Scott Alan Atiyeh, 50, of Allentown, died February 3, 2013, after courageously living with glioblastoma multiforme for the past two years. He was the husband of Dr. Christine Zitrides Atiyeh. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Salim Atiyeh and the late Sandra (Goodhart) Atiyeh.

He was an art teacher at Salisbury High School. He lived a bold and expansive life that he shared freely with everyone he met, whether here, in his longtime home of San Francisco, or anywhere else he lived around the globe. He was one of the first resident-artists of Bethlehem's Banana Factory, where his evocative, multi-media works in terra cotta shocked, intrigued and inspired Lehigh Valley art patrons.

He believed art is a healing and transformative medium, a principle that guided his approach in the classroom where he was known for his ability to reach all students.

As a teacher, friend, colleague, or family member, he encouraged everyone to take risks, to live deliberately, and to embrace creativity, optimism and spirituality as he did each day of his life. His unabashed sense of humor and singularly vibrant persona forged a true trail of happiness for all who knew him.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter, Marina Sandra; father; sister, Shannon Downtain; brother-in-law, Troy Downtain; niece and nephew, Callista and Gage Downtain; aunt, Kathryn Lemke; cousin, Marc Lemke; as well as his mother and father-in-law, Bronwen and Thomas Zitrides. He was predeceased by his mother.

Contributions may be made to one of the two scholarships named in his honor: The Scott Atiyeh Scholarship Fund (providing access to the arts for at-risk children) c/o ArtsQuest, 25 West 3rd St., Bethlehem, 18015 or The Scott Atiyeh Memorial Scholarship of Salisbury Township Senior High School, 500 East Montgomery St., Allentown, 18103.

A celebration of his life is planned in the future. The Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, Allentown, is in charge of arrangements.