With heavy hearts we share the news of Karim Sami Khadder’s passing in Berkeley, California, on July 21, 2025. Sam was born in Jerusalem, Palestine on April 2, 1946, son of Katrina and Sami Khadder and younger brother to Wadie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Pam, son, Nick, daughter-in-law, Sharon, grandchildren, Jay, Lucy and Finn, brother, Wadie, and extended family of nephews and nieces, cousins and in-laws.

Tragically, in 1948, Sam’s family was forced to flee Palestine, ultimately settling in Kenya. After graduating from high school in Nairobi, Sam studied and worked in London, earning his membership to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (similar to a U.S. CPA). He worked in the accounting profession for many years in London, the Middle East and South Africa. Upon immigrating with Pam and Nick to California in 1982, he transferred his business skills to corporate leadership positions and ultimately to the real estate industry. He made many close friends of his business partners and clients over the years and maintained a large network of people he met through his work, both abroad and near his long-time hometown of Los Altos, California, who adored him and with whom he loved to stay in touch.

Sam’s professionalism and dedication to his work was widely recognized, and he consistently won the trust and respect of his colleagues and clients. He was a highly successful professional, cared deeply about the people he worked with, and held himself to very high standards throughout his career. In his personal life, Sam was exceptionally friendly, caring, generous and fun, with a wonderful (and sometimes wicked) sense of humor. He was the life of the party, and was always focused on welcoming and hosting guests, making new friends, and cementing relationships. He loved bringing people into his home and life and making them feel like a part of his family.

In 2023, Sam and Pam moved to Alameda, California to be closer to Nick and Sharon, and to grandchildren! Sam rejoiced in family, friends and celebrations throughout his life, and his final years were no exception. In their new city of Alameda, Sam enjoyed many activities, meals and gatherings with people he loved.

In addition to his professional dedication and love of family and friends, Sam had many hobbies over the years. These included, among many other things: collecting (e.g., model cars, coins, stamps, semi-precious stones and art), which he very much enjoyed sharing with, and gifting to, his son and grandchildren over the years; finding and patronizing great local restaurants and Arabic grocery stores; enjoying great food and wine; traveling with Pam; outdoor grilling; running and working out (in his earlier years); and gardening.

Sam’s primary devotion, however, was always to his family. He was an exceptionally loving and protective son, brother, husband and father. He always took care of his family, made big sacrifices to protect and nurture them, and would have done anything to keep them safe and happy. Please join us in keeping his memory alive. In this difficult time, his family takes great comfort from the support of all the people who loved him.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Middle East Children’s Alliance or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Sam’s memory:

Donate

https://www.stjude.org/give.html

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