Nouri B. Tajbakhsh

Nouri B. Tajbakhsh, world renown taxidermist, avid hunter, and lover of nature, passed away peacefully at his home on August 27, 2018 at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy K. (Seim) Tajbakhsh, his parents Nasroallah and Zahra Tajbakhsh and a brother Mohammad Tajbakhsh. He is survived by his four children Tarlawn Tajbakhsh and partner Kris Hansson, Christina “Jay” Henserling and husband Jack, Shahin “Nick” Tajbakhsh and wife Michelle, Kayla Weaver and husband Jeffery and 6 grandchildren, Riley “Rashid Khan”, Donovan, Farah, Morgan, Paige, and Jarod, brother Hedayat, sister Fereshte, nieces Mahsa “Michelle”, Yassi, Nazanin, Stephanie, Robin, and nephews Amir, Philip and numerous family members, extended family members and lifelong friends.

Nouri was born in Tehran, Iran, spending most of his time outdoors in nature letting the world become his classroom. His love for the outdoors developed into an interest in hunting, which sparked a passion for the art of taxidermy. His passion led him around the globe settling in Seattle, Washington where he refined his artistic skills and mastered his craft at Jonas Brothers Taxidermy Studio which later became Klineberger Taxidermy. While in Seattle, he was commissioned to mount a half-life size elephant for Roy Rogers. It was through the recognition of this work in the local newspaper that Nouri met and fell in love with his wife Nancy.

Nouri returned to Tehran and was commissioned by the Shah as the head curator for the National Museum of Iran. This appointment allowed him to travel the world as a friend, and hunting guide on numerous expeditions with the Shah and his family.

Due to the revolution, Nouri returned to Seattle to continue his work as a taxidermist which eventually led him to Adkins, Texas, a small town just southeast of San Antonio. Nouri had the honor of being appointed as head curator for the Safari Club International Wildlife Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Returning to Adkins, Texas, he opened his own studio. Nouri’s Taxidermy is where he continued his work specializing in exotic animals for private clients throughout the world.

Nouri loved the simple things in life. He found peace watching his prized pigeons fly, enjoyment sharing a glass of good vodka over a game of backgammon with friends or the love for his children and grandchildren while spending Sundays having dinner together.

A chapel service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 10:30 AM in the Mausoleum Chapel at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, with a Celebration of Life to follow at Landa Park in New Braunfels, Texas from 1 PM until dusk.