Obituary of Michael Zabaneh

Michael F. Zabaneh November 26, 1934 - June 30, 2015 It is with the heaviest of hearts the Zabaneh family shares the passing of Michael F. Zabaneh. Michael passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Much loved and cherished by wife of 55 years Rosette; children Fayek (Najwa Jiryes), Maha (Jamal Madbak), Samir (Cathryn Cruickshank) and Emad (Alicia Dodd); grandchildren, Elias, Lara, Michael, Nicholas and Leila. A most devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, Michael's commitment and unconditional love to his family was unwavering. Michael was born in Jaffa, Palestine and moved to Jordan in 1948, as a result of the war. The eldest of eight children, Michael started working at the tender age of 14 to support his family, but his ambition kept him at school at night. He completed an accounting degree and obtained his Certified Accounting designation from the UK. Early in his career, he became one of the youngest auditors with the UNRWA. Michael's ambitions and intellect could only be met by his determination to provide the best for his family. After a lengthy and successful career as the president of one of the largest public companies in Jordan and board member of several insurance companies and banks, he retired and moved to Canada in 1997 to be close to his children. Michael loved the outdoors and bought the family cottage in Muskoka, a place where his greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. Michael was known for his presence, wit, kind heart and generous nature. He lit up any space with his infectious smile and never shied away from offering support to family, friends and even strangers. Visitations will be held on Thursday, July 2nd, 2015 at Humphrey Funeral Home, 1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4G 3A8, from 5:00pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 3rd, 2015 at 10:00am at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church located at 9116 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, followed by burial service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 372-374 Mount Pleasant Road. A reception in honor of Michael will follow at The Granite Club, 2350 Bayview Avenue, Toronto beginning at 1:00pm. Online condolences may be made at www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com. Sincere thanks and gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, especially the Green Team, for the exceptional and compassionate care everyone delivered to our "hero".