Dearly loved by his family and friends, it is with a broken heart that we announce that Kayvan Ayat Navidi passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the age of 54. Kayvan was born on March 12, 1966 in Tehran, Iran. The family came to the United States in 1977 and he was proud to become a US citizen. He grew up in Columbia, Maryland and graduated from Wilde Lake High School. He attended the University of Baltimore and obtained his Bachelor of Science in International Business and Applied Information Technology. He worked as a Restaurant Manager for many years, where he impacted the lives of countless people under his leadership. He recently joined Compass Group, USA at Towson University as a Director of Dining Services. This was truly a dream job for him and he was extremely proud and excited to go to work every day.
Kayvan was a talented musician. He had a passion for music and played blues guitar. He made it possible for many musicians to come together when he created “Tuesday Nite – Open Mic”. He was a family man and loved cooking, classic cars, making silly jokes, and getting everyone to laugh out loud. He had a tremendous love for his family, who were the world to him. He would say, “You can have all of the possessions in the world, but if you don’t have family, you have nothing!”
Kayvan was loved by many people as shown by the outpouring of messages from friends that have been received by family:
I will always hold a spot in my heart for my friend, my confidant, my ace.
I am richer for knowing such an amazing man!
One of the greatest managers I’ve ever gotten the chance to work with!
You are and always will be one of my guiding lights!
You were a kind and caring soul. Always putting others first.
You were a loyal friend; we are loyal friends. You were so special hosting Tuesday Blues Nite and because of you and your enthusiasm and encouragement, you made Tuesday "Family Nite!"
He was the one who made the Tuesday Night Blues happen and brought us all together. He was a kind soul, a great friend and leaves behind a very big hole in the lives of so many people!
His heart was the biggest!
Kayvan certainly was the best!
He is one of the most genuine people!
My world is forever changed!
I loved him so much!
Kayvan was husband to Diana J. Donley, father to their 12-year-old son and best friend Ary Q. Navidi, son to Forough Navidipour, brother to Kianush Dixon (Rick Dixon) and Kia Arian (Bahram Arian). He was uncle to Kelli L. Dixon, Sam D. Dixon, Bahar G. Arian, Micah K. Arian, Rohan S. Donley, and Colin C. Donley. He is predeceased by his father Mohammad Jafar Ayat.
A private visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A. 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD. 21029.
A public Celebration of Life will be held for Kayvan on Saturday, August, 22, 2020 at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD. 21029 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a service starting at 1:00 PM.
Please note that at both services, due to COVID-19, social distancing and face masks are required.
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