This memorial website was created in honor of Karim Dawood Khamarko.
Our beloved husband, father and grandfather
Karim Dawood Khamarko was born in Telkaif, Iraq on May 2, 1946. He was one of nine brothers and sisters to Dawood and Habbaye Khamarko. He immigrated to the Detroit area in 1974 and became an entrepreneur. He owned businesses for 35 years, starting from a party store to video stores and ending with a dollar store. His ultimate goal was to provide for his family.
On July 25, 1976 he married the love of his life, Aida, and they had five children together. The two of them were inseparable; they were together morning, noon and night. Aida was everything to him; they had the kind of love that people admired. Even though his life was cut short, they enjoyed 34 wonderful years of happiness together.
Karim was a man of great wisdom, patience and strength. He made his family feel protected at all times. He was a responsible man and a great role model. He truly defined the meaning of a “man” and his legacy will live forever.
Karim was a wonderful husband, the best dad and a loving grandfather. He had a heart of gold and would do anything to help others. He enjoyed making barbeque dinners, gardening, fixing things around the house and most of all playing with his grandsons. His grandchildren had a special place in his heart and were his pride and joy. The boys looked forward to their weekend sleepovers at Jido and Nana’s house. They always filled the home with love and laughter, once the boys would leave Karim always felt the house was empty without them. His grandchildren brought so much happiness to his life.
Karim had a smile that would light up any room, especially at our Arabo gatherings. He will be missed deeply for our Tuesday night dinners with his wife, kids and grandsons. The memories we have will last us a lifetime, but we will always wish we had more.
Karim has enriched the lives of many and loved being surrounded by his friends. His friends were like family and some of his happiest times were spent with them at Nadi (club). He will always be a lifelong friend and it is a shame his life had to come to an end. Karim will truly be admired and adored by many.
On November 26, 2010, Karim had to leave us; his life here on earth was through. He lost his life in the most tragic way possible; he was robbed and shot twice with no struggle in his Ferndale dollar store. God took him away from us too soon, but we will always have great memories of a treasured life. Karim you will always be missed, but never forgotten.
Karim is survived by his beautiful wife Aida Khamarko; his children, Brenda (Ray) Kalasho and their three sons Roman, Preston and Julian; his son Vincent, his daughter Vivian, his son Kevin, and his daughter Candace. He was a wonderful family man and loved by all, he devoted his life to his wife, their children and grandchildren. We are proud to call you our father. Dad if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. You will always stay in our memories and hearts. We love you and we will always miss you, Dad.
