My father Ahmad Bachir Chahine, may he rest in peace, was born on the first of November 1929. He grew up in a poor Damascene family. He got the primary school certificate in 1942, and he spent four years at the School of Arts and Trades in Damascus, and earned the intermediate certificate in 1947. Both his parents died during his youth, and he remained responsible for supporting his four sisters and his little brother. That’s why he worked as a teacher until 1950, when got the secondary school certificate and joined the Military College and graduated with the rank of lieutenant in 1952. He joined the police department and graduated in its functions until his retirement in 1974 as a major general. His last position in this corps was chief of Damascus police for eleven years. He was appointed in 1975 as general director of the general establishment for internal transport, then deputy minister of transport in 1979, which is the highest position in the public corps. He continued to perform his duties excellently well until his death, may he rest in peace, on the fourteenth of March 2000. He was awarded several medals, national and Arab, in recognition of his efforts and dedication to work.
He built his life on five pillars: the love of God, the patriotism, the love of work, the love of knowledge and the love of doing good things. Everyone who knew him bears testimony to his high character, the gentleness and sweetness of his manners, his wisdom, and his high vigor. During his career, that exceeded fifty years, he was regarded as a model in honor, integrity, honesty and dedication to work.
We were blessed, myself and my brothers, to have this extraordinary man as a father. Indeed, all our great achievements and all the good qualities that we carry are due to God first, then to my father the spring of manhood, bravery, honor, integrity and faith. I do not forget, of course, the favor of my mother the spring of tenderness, kindness, dedication and faith, may God give her long life and save her from all evil.
God bless you, my dear father, and speed you to Heaven. May God repay you for what you have done for me and my brothers, and for every person you have supported and helped. May you be richly rewarded by God and enter the highest level in Heaven.