Dr. Dara Vahid

Dr. Dara Vahid passed away peacefully on May 17, 2024, at the age of 84. A devoted resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico for 25 years, Dr. Vahid dedicated his life to serving others. Born in Tehran, Iran, he attended the esteemed Alborz School before earning his medical degree from Tehran University School of Medicine. Following his graduation, he served as a doctor in the military for two years.

In 1971, Dr. Vahid immigrated to the United States with his wife and eldest daughter. He completed his residency in general and vascular surgery at Nassau County Medical Center, affiliated with the State University of New York at Stony Brook. After two years as an attending surgeon at Nassau County Medical Center, Dr. Vahid moved to Oakdale, Louisiana, where he practiced surgery for 20 years. During this period, he served as Chief of Surgery and served as Coroner for Allen Parish for a decade. Additionally, he was a clinical instructor in the Department of Surgery at Tulane University and the president of the Allen Parish Medical Society.

Dr. Vahid had a passion for flying planes and the operation and design of small engines. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirin Vahid and his daughter, Anahita "Nana" McHale. He is survived by his daughter, Nazlee Vahid Savin, his son, Reza Vahid, his son-in-law, James Savin, his daughter-in-law, Cheari Vahid, and his beloved grandchildren, Lucy and Charlie. A private burial will be held on May 22, 2024. He will be remembered for his kind heart, compassion, sense of humor, patience, and love of life. His spirit will live on in the countless lives he’s touched. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time of bereavement.