Gilbert Walter Phenix, a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and uncle, and a loyal friend, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his beloved wife and children, at the age of 96. He lived a long, meaningful, and principled life, marked by integrity, dedication, and a deep and abiding love for his family and friends. He was cherished by all who knew him.
Gilbert was born on June 10, 1929, in Baghdad, Iraq, to Walter Charles Phenix, originally of Jabalpur, India, and Bedoor Halata of Baghdad. He was the fifth child and eldest son in a family of seven, with four older sisters and two younger brothers, all of whom predeceased him.
A gifted and driven student, Gilbert attended the American School for Boys in Baghdad, graduating in 1945 — two years early due to his academic advancement. He began his professional life working for British Petroleum, which later became the Iraqi Oil Company. While working full time, he attended the University of Baghdad, where he earned a degree in law. In 1970, he went on to work for Mitsubishi International.
Just before that, in 1969, he married the love of his life, Hoda Saeed Ayoub, with whom he shared a deep, enduring, and loving partnership. Together they raised two children: their son, Thomas Ala Phenix, born in 1970, and their daughter, Nadia Phenix Morgan, born in 1972.
In late 1979, Gilbert and Hoda decided to move to the United States, and made their family's new home in California, seeing their children grow into adulthood, and eventually becoming adoring grandparents. Already a grandfather, Gilbert pursued his professional life: perhaps his most meaningful and fulfilling role was as an Arabic Instructor at the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey in California, where he took great pride in sharing his language and culture.
Above all else, Gilbert was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. His immediate family was the center of his world, and he was deeply loved by relatives and friends alike. His wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is deeply missed and will forever be remembered with love and gratitude.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Saint Joseph the Worker Church in Winnetka, followed by interment at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth. A celebration of life will follow at Porter Valley Country Club in Porter Ranch.
Gilbert was born on June 10, 1929, in Baghdad, Iraq, to Walter Charles Phenix, originally of Jabalpur, India, and Bedoor Halata of Baghdad. He was the fifth child and eldest son in a family of seven, with four older sisters and two younger brothers, all of whom predeceased him.
A gifted and driven student, Gilbert attended the American School for Boys in Baghdad, graduating in 1945 — two years early due to his academic advancement. He began his professional life working for British Petroleum, which later became the Iraqi Oil Company. While working full time, he attended the University of Baghdad, where he earned a degree in law. In 1970, he went on to work for Mitsubishi International.
Just before that, in 1969, he married the love of his life, Hoda Saeed Ayoub, with whom he shared a deep, enduring, and loving partnership. Together they raised two children: their son, Thomas Ala Phenix, born in 1970, and their daughter, Nadia Phenix Morgan, born in 1972.
In late 1979, Gilbert and Hoda decided to move to the United States, and made their family's new home in California, seeing their children grow into adulthood, and eventually becoming adoring grandparents. Already a grandfather, Gilbert pursued his professional life: perhaps his most meaningful and fulfilling role was as an Arabic Instructor at the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey in California, where he took great pride in sharing his language and culture.
Above all else, Gilbert was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. His immediate family was the center of his world, and he was deeply loved by relatives and friends alike. His wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is deeply missed and will forever be remembered with love and gratitude.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Saint Joseph the Worker Church in Winnetka, followed by interment at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth. A celebration of life will follow at Porter Valley Country Club in Porter Ranch.
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