Walid Raymond Nader
January 1, 1958 ~ February 11, 2023
On the eve of February 11, 2023, Walid Raymond Nader, loving husband and father of two, passed away at the age
of 65.
Walid was born on January 1st, 1958 to Rafa and Raymond Nader in Beirut, Lebanon. He grew up in the midst of
the Civil War in Lebanon, cast into the conflict with his brothers. They fended for their family and friends, bearing
arms and sticking together to survive. Death was around every corner, but Walid imagined a better life for both
himself and his family. He was musical, talented, funny, and above all else caring. He would help anyone who
asked. One day he dreamed of leaving the tumultuous/war-torn country of Lebanon behind for something bigger,
someplace he could flourish as the creative and musical soul that he was.
After Walid’s escape from Lebanon’s turmoil, things were not perfect but he was able to support his family.
Eventually he found himself in the airline business, traveling the world and learning about cultures and peoples,
finally landing in the United States, and eventually was very proud of obtaining his American citizenship; He met
his beloved wife, Hasna, in the process. He learned the American way of life and embraced this land as his own.
Once in the US, Walid moved from Maine to Massachusetts and then eventually to McLean, Virginia where he led a
vibrant career in the Intelligence Community. During the War on Terror, Walid was an indispensable asset to
homeland security and was deployed across the Middle East to capture some of the most high ranking threats to our
freedom and sovereignty here in the US. Walid later transitioned to a more analytical role, studying Middle Eastern
Language/News Media/Political turmoil to assist the American Embassies overseas. This was his way of
contributing to world peace.
When Walid was not working, he spent most of his time playing music, particularly guitar, singing/jamming with his
two sons and his wife. He would record himself playing covers of some of his favorite artists. Bob Dylan, Crosby,
Stills and Nash, America, Led Zeppelin, Simon and Garfuncle, and Johnny Cash were just some of the artists he
listened to on repeat, and played on his beautiful guitar collection.
He was a great father, ensuring that his kids received college education and beyond. He continued to help his
brothers and sisters in any way he could. He loved to talk and educate everyone about Middle Eastern History and
Religion, seemingly having this self-taught PHD level knowledge. He was loved by everyone who met him, and it
didn’t matter what faith or creed, Walid crossed the bounds of small-minded thinking and showed love and support
to everyone, yet, he was always ready for a wholesome debate and never backed down from the principles he
believed in.
His vibrant personality continues to live on in the family members he left behind. He put everyone on his back and
propelled those he loved forward with his self-taught knowledge. He never quit and will always be remembered for
his kindness and perseverance.
Walid is survived by his wife Hasna, his sons Brandon and Ryan, his brothers and sisters, Fady, Assad, Tarek,
Mireille, Fadia and their families.
of 65.
Walid was born on January 1st, 1958 to Rafa and Raymond Nader in Beirut, Lebanon. He grew up in the midst of
the Civil War in Lebanon, cast into the conflict with his brothers. They fended for their family and friends, bearing
arms and sticking together to survive. Death was around every corner, but Walid imagined a better life for both
himself and his family. He was musical, talented, funny, and above all else caring. He would help anyone who
asked. One day he dreamed of leaving the tumultuous/war-torn country of Lebanon behind for something bigger,
someplace he could flourish as the creative and musical soul that he was.
After Walid’s escape from Lebanon’s turmoil, things were not perfect but he was able to support his family.
Eventually he found himself in the airline business, traveling the world and learning about cultures and peoples,
finally landing in the United States, and eventually was very proud of obtaining his American citizenship; He met
his beloved wife, Hasna, in the process. He learned the American way of life and embraced this land as his own.
Once in the US, Walid moved from Maine to Massachusetts and then eventually to McLean, Virginia where he led a
vibrant career in the Intelligence Community. During the War on Terror, Walid was an indispensable asset to
homeland security and was deployed across the Middle East to capture some of the most high ranking threats to our
freedom and sovereignty here in the US. Walid later transitioned to a more analytical role, studying Middle Eastern
Language/News Media/Political turmoil to assist the American Embassies overseas. This was his way of
contributing to world peace.
