Mardi Ahmed Rustam

Mardi Ahmed Rustam, 90, born on November 25, 1932, in Kirkuk, Iraq, passed away in his home on April 30, 2023. He resided in Toluca Lake, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California. 

Mardi was a loving husband and father, proud grandfather, and caring brother. He is survived by his daughters, Sandra and Karima; grandchildren, Brittany, Taylor, Victoria, Dylan, Thomas, and William; brothers, Mustafa and Samir; and sisters, Nadira, Wazira, and Yasemin. He cared deeply about his family.

Enamored with the United States, Mardi left Iraq to pursue new opportunities and a better life. He immigrated through Ellis Island at the age of 19 completely on his own and not knowing anyone in the United States. He settled in Chicago, where he studied at Goodman Theater while also pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He met the love of his life, Sarah Shoup, in Chicago. They moved to Los Angeles in 1962 where he earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California. Eventually, he earned enough money to support the move of his parents and six siblings from Iraq to the United States. He generously supported all of them and helped them acclimate to their new country.

Mardi worked until the age of 89 making a name for himself in his community and the film industry. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he excelled in several industries including film and television production, real estate, film distribution and processing, restaurant franchise, and newspaper publishing. He founded MARS Productions, an independent film company where he produced and directed more than 20 movies and television shows in the United States and abroad. He received numerous honors for his contribution to the film industry including, Outstanding Film of the Year Award at the London Film Festival 1977, Golden Scroll Merit Award, and Independent Filmmaker from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films 1995 Saturn Service Award. He was a member of the Producers Guild of America. In 1972, he became publisher and editor-in-chief of The Tolucan Times. He was a member of the Los Angeles Press Club, California Newspaper Publications Association, and the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce. 

Mardi and Sarah were married for 60 years and enjoyed an energetic life with a large social circle. They opened their home to host fundraisers and parties for friends. They traveled the world exploring different cultures and unique places. They lived a full, beautiful life. When Sarah passed away, Mardi’s thoughts were often focused on their beautiful memories, ways he cared for her, and how much he missed her. 

Mardi was an enthusiastic, lifelong fan of USC football, tailgating with friends and family at both home and away games. He was a talented backgammon player and often competed in tournaments in Las Vegas. In the 1970s, Mardi joined PIPS, a private backgammon club, where he enjoyed the game with other talented players. He was a great dancer! However, what made him so adored and admired, were not his successes. He loved helping people. He made friends easily and could talk with true interest to anyone. 

During the last few years of his life, Mardi received remarkable care from Toni, Zeny, and Joan with optimism and laughter. We are forever grateful for their love and dedication. 

After his death, tucked away in a book of Kahlil Gibran selections, was a Bible verse he copied onto a small piece of paper: Ecclesiastes 9:11: "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."

Please note: Private funeral service.