It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Doumit Maged Jaja, at the age of 85. He was born in Alma, Lebanon on May 5, 1938 to parents Najibe (Dib) and Maged Jaja.

He was the seventh of nine siblings. Michael, Dib, Sayde, Mariette, Lorette, Georgette, Genevieve and Malke.

Doumit is predeceased by his beloved wife Sayde (Barakat) in 1980.

Loving and dedicated father to Lorette, Fouad (Laura), Donna and Linda (Robert). Adorned Jiddo (Grandfather) to Sayde, Antoinette, Anthony, Michael, Daniel and Emma and Great Grandfather to Sofia.

In Toronto, he was fortunate to have his first cousins, Tony, Doumit and Michael Deeb. As well as his beloved late brother Dib Jaja and sister-in-law Mouna.

He was a proud uncle to his nephews Maged (deceased) and Tony (Liz) Jaja, whom he loved dearly.

Doumit’s life was one filled with love and dedication for his family, his friends, and for those whose lives he touched. He was a proud grandfather of six grandchildren.

He arrived in Canada in 1955 at the young age of 17. Alongside his brother, Dib he worked hard to support both himself and his family back home. He started as a dishwasher, became a professional chef and then built himself to become a successful restauranteur for many years to follow. He was a pioneer in the Middle Eastern food and entertainment industry - paving the way for others to follow. As many would say, he was indeed a legend in his own right.

He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends both near and far and the Lebanese community he was proud to be a part of and where he was so fondly respected and loved for being a kind, generous, fair, wise and caring man.

We love you dad.

Donations can be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.