Mahmoud Helmy FARAG

FARAG, Mahmoud Helmy Passed away peacefully on June 6, 2021 at the age of 96. Husband of Layla (deceased 2013), father of Joe (Dr. Carolyn Iwasa), Sam (Caroline) and Walter (Marianna), grandfather of Andrew (Crystal), Alison (Shady), Alexandra (Yoan), Jordan, Amanda (Shane), Connor, Isabella and Emma and great-grandfather of April, Zoey, Natalie, Gideon, Keira and Michael. Born in Mansoura, Egypt, Mahmoud decided to pursue a better life for his family in Canada – a country he knew very little about. Mahmoud immigrated to Canada in 1969 leaving behind a stable and successful career, his family and friends, for the unknown yet very welcoming Canada. Upon arriving in Canada, Mahmoud began his career at Centenary Hospital in Scarborough focusing on what he knew best – psychiatric social work – where he remained until his retirement in 1989. Once he had secured employment and a good home, he brought his wife and three boys to his new country. He was very proud of being Canadian and the opportunities that Canada afforded him and his family. His greatest passion was his boys, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved the ethnic mix of Egyptian/Japanese, Egyptian/Irish and Egyptian/Italian that came about from his boys' families, and referred to our family as a mini UN. No family gathering was complete without him organizing a soccer pool for the adults – a tradition that his children and grandchildren carry on to this day – and preparing a multitude of guessing and other games for the grandchildren. Guessing and winning the number of coins in a jar, of course, became quite popular as the grandchildren grew older. He spent time with his grandchildren whenever he could, and would always remember special occasions, generously showering them with chocolates and gifts, his favourite being tickets to Cirque de Soleil. During his retirement years, Mahmoud enjoyed travelling, the arts (especially the Art Gallery of Ontario), British comedy (Fawlty Towers), foreign movies at the Carlton Cinemas, and a fine pasta dish, but his greatest joy continued to be his family. His final years were spent at Delmanor Wynford Retirement Living and Chartwell Trilogy Long Term Care Residence where he was a favourite resident. Many thanks to the kind staff at Chartwell that attended to Mahmoud with care and kindness. A private funeral service will be held.