Obituary of Salim Yusuf Mansoor

Dr. Salim Yusuf Mansoor, a renowned physiatrist, statesman, and former diplomat passed away on September 3, 2023. Salim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who was loved and well respected by all who knew him.

Salim was born on October 2, 1938 to Yusuf Salman Mansoor and Behija Sattam. The second of four sons, Salim grew up with his brothers, Adel, Thamer, and Dhafer in Baghdad, Iraq. He was a Chaldean rite Catholic who went to the American Jesuit School in Baghdad. He graduated from the University of Baghdad College of Medicine in 1966. Afterward, Salim immigrated to the United States to complete his medical education at George Washington University. There, he earned his specialty in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and became Director of PHMR at Southern Maryland Hospital. He later practiced privately for 40 years throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Salim’s education was interrupted for a few years when he was asked to serve his native country, Iraq, in the diplomatic corps. He was asked to establish the first ties between Iraq and Canada by establishing a consulate in Montreal. He served there for three years as Consul General and recommended that relations between the two countries be expanded to full diplomatic ties. He established the Iraqi Embassy in Ottawa, Canada in 1972 and served as Charge d’affaires. His next assignment was to lead the Iraqi Interest Mission in Washington, D.C. There, he had the pleasure of working toward the normalization of relations with the U.S. During his tenure, he was instrumental in fostering more positive relations between the U.S. and Iraq and was lauded by U.S. officials as “a dynamic and effective diplomat.” President Richard Nixon himself, gave him a pat on the shoulder and said, “I would like to see better relations between our two countries.” Salim replied, “Yes, Iraq would as well, based on mutual respect and understanding.”

In 1975, he left the Iraqi diplomatic service to return to the medical field and his studies. Although he worked for many years as a doctor, Salim continued to yearn for good relations between his two countries. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, Salim was given the “blessings and consent” of President George Herbert Walker Bush to lead a delegation of private citizens, all of whom were Iraqi Americans, to Iraq. While there, Salim and the other members of the group met with Saddam Hussein and obtained the release of 14 American hostages. Salim personally accompanied the freed hostages to Jordan, and he returned to the U.S. to convey the message that Iraq was willing to do what was necessary to avert war. Unfortunately, no further communications were made between the two countries.

Salim’s personal life was no less significant. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Inaam, an educator with Arlington Public Schools, and the couple had three children: Sammid, Ramiz, and Deana. The Mansoor children were raised and educated in Northern Virginia, and as adults, each has honored Salim’s legacy and contributed to society through their careers, churches, and community. Salim was passionate about life and as devoted to his family and friends as he was to his homeland and adopted country. At times, Salim could seem larger than life, but his humility, humor, and genuine warmth made him a friend to everyone he met. He was beloved by his community, and his kindness and magnetic personality were legendary. Whether traveling the world or smoking cigars on the patio, Salim was happiest surrounded by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Inaam, children, Sammid (Darlene) Mansoor, Ramiz (Mary Elizabeth) Mansoor, and Deana (Robert) Glista, brother Thamer Mansoor, and grandchildren, Alexandra, Abigail, Daniel, Madeline, Amelia, Nora, and Daniel. He is also survived by a loving extended family, who will always cherish Salim as its patriarch.

We ask in lieu of flowers, honor his love of children and medicine and make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee at https://raise.stjude.org/fundraiser/4918794

Funeral arrangements can be found on the following website:

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