Ghulam Cheema Obituary

Dear Sharon and Shabbirs' extended family,

I just learned of Shabbir's passing today and I send you all my deepest condolences. Shabbir was a highly respected scholar, a true credit to the East-West Center and the other institutions with which he was associated, and a wonderful, warm human being. It was an honor to have worked with him. He taught me a great deal, stemming from his deep knowledge of Asia and the UN.
He was also lots of fun and was so proud of all of you. I will never forget Shabbir and I greatly value his friendship and guidance.
Sharon, I empathize with your loss. I lost my husband Mike after a short illness two years ago just before Christmas. Let your family support you and know that there will be healing. I know that Shabbir would want you to smile at warm memories and know that he is with you. Aloha Nancy
Nancy Lewis, Research Program, EWC

Dear Sharon,
This is Lillian Shimoda, formerly of the East-West Center, who had the honor and pleasure of supporting Shabbir when he returned to the Center after his career with the United Nations. I'm so saddened to hear that he passed away. He was the ultimate gentleman, kind and thoughtful. And so disciplined!
He sent me his book about his remarkable life, Journey from Kamalpur, which I read with admiration. Your entire family can be so proud of what he accomplished during his life.
He was well liked and respected at EWC; many EWC staff and participants attended his farewell party in January 2019 as you can see from the attached photo.
I also attach a photo of the Governance, Security, and Justice gang, on the third floor of Burns Hall: Cameron Lowry, me, Shabbir, Allen Clark and Denny Roy.
He also spoke so fondly of his children, Zach and Yasmeen. Please accept my sincere condolences of your huge lose.
Aloha, Lillian Shimoda
also retired from the East-West Center

I am so sorry to hear of Shabbir's passing! He was a dear friend of both my wife , Estrella, and I at the East-West Center during our student days. Fellow political scientists, we saw him often in the Department, in class, and in the cafeteria, which, in those days, was a center for a lot of social interactions. He was a good man, and his career and accomplishments makes him one of the Political Science Department's outstanding alumni/ae! Estrella and I were privileged to run into Shabbir at the East-West Center when he was a fellow here about 10 years ago. He hadn't changed from his student days, still kind and enthusiastic about life and making a difference. He proudly had family pictures on his desk. So sorry we did not meet you all! Estrella passed away in 2024, but I know that she would want to join me in expressing our sincere condolences to you all. Aloha, Pete Sybinsky

To the family of Shabbir Cheema, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of someone so dear. I was saddened to hear of his passing, having worked with him on one of his conferences at the East-West Center. I remember he liked to sing and at his conference dinner would sing and encourage his close colleagues to do the same. I also remember seeing him walking after work. I hope he went peacefully. With warmest aloha and deepest sympathy,
June Kuramoto
Retired Program Officer, EWC