When Walid was not working, he spent most of his time playing music, particularly guitar, singing/jamming with his
two sons and his wife. He would record himself playing covers of some of his favorite artists. Bob Dylan, Crosby,
Stills and Nash, America, Led Zeppelin, Simon and Garfuncle, and Johnny Cash were just some of the artists he
listened to on repeat, and played on his beautiful guitar collection.
He was a great father, ensuring that his kids received college education and beyond. He continued to help his
brothers and sisters in any way he could. He loved to talk and educate everyone about Middle Eastern History and
Religion, seemingly having this self-taught PHD level knowledge. He was loved by everyone who met him, and it
didn’t matter what faith or creed, Walid crossed the bounds of small-minded thinking and showed love and support
to everyone, yet, he was always ready for a wholesome debate and never backed down from the principles he
believed in.
His vibrant personality continues to live on in the family members he left behind. He put everyone on his back and
propelled those he loved forward with his self-taught knowledge. He never quit and will always be remembered for
his kindness and perseverance.
Walid is survived by his wife Hasna, his sons Brandon and Ryan, his brothers and sisters, Fady, Assad, Tarek,
Mireille, Fadia and their families.
A gentle and caring soul! He was like my big brother! Always so jolly and friendly. God bless him! We’re missing his presence already! These are his messages and memories which I will cherish forever.
A kind, gentle and joyful soul! A big brother and true friend! So many good memories that will live forever in our hearts!
The Habib and Younes families send their condolences and prayers to the beautiful and great Nader family. Wallid touched us deeply and we are saddened to hear of his passing. But he shall live forever in our hearts. May he rest in peace and may God provide you with comfort during this time.
Love,
Khalil Habib on behalf of the Habib’s and Younes’s
Q: What was one of your favorite qualities of Walid?
A: Dear Walid, friend of more than thirty years. We shared precious moments as we were rising our families. We will always remember your happy laugh and that unique way of yours when you were listening friends to talk.
He was a second father to me. We’ve had a good run amo Walid? rest in peace & until we meet again ??
Dear Nader Family-
What a special man your husband and father was. I’ve known Walid for several years, since helping to manage the News Desk team he worked on. Despite COVID and all of the remote work, Walid’s impact and dedication to his colleagues was visible every single day. In my 30 years in the military and 20 years of professional life, there hasn’t been a single person I’ve met that has had a more joyful, infectious impact on his co-workers, as Walid. His life story is absolutely amazing. His passion for his family, his country, his co-workers–was simply amazing.
There certainly are no words to ease the immediate pain and loss. But know that your husband and dad had a profound effect on everyone he touched–even though our time together was brief. That is a measure of a life very well lived, that his spirit, enthusiasm, joy, humor, and grace–showed us everything good about humanity and what we should all aspire to achieve in our lives. “Love your neighbor as yourself”.
An amazing man, an amazing life, and an amazing legacy for your family and your future generations. May God Bless you, and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you, until you meet your dear husband and father again.
God’s Peace to you,
Jeff
Our deepest Sympathy to the Nader Family on the loss of your beloved Walid.
Our heartfelt sorrow for Hass, Brandon, Ryan and the extended family at this very difficult time. We will cherish our memories of your beautiful family and Wali. I will always remember the love in your home and sharing amazing meals with you at your home. We love your family and extend a big heart of love and strength and will be here for you in the weeks, months and years to come.
Our hearts are broken knowing he is no longer with us. Knowing Walid was a pleasure and an honor. He was a joy to be around, to text with, whether about sports, politics or the unseen mysteries of life. His wisdom will serve him well on the other side and we are sure that he has passed this sacred threshold well and will be received with open arms with all the loving kindness he shared. We are so sorry for your loss Nadir family. He was a gem. See you in the next life my friend and cheers to a life well lived.
Walid was my team lead while I was working on contract at Booze Allen and because he was always in a positive mood, it encouraged me to have a positive attitude despite my horrific commute. He was inspirational, kind, funny and made sure our work environment was comfortable! Hasna and Walid introduced me and my husband to the Lebanese cuisine and Walid was in part the reason I took on gardening. After the contract ended, we as a team kept talking over the years sharing news and jokes. I am thankful for his friendship and wish that his beautiful family finds solace in the memories they created together.