Hiva Molani

Hiva Molani was born on August 27, 1982, in the city of Sardasht, into a cultured and distinguished family. The name “Hiva” was chosen at his grandmother’s suggestion; a name that means hope and aspiration in Kurdish, and one that seemed destined for him from the very beginning, so perfectly did it reflect his character, outlook, and path in life.

He spent his childhood and teenage years in the city of Mahabad; years during which the signs of a curious, intelligent, and hopeful spirit were already evident. After graduating from high school, he moved to Isfahan to study fluid mechanics and completed his university education with determination and perseverance. Among family, friends, and relatives, he was known as a beloved, honest, and dependable person, holding a special place in his mother’s heart.

After completing his military service, he began working as an engineer at an automobile dealership. It was during this time that he met Ovin Arsalani, an encounter that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Hiva and Ovin, with conscious hope and determination, immigrated to Canada in pursuit of building a better future.

In Canada, they rebuilt their lives with love, hard work, and a deep sense of responsibility. Their daughter, Kordia, brought new light and meaning to their days. Hiva began his professional career in the field of HVAC systems and advanced through commitment and competence. He had many dreams and plans; dreams that reflected his bright outlook and profound faith in life.

As he prepared to return to Iran to attend his brother Shahram’s wedding celebration, his heart was full of excitement. Those days became some of the sweetest memories for the family; days filled with reunions, laughter, and warmth. But the return to Canada, to continue life, pursue dreams, and raise little Kordia, never came to pass. By shooting down Flight PS752, the Islamic Republic turned the lives of Hiva, Evin, and Kordia, along with 176 other innocent people, into an irreparable tragedy.

The emptiness they left behind will never be filled. But their names, their memories, and the hope that Hiva embodied will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew him.

Hiva always loved helping with the garden work and sharing his thoughts, especially about the trees. His view of nature was thoughtful, patient, and full of hope, just like his view of life.

One day, a cherry tree in the garden was not doing well; a large portion of its branches had dried out. I had decided to cut it down and plant another tree in its place. Hiva disagreed: “It can still be given another chance.”

A few days later, I realized that on his own, he had dug up the soil around the tree, strengthened the roots with proper fertilizer and soil, and carefully pruned the branches. When he finished, he calmly said:

“Let’s wait a few months; if it doesn’t improve, then you can do whatever you want.”

Months passed. The tree came back to life. The branches turned green again, the leaves returned, and to this day, that tree still bears fruit.

Now, to us, it is no longer just a cherry tree.

Every time we look at it, we say:

“This tree owes its life to Hiva.”

Written by: Shahryar Molani, Hiva’s brother.

No sound file available.