Ali Reza Madjdi

Ali Reza Madjdi died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 at his home in Grants Pass. He was 49.

Ali was born Dec. 27, 1982 in Arak, Iran to Atta & Esmat Madjdi. He attended schools in Arak. He lived in Spain before coming to the United States in 1986. Ali lived in Tacoma, Wash. before moving to Santa Cruz, Calif., his 'spirit home.' There he met Sarah Kennedy, whom he married in 2000. They lived in Santa Cruz and Seattle before moving to Selma, Ore., in 2005.

His great passion was photography, which he pursued from a young age. His work included weddings and portraiture, stock and artistic photos and freelance work for area news outlets. Fluent in several languages, he also worked as an interpreter.

He was an extraordinarily devoted father and loving husband. He was gregarious and genuinely engaging -- well known in myriad coffeehouses -- and enjoyed discussing politics.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah, son Kian and daughter Mitra, all of Grants Pass; three brothers: Behrooz Madjdi, of Lacey, Wash.; Homayoun Madjdi and Abdi Madjdi, who live in Iran; two sisters: Simin, of Los Angeles, and Nasreen, who lives in Iran.

Ali was preceded in death by his mother and father.