Taoufiq Mekouar

1963 - 2022

Mekouar

Taoufiq Mekouar

Taoufiq Mekouar, 59, father of Zach and Laith, and husband of Dora Hasan Mekouar, left us on December 22, 2022, almost 19 months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer. Funeral services were previously held.



Taoufiq was born in Rabat, Morocco, on August 23, 1963. He attended college in Liege, Belgium, and eventually settled in Northern Virginia. For the last 25 years of his life, Taoufiq worked as a computer programmer/analyst at Navy Federal Credit Union, where he made many friends who will remember him for his expertise, kindness and lively political opinions.



Taoufiq faced his devastating prognosis and debilitating progression of symptoms with fortitude, grace and unwavering faith. His at-peace demeanor moments before brain surgery prompted the OR nurse to call him an inspiration. His positive energy also made a lasting impression on his neuro-physical therapist whose GBM patients are often understandably angry and bitter.



There was never a man more devoted to his family, especially to his two boys. Taoufiq was enormously proud of the young men Zach and Laith have become and, confident that he'd set them on the right path in life, was ultimately at peace with leaving them too soon.



You learn a lot about a man not just by how he lives, but also by how he dies. It was the honor of a lifetime to be by Taoufiq's side during this shattering journey. We drew so much strength from his resolve. Our love and admiration for him are boundless.



We honestly cannot remember Taoufiq ever saying an unkind word to—or about—anyone. Except as a youth basketball coach who drew technical fouls for yelling at the ref. Taoufiq will also be fondly remembered for his love of coffee and famous frugality — often buying shirts for sports teams he knew nothing about because he liked the color and the price was right.



May his memory always make us smile. And may God grant him the highest level of Heaven.