his heart and soul in it.
May he rest in heavenly peace.
Myrna (Mathia) El-Khazen
Class of '75
Dubai, U.A.E.
My condolences to all members of the Kamel family in this moment of great sadness.
Peta Pilling
Class of '82
I was deeply sad for the departure of Mr. Kamel. My brothers, Adel, Kamal & his family, join me in paying our
respects and sincere condolences to our dear cousin, Mrs. Kamel & to her family, as well as to Mrs. Baz &
her family, & all those who are related to Mr. Kamel.
Mr. Kamel represented my childhood in BHS; the field-days, the tennis tournaments, which I am sure all students
enjoyed at that time. Then I grew up to discover not only a sportsman with his yearly round uniform, but a man of
an ideal sports spirit. A gentleman with a generous & peaceful attitude. A person who was respected by all means
The BHS LOGO 'I SERVE'.
May God keep his soul in peace & bless our courageous cousin and her families.
Aida Batruni Barakat
Class of '68
Paris
Dear Amal and Family,
Sorry to hear about the departure of Mr. Kamel. He will surely be missed. May his soul rest in peace.
Randa Mufarrij
Class of '70
Montreal, Canada
I was so sad to hear about Mr. Kamel. He is one of the people I remember most strongly from my years at Brummana,
a link in the chain of memory. I was and remain useless at sports, I wasn't interested in playing them or watching
them and at every other school with the exception of Brummana, games time was for me either miserable or boring or
both. I can't recall why that wasn't the case at BHS but I put it down to him. Somehow he even persuaded me to attend
an away-football match, the only football match I've ever watched in my life. It was the only time I've ever felt
competitive on behalf of a team, I don't remember now if we won, only that we had a wonderful day, which I believe
was what mattered most to Mr. Kamel.
My condolences to his family.
Nicole Aragi
Class of '80
As a girl boarder, Mr. and Mrs. Kamel were like 2nd parents….. Guiding us and being supportive, and to me,
always kind and understanding. Amal has always welcomed me with open arms on my return to reunions, and her
breakfasts on her terrace are delicious.
Amal, I am sending you my love and heartfelt sympathy at your sad, sad loss. I know your family will support
you through this painful time. God be with you.
All my love
Shirley Bowman
Class of '75
Mr. Kamel meant a lot to us during those years from 1968 - 1973 and even later when I met him again after the civil
war and he greeted me and the family with open arms. I have no specific memories about Mr. Kamel that I can recall
but I definitely feel that he is a great part of our fond memories of BHS as a whole. He was someone you always
looked up to and listened to his advice. We all felt that he was part of BHS and he is and will always be part
of the school. I feel that Mr. Kamel and his family will always be considered as the building blocks and support
of BHS in the past and from what I have heard, they were a major part of the present BHS. Mr. Albert Kamel, I remember,
took care of us as if we were his children.
My best regards and condolences to all his family and to BHS as a whole.
Ali Alaud-Din
Class of '73
I remember Mr. Kamel during my BHS years with a certain amount of fear. You see, he kept a bunch of excitable
and energetic teenagers interested in sports, and interested in staying out of trouble. It took me some years
to understand the full impact of his guidance. Now that I have raised a couple of daughters myself, I am ever
more grateful to Mr. Kamel's integrity.
One of the highlights of my return for the first time to BHS in 1999, after 25 years absent, was seeing Mr. Kamel.
It was then I got an introduction to the complete man that as a child I could never have known. He was generous
of spirit and sincerely happy to see every old scholar. When he hugged me, I felt all the way to my heart his
indestructible spirit.
His memory will live forever as a deep part of my BHS experience. My daughters and I send sincerest condolences
to his family.
Debi Cates
Class of '78
Odessa, Texas
Mr. Kamel touched many of us and helped us during these tough years as we matured in crazy times. He will be
remembered very warmly.
Our sincerest condolences.
Amine Khechfe & Hany Khechfe
Class of '81 & Class of '88
I was a student at Brummana for 8 years, from 1966 - 1973, starting in the primary school where Mr. Kamel was
Housemaster.
Although a very long time ago now he left a deep impression and I harbour fond memories - a tough, fair man
with a keen sense of humour and fun.
I am not sure if he coined the phrase 'You butter watch your stups', but it could very well have been.
Please extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends
Samir Bakr
Class of '75
France
Today, and with great sadness, I received the news that Mr. Kamel has passed way. His loss is a devastating
one for his family, friends, the school and the great city of Broummana.
I spent 12 years of my life at the school, and to be quite honest, I cannot (and I emphasize CANNOT)
imagine the school being the same without him. He was a mentor, father, big brother and a role model to many
of us.
As a six year old, I spent a couple of years in boarding school under the wings of the Kamel Family.
I vividly remember the days when Mr. Kamel used to walk down the hall and check every room to make sure all
the kids were ok. I remember the days when he used to say and I quote "Azar, don't disappoint me, I have great
hopes for you".
Two months ago, and after fifteen years of absence, I visited Lebanon. When I asked about Mr. K, I was told that
he was very ill and had difficulty recognizing everyone, so I decided not to go see him. My reason for doing so was
very simple and somewhat selfish, I just could not bare the thought of him not recognizing me. Now, when I look back
at my decision, I know I made a dreadful one. I would do anything to see him just one more time.
With that said, I know that every old scholar will carry a piece of Mr. Kamel and our promise to him should be this,
"We will continue your legacy and we will make you proud".
May the Lord bless his soul.
I serve,
Salameh Maroun Azar, VP - ISA
Class of '89
It is hard to lose a good man who has left a great impact on generations of students at BHS. It is harder to lose
a good husband and a kind father.
Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Amal Kamel, Jouhaina, Samar, Nahia, Sana, their families and friends. He will be remembered
by all.
David (Class of '73) & Nancy (Class of '83) (Nagem) Aswad & family
Dubai - UAE
During the 4 years I spent at BHS, Mr. Kamel was always there. There was war, there were problems, there were
lots of undisciplined students but he was always there defending his values and those of the school trying
to protect the students with all available means. In that turbulent era Mr. Kamel found the time to direct
the students to sports supporting them all the way, giving them guidance, training, and even driving them
on week ends to attend and participate in sports events. Mr. Kamel never never forgot to encourage his
students irrespective of the results giving them recognition and helping them move forward.
Mr. Kamel I am honored to have met you. Thank you for being there for all BHS students.
Nabil W Maalouf
Class of '82
Mr. Albert Kamel Abou Khalil
1923 - 2006
|