Omar "Ben" Ben Diaf

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Omar Ben Diaf. Born on February 16, 1993 in Edmonton, Omar left this Earth on August 5, 2026 at the age of 33. Omar's compassion, enthusiasm, deep generosity, and wonderful sense of humour left an indelible mark on all who knew him, and his loss leaves a void that is impossible to fill. 

Born to Youssef Ben Diaf and Rose Lawson (nee Dumoulin), Omar was a curious, incredibly bright, and loving child. The youngest of five children, Omar looked up to his sisters Sandra, Melanie, Nadia, and brother Ali, yet forever strived to cut a path of his own. Omar grew up in Edmonton and Beiseker, where his love for all things automotive flourished. Omar was a fast learner. He and his friends spent their summers and winters rebuilding and riding dirtbikes, cars, trucks, and snowmobiles, while forming deep, lifelong friendships that continue to this day. 

Omar carried his curious and industrious nature into adolescence and adulthood, where his drive and ambition led him to repeated professional success. For Omar, no task was too tall, no issue too complex, and he met every novel challenge with keen intrigue and the persisting belief that any problem could be solved. Omar's professional and personal life was characterized by answering "yes" when asked if he could do something - even if he did not know how - and then working through and ultimately accomplishing whatever it was that he had set out to do. These attributes, which he inherited from his father, mother, and stepfather Mike Lawson, led him to success in a variety of business arenas. Omar accomplished more in his short years than many could hope to do in an uninterrupted lifetime. 

Omar's work ethic was mirrored by his sense of adventure and infectious personality. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him knew that any excursion with Omar would be filled with excitement and be unforgettable. Omar loved snowmobiling and travelling, and above all, spending time with family and friends. Omar's passion brought him to many remote places throughout Alberta and British Columbia, the United States, and the world, where he shared countless once-in-a-lifetime experiences with those that he loved. The sheer number of "Omar stories" that have and will be told speak to the mark that he left on those who knew him.

Despite his unfailing energy, Omar had a calming and reassuring presence. In times of tragedy or voiced hopelessness, it was always Omar's that was the voice of reason and empathy. Omar had an innate ability to provide perspective and comfort to those in need. It is with great sorrow that now, when needed most, Omar cannot be here with those who need him more than ever.

Omar Ben Diaf leaves behind a legacy of compassion, unparalleled work ethic, good humour, and unconditional love. He is mourned by his many friends and family, including his mother, father and stepmother, grandmother, brother and sisters, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, and brothers-in-law. Though taken from us far too soon, we find profound comfort that he is reunited with his beloved stepfather Mike, cousin Madelaine, and grandparents Andre, Ahmed, and Aisha. Omar's spirit will forever live on in those who knew him. 

A service will be held at the Al Rashid Mosque in Edmonton on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. for friends and family. Thereafter, guests are welcome to join at The Parlour (10334 108 St NW, Edmonton AB) where we have a private room booked with snacks to further celebrate Omar's life.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be considered to the Kids Kottage Foundation in Edmonton https://kidskottage.org/